The morning call., 1894-10-07
the campaign had lasted some two months
he one day received the fnlInWino.
PH1ILmoRE GARDENS, KENs1NGroN.

he one day received the following:
PHILLMORE GARDENS, kENsINGToN.
Dear Mr.. Bdttteg6Oy - write TO ask
whether you can give me information on a
most important point Do you know Sir Pride
aux Billhurst, and anything about his means
He is thoroughly smart, know. and we are
told that he Is Immensely rich. But of this
should like 10 be quite sure. He is always at
our house now, and he must make his declara-
lion shortly. Dear Mlnnfei Darling childi
My one hope in my loneliness! How could L
bear TO part with her? Ana get it is for the
besrl Besides her happiness should be para
mount with me. l cannot write more. My
mothers heart is too tull. Yours sincerely aud
gratefully, MINNIE PUDDICOMBE.
Mr. Battleyboy read this characteristic
letter with thoughtful fIowD, and when
he had completed II, threw il down in a
manner expressive of perturbation.
1.-The child ought not to be sacrificed to
such a man. he said. 'Smart, yes, he's
smar. enough. Means They are eXag-
gerated; though | daresay he is worth
seven thousand year. But little else can
be said for him. A silly. sensual noodle :;
vacuous, conceited masner. how could
she be happy with tue namby-pamby rake?
Bv Jove, | wish she had hooked any other
mani do, indeed!
He put the letter In his pocket, intend
ing to answer Ii on the first opportunity.
But, in the course of the day, after think
ing much about ii, he determined to see
the widow personally, and acting on this
about $50 P. NJ, which was the earliest
hour he could manage, owing to his many
engagements.
Not at home. sir" said the maid who
answered the door.
"Will she be in soon?" asked Mr.. Bat
tlevboy.
81 believe not, sir. Miss Puddicombe is
al home. if you would like to see her"
mo. thank you. I-stay; yes. l will.
though" And a minute later he was usa-
cred. under the title Of Mr.. Fattyboy, into
that elegantly furnished drawlng-rOOm on
which the widow had lavished large sum
of (his) money, with noble disregard of
(his) expense.
Miss Minnie was reading by the fire.
She threw down her book on Mr.. Battley-
boys entrance. and sprang up TO meet
him, with smile of welcome on her fair
young face.
were here last. Mamma has gone out. and
am all alone. l hope you will stop and
keep me company bit"
81 really called to see your mother on
business" he said. taking her hand. and
looking kindly into her big, dark eyes.
Perhaps she will be il soon. Shall /
wait till she returns?"
Not unless you are prepared TO wait
until or o'clock A. NJ" she replied with
a gay laugh. Mamma has gone to Rich
mond for dinner and dance to follow
al Lady Naselby's."
I'm that case l fear il is not much use
my waiting" he answered; and then be
added, 1T is rather dull for you. being
left alone like this"
1T is rather" she said with little
Sigh. ''But am used to it. do not 60
out much. you know"
"Eh?" exclaimed Mr.. Battleyboy. won
dering what she meant Uor he imagined
that she and her mother were out nearly
every night in thu week. "Not go out
much? Thought that you were living in
perfect vortex of gayety."
Mamma is out great deal But she
| has only taken me to two Conversations
and one ball. The bali was delightful
only l knew so few people that | had very
little dancing. Mamma says that am toe
! young 10 go out much. you know. she
added, with pretty pout.
! Mr.. Battieybov regarded her steadily.
| He was quite sure that she was speaking
the truth; and equally sure, from heI
childish simple way OF talking to him,
| that she had no knowledge of the matri.
| for her. But what did her mothers con.
| duct mean? Perhaps she was so much
afraid of losing Sir Prideaux for her
daughter that Certain misgivings be.
gan to enter the mind of Batiley boy the
benevolent, and he found himself harden
ing into Battieyboy the barrister. He
would put test question or two
Il hear from yonr mother" he said, as
Stunning fatherly air. and watching he,
face keenly. that you have made grea
frinds with Sir Prideaux Billhurst.''
II haven't. she replied, laughing lightly
81 think he's horrid man. Butt beo
your pardon; perhaps he is filmed Of
yours ?"
Ne, no; he's no friend of mine. nv
! dear. But what were you going to say ?''