New Britain herald., 1930-09-27

J IenCl cuSlOIltS. Ii IS HOI dls Idll for man to address directly the woman' of his choice. First, he must approach her nearest male relative, and announce his inter- tions. Next, there are various in- cidental matters 10 be settled. One must know all about ones wife. her background, her family, her for tune"
 "I should think love might de- | cay in the process" scoffed Dag ger.
 "On the contrary" the Princess rejoined tranquilly. True love can be based most satisfactorily upon an equality of interests and values"
 Tn America it is based upon it. self. That is sufficient"
 But we are in France" the Princess reminded her. Tn Amer ica, I daresay. matters are differ ent. There, for instance, you do not have the responsibility of a name such as Raoul bears"
 T am proud of my name, Prin- cess. It stands for something.'
 Excellent, my dear. It is good to have family pride. But name such as Raouls-"
 Does Raoul presume to believe that I would admit his name to be better or more honorable than mine?" Dagger demanded warmly.
 The Princess laughed.
 Saint Verge, what a spitfire, But you are right, my child. honor you for it-and so will Raoul. Tut, why should we speak of back ground and family to you? You are of us, wherever you come from, whoever you may be. It is plain. Our friends have seen it. AS for fortune, that is of no concern to Raoul. He said frankly he should ask nothing. If this is to be a mar riage of love" But there is to be no marriage" |" protested Dagger. And please, believe me when I say that l am not in love"
 The Princess shrugged hev shoul- ders again.
 We talk at cross purposes she said. Love is not, precisely, the topic of our discourse I have in mind simply to advise you of Raouls desire to ask for your hand"
 Dagger was silent for several minutes, her mind almost numb.
 You mustn't let him. she said at last.
 "Why not"
 Because - Well, because I don't-"
 But my dear, we have discussed that aspect of the situation" the Princess interjected firmly. Ut is early to speak of love before the betrothal. You would at least be- gin with respect and mutual es- teem, which is more than falls to the lost of most couples"
 Dagger shook her head.
 q have no intention of marry ing" she answered. And if l had, it would have to be on a basis broader than that. I couldn't live with man if I didn't love him with all my strength"
 'Ah. to be sure" The Princess nodded wisely. That is well-said. That is how marriages should be. And in the meantime, may we take it that you have no objection to Raouls waiting upon you?"
 "I suppose so," she assented. Tt won't be of any use-''
 Let us wait and see" advised his Tante. q have known women before who were hot for rejection ir the preliminary discussions. and afterwards urged on the betrothal.'
 Dagger opened her mouth to re- ply, and then decided not to. Their points of view were entirely too alien.
 "I'll be glad to see him." she an swered after another interval of consideration. T only hope l shan't hurt him."
 The Princess Rakovsky patted | her hand with a rare manifestation Of affection.
 Tt would make me happy, my dear, if you could come to an ar rangemert with Raoul. He should marry. and who would be more | charming as Duchesse de Pontose than you?"
 Dagger murmured an acknoWl- l edgment Of the compliment. wish | ing her heart wouldn't beat so rapidly. There was much in what the Princess had said. If it wasn't | for the memory of Howard. | But the dead man overshadowed