THE DISTURBING CHARM BY BERTA RUCK Author of "In Another Girl's Shoes," "The Three of Hearts," "The Years for Rachel," etc. ILLUSTRATED BY EDWARD C. CASWELL NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 1919 Copyright, 1919 By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY, Inc. Copyright, 1919 By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY, Inc. VAIL-BALLOU COMPANY BINGHAMTON AND NEW YORK TO THE EVER GAY AND GALLANT MEMORY OF WARREN FENN-SMITH Second Lieutenant Royal Flying Corps SHOT DOWN WITH HIS OBSERVER IN ACTION JANUARY 18, 1918, AGED 18 Second Lieutenant Royal Flying Corps "They carry back bright to the Coiner the mintage of man, The lads who will die in their glory and never be old" Housman Housman Here he found himself kneeling on the carpet at Olwen's feet. CONTENTS PART I CHAPTER I. The Coming of the Charm CHAPTER II. The Accepting of the Charm CHAPTER III. The Launching of the Charm CHAPTER IV. The Charm Begins to Work CHAPTER V. Further Plans for the Charm CHAPTER VI. The Clutching of the Charm CHAPTER VII. The Spreading of the Charm CHAPTER VIII. The First Engagement by the Charm CHAPTER IX. Unforeseen Effect of the Charm CHAPTER X. Divagations of the Charm CHAPTER XI. The Feasting of the Charm CHAPTER XII. Moonlight and the Charm