The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-10-07


to hold his own, and none could say
that he benefited pecuniarily by the
trust and confidence which Leonard
reposed In him. TO avert all suspicion
Of this sort he had refused to become
Trains secretary and Companion at an
excellent salary.
Now that Train came to think Of 1t,
Brendon was rather q mysterious per-
son. He lived by writing articles for
the papers, and was always well
dressed. His rooms were In Kensing-
ton, and he seemed to know many peo-
pie whom he did not cultivate. Train
would have given his ears to enter the
houses at which Brendon was well
come guest, but for the most part
George preferred to live alone with his
pipe and his books. He was writing
a novel and hoped to make success
full career as n literary man, but as
he was barely thirty years of age and
had been settled only five years In
London his scheme Of life was rather
IN embyro. He appeared to have some
secret trouble, but what 1t was Train
never knew, as Brendon was particu-
larly reticent man. Why he should pro-
pose to be frank on this especial night
Leonard could not understand. After
supper he put the question to him.
"You can depend upon me, George.
Anything you tell me will never be
repeated"
Brendon nodded his thanks. also"
he continued. 81 wish you to lend me
$780,
"a thousand If you will
'"Three hundred will be sufficient.
I'll repay you when l come into my
property"
Train opened his eyes. Are you COM
Ing into money!" he asked.
"That l can't say. 1t all depends.
Do you know why l suggested this
house to you, Leonardo he asked sud-
denly.
ITO help me in my liter.ry work.
THAT was one reason. certainly, but
l had another and more selfish one,
connected'-George sat up to finish the
sentence-"connected with Mrs. Jer-
sey." he said quietly
This remark was so unexpected that
Leonard did not know what to say for
a moment II thought you did not
know her." he gasped out.
Nor do l."
"Does she know your
Not as George Brendon, or as l am
now"
"What do you mean" Train was
more puzzled than ever.
/ ut is long story. | don't know
that l can tell you the whole"
Train looked annoyed. Trust me-
"All in all or not at ALL" finished
Brendon. "Quite So" He paused and
drew hard ut his pipe. "Since l want
! money 1 must trust YOU"
! 'Is 1t only for that reason that you
! consider me worthy Of your conf
! dence?" asked Leonard. much morti-
fed.
George leaned forward and patted
him on the knee. "No, old man
. with Dorothy Ward" replied
George, looking closely at his pipe
"Was she in your mind tonight when
that old maid was telling the cards?"
asked Train. sitting up with n look Of
interest.
Brendon nodded. "But do not wish
you to mention her name That was
why
~ know. was foolish. Well, she's
a pretty girl. and as good as she is
pretty"
(Which is marvellous" said Brendon,
considering the fashionable mother
she has"
J Train smiled. Mrs. Ward is certain.
ly leader Of fashion"
r
know" observed Brendon. He glanced
affectionately at the yellow holly.
Dorothy gave me this tonight"
"Did you see her before you came
here?"
Yes. | went to afternoon tea. We"
-Brendon examined his pipe again
"we understand one another" he said.
Leonard sprang to his feet. My
dear chap, l congratulate YOU"
Thanks. but it's too early for con-
graduation as yet. Mrs. Ward wants
her daughter to make good marriage.
George Brendon will not be the hus-
band Of her choice, but Lord Derring-
toni!
Does she want her daughter to mar
ry that old thingT
you don't understand, Leonard I
mean that If I become Lord Derring-
ton when the old man dies Mrs. Ward
will consent"
Train sat down helplessly and stared.
II don't understand" he said
''I'll put the thing in a NUTSHELL" ex-
planned Brendon. Lord Derrington is
my grandfather"
"Your-but he never lived heref'
"No. The grandfather who lived
here and with whom l stayed was my
mothers father. He was called Lock
wood. Derrington is my fathers ia
ther. Now do you understand?'
mot quite! How can you become