White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1933-04-20

FORM naQ ALREADY rung the bell at the
front door of the Riedesel mansion
and been admitted by the smart Eng
lish butler in livery.
The Baroness de Riedesel-a hand
some woman about fifty years of age,
richly gowned, sat waiting for him in
parlor. She received the young man
graciously, saying:
"You are kind to come to our little
supper party. There will be three of
us and one whom think you will be
surprised and pleased to meet again."
"You are generous" said Colin with
smile. "You honor me with an In
vitation to your home and you add to
it the delight of a mystery"
"Forgiye me If hold you in sus-
pense moment. am sure that it is
one whom you will be glad to see"
A 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 vel
vet 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 feel
ing it. The gallant young colonel was
in the midst Of curious comedy in
which his part was made for him. At
first amazed, he knew not quite what
to do. Nancy tripped toward him
saying:
"You dear old thing 1 do not
wonder that you are paralyzed."
She came offering her red lips to
him. He embraced and kissed her.
Standing close against him and look
ing into his eyes, she put the loop Of
gold around his neck and laughed mer-
rily as she bowed.
LET me look at this wonderful
chain," he said as he ungyved himself.
1T is most becoming. could almost
believe that your beautiful hair was
woven into it."
Lady Howe, wife Of the British ad-
miral, 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 affectionate
familiarity. She hates rebels and I
have had to lie like trooper to get
her to invite you here. It was neces-
sary. You will see why. Later will
tell you my story"
The butler announced that supper
was served. The young colonel gave
his arm to 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" > H.
"Your niece!"
sister,"
II did not know it and I hasten to
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 to boast"
II suppose that you have no time
for trivial details when you are to-
gether," the baroness remarked. II
do not wonder that you attract each
other
The talk consisted largely Of "the
infinite batteries that follow youth"
and of the designations 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 freely and chided
the young man for his temperance.
"Dear boy, this wine has been lying
many years In my cellar" said the
baroness. "Are you cold-water
| Puritanw
Don't misjudge me because l live
! near the town pump" Colin an
! swered "'Water for horses is 8
| saying in my regiment. The truth Is,
| get so much stimulation in the COM
pany of beautiful women that I have
| little need of wine"
"Well done!' the baroness ex-
claimed. II was going to offer you
milk but now I could not do it,
The ladies were in cheerful mood
when the supper ended. The butler
| brought tobacco and small, slender
long-stemmed pipe for the baroness
He put down golden snuff-box fol
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 Xix
ing. We old women must be content
with the mild dissipation of cognat
and tobacco"
| Tho vounp connie arose Co1ir