Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-11-03
SCRUPLES
A Novel by
THOMAS COBB
Author of
mi. Passingham," "The Judgment
of Helen" Etc.
)OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


Strachan accustomed To esteem any
opinion more highly than his own;
but if Amabel could not advise him
at the present junciure, Ae knew
none else who could.
Mrs. Cathcart and Pauline having
set forth to pay some calls, whilst
Mr. Cathcart was dispensing justice
as usual at one of the Metropolitan
Police Courts. Amabel prepared TO
spend the May afternoon in her own
fashion.
She drew her favorite cnair to the
drawing room window, overlooking
Gloucester Place, and sitting down
in a negligent attitude, opened
new novel.
She was in the act of turning over
the fourth page when the door opened
and a servant announced Sir Gilbert
Strachan.
Amabel rose to receive him with a
sense of impatience and a bright
smil of welcome. She was of less
than the average height. with slim
figure Her face was small and pale,
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hazel and mischievous.
L see | am disturbing YOU said
Gilbert, hat in hand.
Not the least in the world an
swered Amabel
But, he continued, Mrs. Cathcart
said she was going out this afternoon,
and the fact is | have been wanting
an opportunity to speak to you
About my sister, she exclaimed
The question is whether l stand
the slightest chance of becoming
your brother, he said.
4 don't think you would make a
bad sort of a brotherl' Amabel re-
torted. And I'm quite sure Pauline
likes you, you know she added, TAX
ing chair.
He unbottoned his frock-coat and
sat down with a rather solemn ex
preston. Gilbert stood about the
middle height, and there was broad
shouldered, substantial appearance
about him. He had a strong. honest
face, which was almost as brown as
his fairish hair and short, pointed
beard.
Resting his hands on the top of his
walking-stick he looked at Amabel.
Now. perhaps, you won't mind ex-
planning what you mean by that
he said.
Don't you understand what II is
to like person.? she demanded, with
a characteristic lift of her eyebrows
sXNoI tbo oraota,. Includes the loss
he reioined / have understood that
for a long time. and it hasn't brought
me any overwhelming satisfaction
Now, | daresay. you are kind enough
10 like me-
I have known you so long. she
said. in an apologetic tone, and am
so tolerant!
Still in spite of your-your liking,
you probably won't dream OF marry
ing mel
You see. the circumstances are
hardly favorable So much depends
on the circumstances cried Amabel
with a laugh
It's little humliating to admit it,
he said. but | haven't the slightest
doubt Pauline would have marie
me two years ago
only Mr.. Waterhouse came. saw.
and conquered
You did not meet the fellow
Gilbert suggested.
OF course not. / wasn't out. you
know Besides, l was away at the
sine
4 want TO know how things stand
he said rather abruptly; and well
| thought you might be able to en-
tighten me-
There's no doubt about one thing.
Amabel answered. Pauline was most
awfully fond of him She was quite
infatuated
Gilbert's hands pressed more heavi-
ly on his walking-stick, and he stared
for few minutes at the carpet
Presently he looked up again
Yes, yes, but is she-does she care
for the fellow STILL? he asked.
4 know she hasn't heard from him
since he left England, said Amabel,
and that was two years ago, you
know. You were therel' she chied.
'Where?'
oh, you know perfectly well what
L mean, she insisted. watching his
grave face with smile-'at Mrs.
Bishops dance?
Yes, was there. he returned,
little bitterly.
The night before Mr.. Warehouse
left London, wasn't it?' she asked.
Yes
He couldn't have been here very
long, Amabel suggested. I was
only away six weeks.
'Waterhouse was here five said
Gilbert. but one went nowhere with
out meeting him.
Well?
Then IL suddenly got about that he
was going away again.
Tell me what happened at Mrs.
Bishops, urged Amabel
You must know perfectly we'll
OF course l have hear rumors.' she
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