New Britain herald., 1930-09-27


 been a friend of both Nanecring and Howard. and the Due, fascinat- ed by Dagger's charm, asks his aunt, Princess Rakovski, to invite her to tea. Meanwhile Dagger real izes that she cherishes the memory or Howard more than that of Cap tain Vaneering, her dead husband.
 Chapter A
 DAGGER ENTERS PARIS SOCIETY
 There was respect in Dick We'll ing's tone as he spoke of Dagger's s invitation from the Princess. De Pontoise is the youngest general in the French service, one of the most popular men in the country. He could have anything in politics, if he cared for that sort of thing. I've met him. A rattling fine sportsman, Dagger"
 T liked him. Dagger admitted demurely.
 Well, your future in Paris is as- sured. His aunt is the Princess Rakovski Anyone she sponsors IS accepted everywhere"
 Maybe She won't like me- Dag ger pointed out.
 Dick laughed
 "She will-for two reasons. First place, she's a real person. and she'll spot you for one, too. Second, she's calling because her nephew asked her to-and that means he's inter ested in you, which means he con- siders you as good as himself"
 How you talk, Dicky," Dagger protested. Why, I've only seen the man once"
 That makes no difference. You don't realize how these Europeans do things, especially a man of his stamp, who considers himself quite as good as any sovereign, from the point of lineage. Make up your mind to it that you have a suitor. ,
 "I won't do anything of the kind" It's ridiculous. Just because he likes to talk to me is no reason for sup posing him infatuated"
 Dicks laugh was indulgent this time.
 NO Frenchman permits himself to be infatuated, Dagger, Not If he asks his senior female relative to invite you to call. That means just one thing: he thinks you are eligible for whatever he has to offer you. These affairs are very delib- crate. There is a great title ln- volved. You must meet all the re- lations. You must be ella aborately entertained. And you'll probably like it. There isn't a worthier man ir Europe than de Pontoise."
 But I haven't the slightest idea of marrying"
 Not now, perhaps. But wait and sec" Dick advised kindly.
 AS a consequence of her conver-- sation with Dick, she had difficulty in restraining her self consciousness that afternoon when her car rolled into the courtyard of the grey Hotel de Pontoise with it's crested gate posts scared by the fury of revolutionary mobs.
 The Princess Rakovski met her, an erect, diminutive wisp of an old lady. who radiated vitality. Her snowy hair, abundant and dressed with a rakish carelessness. set off her brown eyes that glowed with the same proud light as her nephew's; and she had a presence which suggested dignity without condescending to assertiveness.
 50 nice of you to come to me, Madame Vaneering." the Princess said. speaking English as fluent as de Senac's.
 But it is so much nicer for you to invite a stranger in Paris" Dag ger answered warmly. T am very much alone"
 Absurd" asserted the old lady bright eyes scrutinizing the Ameri- can girl. For I see that Raoul has not exaggerated. It isn't like him to be enthusiastic over women, not since the war. He has become very much tfe soldier. But he knows my boy. He knows."
 Dagger murmured some Conyen- tlona] answer, bit dismaSed by thc Princr ss's frankness. But her hostess rattled on as she sat down
 I. also, am one who judges in q tlesh. You are different from mos, of the Americans one meets, Ma, dame Naneering, different iron most of your generation. But how young you are, A child. yet Raou