New Britain herald., 1930-09-23
DAGGER
 by Mary Dahlberg

Synopsis: Blaine Howard. Ameri- can adyenturer, is rescued from some Mexican insurgents by Dagger Marley, youthful niece of a Texas rancher, and she falls in love with him. Howard already is unhappily married, and cannot return Dag gers affection. A few, months later Dagger Is heartbroken when he is reported missing and probably dead on the Western Front in France. tonio she meets Captain John Va neering, flying ace, who helps her learn to fly and falls in love with her. He is suddenly ordered back to France and they are married. Dag gers uncle, who has brought her up on his ranch, dislil1es Vanetting. The captain Is a heavy thinker, but promises to stop to please Dagger. When they reach New York, Va neering's home, his mother is jelly disappearing of Dagger, but his father and sister Kitty like her at once. Vaneering is wounded in France. and Dagger, far from her beloved Texas, is unhappy,
 Chapter 16
 AN OLD FRIEND REAPPEARS
 MT. Vareering, as a wealthy citi- zen of distinguished ancestry, was frequently called upon by the Gov ernment to assist in entertaining visiting ntables of the Allied Ma tions.
 And one morning at breakfast, which Dagger habitually shared with him for the sake of the com panionship they both enjoyed. he reminded her that a British Mis- sion would be given a reception by her mother-in-law that afternoon.
 Who are they? The Mission aries, I mean" asked Dagger, laughing at her own quip.
 I'm blessed if I can remember them. There's a Lord Somebody at the head. They've just returned from Argentina"
 Mrs. Vaneering would have all the details, Dagger knew, but she didn't happen to encounter her mother-in Jaw during the day, and su came down to the drawing room that afternoon in ignorance of the guests identity.
 She was, of course, on the re- ceiving line, with Mrs. Vaneering, Kitty and several older matrons. But she knew from her brief eX- perience with this sort of thing that the affair would be dull, stu pid and uninteresting, and didn't interrupt chat with Kitty to turn her head when James announced with a rotund satisfaction:
 Lord Wenlock" Colonel the Honorable Percy Harlow! Major Symmes! Sir Blaise Fossyth."
 What a kick James gets out of announcing a real lord" whispered Kitty. Did you hear him"
 "Yes," assented Dagger. And I suppose the lord will be fat and -" She glanced toward the door, and her jaw dropped: Why, Dick!"
 For there, coming through the door, was Dick Yelling. Her Dick Impulsively, and without thinking what Sshe did, she rushed out of the line, and threw herself upon his chest.
 You old darling" she cried. ITO think of you being here!"
 Dagger" he exclaimed, as sur prised as she was. What are you doing this far from Texas?"
 T don't live in Texas any more, |" she dimpled. I'm married"
 Married ?" His amazem ent drove her into gale of laughter Since when? My God, Dagger, I've been bouncing back and forth across the Seven Seas, just back from the Argentine"
 "Oh, you're one of the Mission,' , she interrupted.
 He nodded, with the lovable grin she knew so well, and his one arm frightened around her; but before any more could be said Kitty wa: Deslde them, Cnuckllng, e
 Alexandra darling, I know it: fine to see an old friend; but dc you know you're holding up the whole reception? Mothers furious.
 A conscience-strick expression dawned in Dagger's eyes, but Dicl wouldn't let her go.
 You must introduce me, dear, he said. ''It's like old times to fint you. Makes me feel at home"
 "Yes, and James missed you rame," she cried. But that doesn' matter. Which is Lord Wenlock?" ?"
 He's me-" explained Dick. Lot of things have happened. Dagger We'll have to talk about 'em later Now, I suspect you have a job. tt do. And by the way, who are you 9
 Mrs. John Vaneering, my lord daughter-inlaw of your hostess. l you'll come with nc"
 And she led Dick to the receiving line, where Mrs. Naneering stood perplexed and glowering-uncertair whether the scene provided socia capital or the reverse.
 I'm so sorry" Dagger said in he most contrite manner. This is Lorc Wenlock - only I didn't know h, was Lord Wenlock until just now thought he was Dick Yelling, wh lived with Uncle Jim until a yea