New Britain herald., 1930-09-22
DAGGER
 by Mary DahIberg

Synopsis. A 16-year- niece of a Texas rancher, Dagger Marley falls in love with Blaine Howard, an American adventurer whom she has rescued from some Mexican in- surgents. Howard. who has wife he does not love, resists the temp tation to return her affection, and leaves to join the Allied armies in France. Soon after he is reported missing and probably dead. Dagger, heartbroken, goes to live with an aunt in San Antonio, where she meets Captain Jack Vaneering, dashing flying ace, who falls in love with her. He helps her learn to fly, and she comes to like him. Suddenly he is ordered to France and impulsively they elope and are married. Vaneering's mother dis approves their sudden act, how ever, and Dagger's uncle, who has brought her up on the ranch, dis likes Vaneering. A heavy thinker, he promises Dagger to stop.
 Chapter IA
 "A NIURDEROUS SOUND"
 AS Dagger chung to Jacks arm, watching the group of their friends dwindle to nothingness down the diminishing perspective of the rails, the possibility of failure or unhap- piness in the future never occurred to her.
 And joy still enwrapped her when she descended to the plat form at New York. Jacks family? They were simply a new adventure to be conquered and she looked up eagerly as he exclaimed:
 There they are."
 MT. Vaneering she liked at once. He was tall man, with stopped shoulders, and wore his grey beard without affectation. He kissed her with ! timid heartiness. Kitty was friendly too a stoutish person. bluff, plainspoken, smartly turned out.
 But Mrs. Vaneering regarded her coldly, almost challengingly, as If she were an enemy-"Why, she doesn't like me-" was Dagger's in stant thought. And being Dagger her chin went up, and with the re- spect of her greeting was blended a restraint she didn't show towards the others. But she didn't under estimate her mother-in-law. Mrs. Vaneering was small and dainty.
 
 and lovely pink skin, set off by soft, white hair. Her movements were languid, and her attitude was one of indifference.
 So this is Alexandra" she said. You are very young"
 I'm almost eighteen" answered Dagger.
 Everyone laughed, except Mrs. Vaneering.
 You work fast" said Kitty. '1'm tweniy-three, and I haven't thought of getting married yet.'
 Tt is not the custom for girls to marry so young in the East" re- marked her mother. Her gaze dwelt bleakly upon Dagger's fea- lures, slightly flushed in the ex- citement of the moment. We were greatly surprised to head O. Jacks marriage"
 Well, it was a surprise to me-" Dagger responded merrily.
 We find it most delightful surprise" MT. Vaneering said hesi- tantly. You are very welcome, m, dear"
 T didn't think Jack had the taste" Kitty said. Anyhow h, never showed it before"
 "Oh, look here, now, sis" Jacl protested mock-seriously. But ther, was nothing mock serious abou his mothers icy comment:
 T am sure, Kitty, your brothe could have married any one of number of attractive girls. If yo, please, we won't jest about mar riage."
 Dagger felt like a little girl, re buked indirectly for something sh hadn't done.
 Yes, Mrs. Vaneering," she as sented. "and I want so to make success of it.
 We will do what we can fo -.. you, Alexandra" she replied. "Yo; are one of the family, of course and the Faneerings have a grea pride of name.'
 You mustn't feel lonely, m dear," Mrs. Vaneering said to Dag ger. You belong to us, and I an looking forward to our closer ac Quaintance. After all. you are m daughter as much as Jacks wife aren't you?" His smile was heart warming, and Dagger promptl dismissed the uneasiness she ha derived from Mrs. Vaneering's re ception of her. We wish to d everything we can, you know, t atone for your losing Jack so soor It seems very unfair to you'
 "Oh, but l wouldn't have hir stay home for anything proteste Dagger.
 You want your husband to l, to France?" he queried.
 Certainly. Any wife would fee the same in the circumstances"
 No. my dear, not any wife" h corrected. And permit me to eau tion you not to discuss this topi with Jacks mother"