Bandit Love

Being Irish, Myra Rostrevor was by nature more than a little

superstitious and inclined to attach some importance to dreams and

omens, and she rode away feeling just a tiny bit scared at heart, and

wondering uneasily if perchance Don Carlos de Ruiz was a thought-reader.

"Sure, and I don't know what to make of you, Myra," she whispered to

her own reflection in the mirror, as she changed from her riding

costume into a morning frock. "I don't know what to make of you at

all, at all! And I don't know what to make of Don Carlos, either. I

don't know if you are in love with him or not, and I'm not sure but

what if he kissed you again you might make a fool of yourself and give

up the idea of making a fool of him.... Oh, if only I knew whether he

is in earnest or not!"

Myra was almost afraid to attempt to analyse her own feelings and

emotions, and could come to no decision concerning either herself or

Don Carlos. She continued to "blow hot, blow cold" every time they

met, sometimes treating him with studied coldness, at other times

flirting with him beguilingly, but always taking precautions against

giving him any opportunity to kiss her again.

Meanwhile Tony Standish had taken Lady Fermanagh's advice, and he was

wooing Myra with all the fervour and passion of which his somewhat

phlegmatic nature was capable, wooing her as if their betrothal was yet

to be, instead of an accomplished fact. Hardly a day passed but he

brought or sent some expensive trifle, together with flowers,

chocolates, or cigarettes, with assurances of his undying affection.

His tributes of devotion made Myra feel just a trifle guilty, made her

wonder, too, if Tony had decided that the love-making of Don Carlos was

something more than make-believe, and he was trying to make sure of her.

"Oh, Tony, dear, you make me feel as if you were buying me!" she

exclaimed one afternoon, when her lover presented her with a diamond

pendant. "Why have you given me such lots of presents lately, you

extravagant old thing?"

"Well, darling, I want to show you how much in love with you I am,"

answered Tony, looking quite bashful. "I am tremendously in love with

you, Myra, honour bright, and I'd do anything to prove it. I'd--I'd

give my life for you, sweetheart. Honestly, it would break my heart if

I lost you."

"Tony, what makes you talk of losing me?" Myra asked quickly.