The Coolidge examiner., 1933-06-23
CHAPTER IX-Continued
IL

\ vision of Pat came to him. Had
she somehow got TO New York?
My curiosity is so piqued that
more delay would be cruel" he
said.
What a blessing is youth :" the
baroness exclaimed as she drew q
velvet portiere behind which Nancy
Woodbridge had been concealed.
Beauty is the greatest blessing
of youth" Colin answered as he
looked at her.
Nancy stood smiling in a gown of
blue silk cunningly fashioned TO dis
play her charms. A heavy chain of
old wrought. gold hung upon her
neck. There was enchantment in
the look OF her He could not help
feeling IT, The gallant young colonel
was in the midst of a curious COM
edy in which his part was made for
him. At first amazed. he knew
not quite what TO say. Nancy
tripped toward him saying:
'Yod dear old thing | do not
wonder that you are paralyzed."
She came Offering her red lips
10 him. lie embraced and kissed
her. Standing close against him
and looking into his eyes. she put
the loop of gold around his neck
and laughed merrily as she bowed.
let me look at this wonderful
chain" he said as he ungyved him
self. 1t is most becoming. | could
almost believe that your beautiful
hair was woven into it,"
Lady Howe, wife of the British
admiral. entered the room and Colin
was presented TO her
Nancy led the young man to re-
mote corner of the room and whis-
pered: DO not mind my affection
ate familiarity. She hates rebels
and / have had 10 lie like a trooper
10 get her to invite you here. 1t
was necessary. You will see why.
Later | will tell you my story"
The butler announced that sup
per was served. The young colonel
gave his arm 10 the hostess and sat
between her and Nancy at the small
table in a dining room fashioned for
generous hospitality. old Madeira
was poured. The Madame Riedesel
lifted her glass TO Colin. saying: II
hope to see you often at my table.
My niece will spend the summer
with me-"
your niecer'
Dear child! Nancy's mother is
my sister"
Il did not know il and / hasten
10 congratulate both of you"
He drank the toast but after that
was discreet with the wine for fear
Of losing his mental balance.
Nancy had not told me-" said
Colin. ''She is never Inclined 10
boast"
Il suppose that you have no time
for trivial details when you are
together" the baroness remarked.
Il do not wonder that you attract
each other"
The talk consisted largely of the
infinite batteries that follow youth"
and OF the dissipations of the fash
ionable folk on York Island. No
word of war or politics was spoken.
The conversational steps were as
cautious as those of one walking
tightrope. The ladies drank free
l. anC chideu the young man for his
temperance.
Dear boy, this wine has been ly-
ing many years in my cellar" said
the baroness. Are you a cold
water PuritanT
Don't misjudge me because / live
near the town pump" Colin an
swered. water for horses, is a
saying in my regiment The truth
is | get so much stimulation in the
company of beautiful women that
have little need of wine"
well donel" the baroness ex-
claimed. Il was going TO offer you
milk, but now could not do it."
The ladies were in a cheerful
mood when the supper ended. The
butler brought tobacco and a small
slender. long-stemmed pipe for the
baroness. He put down a golden
snuff-box for the Lady Howe.
you young ones may now leave
US. have not the heart to detain
you" said the baroness. Nancy
will be able to find an Elysium to
your liking. We old women must
be content with the mild dissipa-
tion of cognac and tobacco"
The young couple arose, Calm
bravely playing his part with these
gallant words: Madame, with the
light of youth in your eyes and
faces. you misplace yourselves"
There was a note of mystery in
al this only partly penetrated by
the shrewd intelligence of the
young man. He left the room with
no lack of confidence in himself.
He was mystified at Nancy here
among the friends of the king.
What was her story? They sat
down together on a sofa in a re
mote room. He looked first at the