New Britain herald., 1930-09-29

not HllSunQerStdnQ me MerCl. ] thought much of Howard. He was my friend. So I would not belittle your feeling for him. But he is dead"
 Not to me" she cried with pas sion of conviction that shook her voice. He is as much alive in my heart as he ever was. I married Jack because I thought Jack was like him-and because I wanted to forget, I suppose. I learned my lnistake-it was mine, not Jacks, won't make another one, Raoul, Oh, believe me, I should onfy ruin your life. any mans life, if promised to marry again."
 There is no hope for me-" he asked,
 T am as much Blaine Howard s wife as if I shared the same grave ' she answered.
 Not that.i De Senac shuddered. Tt is unthinkable that one so young and alive should be united to a dead mans memory. An, Dagger, think again! Take time-travel. But wipe this thing from your heart. It is monstrous."
 Not to me-" she denied gravely.
 But if you ever conquer it may I not come to you again."
 She was moved by the note of pleading, Not like Raoul de Senac to y1ao1 will h apuopo
 If I ever do," she agreed. But I shall not"
 You will let me come and see you?" he pressed. This shall not make a barrier between us?"
 Never, Raoul. But as for seeing IT e-I shan't be here.'
 The misery in his face was pitt full.
 Have I driven you from Paris?'' he asked. T had meant so to make it yours"
 You have done more for me than anyone else" she answered You even made me forget my mis- sion."
 And what is tnat?"
 "A pilgrimage" She smiled for lornly, with an effort frightened her expression. T am going to visit three other of Blaine's friends There are four of them. You were the first. Did he tell you of them ?"
 De Senac nodded.
 Those he sought to interpret a philosophy of life? But yes, l have some recollection of them. But they are not easily come at, Dagger. One is in Algeria, a gun runner, a secret agent. That is not so difficult. to be sure, and I can give you letters to our administra-
 Thank you, but l want no let ters," denied Dagger. "A pilgrim makes his own way"
 "A dangerous business" de Senac deplored. There is an old Buddhist monk in India, I recall. India is not so safe for white women as 1t used to be. And Chang, who rules in Sung-liu, is as much bandit as prince. You should not go alone" "
 "A pilgrim is sacred" insisted Dagger.
 But what is your purpose?"
 T don't know exactly. To fresh en my memories of Blaine, perhaps. To bruise my feet in the paths he trod. To brush my wits against the wits that sharpened his. To grow more like him, to understand him better"
 And he is dead.'
 "To me it is as if he were alive. I think he will become more alive as I follow his paths."
 De Senac was speeches. before the fervor of her expression.
 This is the spirit of a Jeanne d Arc,' he muttered. And. what a F'renchwoman you would make."
 Dagger laughed softly.
 How like Frenchman to say that!> I am an American, Raoul. shall always be an American"
 He stepped forward quickly, and snatched at her hand, momentarily torn free from his habitual reserve.
 You shall remain Van American, if you will be my Duchesse," he promised. Come. Dagger. We can make your pilgrimage together. l will not be jealous of Howard. We will both learn as he learned. And whatever else we learn, we will learn to care for each other"
 There were tears in her eyes.
 If I might, Raoul! Oh, you will believe, won't you, that it hurts me t. hurt you? You are very dear If it wasn't for But I cant say any more. Forgive mel"
 His eyes met hers fully and frank ly; his shoulders snapped back.
 Always I shall love you" he said in his voice that, modulated as it was, yet held the resonance of the barrack parade. He bent and touched his lips to the hand he held "Adieui"
 H left the room before Dagger could answer him, and for an in sta1t she was tempted to run after and summon him back. But what use would it serve?
 Chapter 27
 INTO MYSTERIOUS AFRICA