Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-12-29


she said. with laugh. But still,
may last many years yet-now say
you hope shall, Bernard
We'll. I dol he said
Now she said, If you are really in
earnest about Amabel-
I am in earnest right enough he
retorted. only | begin TO doubt
whether she is
'Be-because of Wray Waterhouse!
Yes
No doubt said Joan, 'Wray is a
very attractive man, and he has a
habit of appearing TO mean a great
deal more than he does mean. Poor
women have to be on their guard.
Pauline was off hers two years ago.
don't say Joan continued, that
one may not begin in jest and end In
earnest
That's just it, answered Bernard.
But il doesn't follow that because
Amabel speaks to a man
You see, it's the way she speaks
| to them, said Bernard. And the deuce
of ii is. that my tongue is tied
We'll, want to unite it, cried
Joan brightly.
There's only ore way he insisted.
denying ordinance
I intend to place you in such a
position that you can marry when
you please
BY jove!' he cried excitedly.
4 think a thousand a year
A thousand a year, he exclaimed.
4 fancy that ought to suffice. If a
girl cared for you, she might marry
upon that
oh. but l can't possibly take II
| from you he said disconsolately.
Don't be foolish, Bernard. An aunt
has privileges. Besides. you have
| accepted other little things. and you
/ know how pleased have been.
You have always been awfully good
| TO me- he answered warmly.
I want you TO feel independent.
she continued. You can go to my So
licitor this morning if you like. Tell
| him what | have said: and if he pre-
pares bond. | will execute it,
He set forth soon afterwards to
| Bedford Row, armed with letter
| from Joan to her solicitor All Bern.
ards difficulties seemed 10 be ended
Never had a June morning appeared
| quite so fair. He was raised from
the depths of despair 10 the pinnacle
Of hope.
CHAPTER XI.
That Saturday afternoon. Bernard
agog with his new prospects, called
at Gloucester Place. But Amabel was
out and he did not see her until Sun.
day.
She received him none the less cor
daily for what had occurred on Fri
day evening.
MY father has gone to the Zoo,
she explained, but dare say he won't
be very long
The fact is said Bernard, beam
ing with satisfaction, 1 came to asl;
your advice
If you are thinking of leaving the
army
L am not
We'll. hope you're not going to
suggest anything impractical said
Amabel, little apprehensively.
Now what do you think is the low
est figure a man can marry upon?
he exclaimed.
That depends upon the man. Ber-
ME.
'Well-like me, you know
and on the woman
Like you, he said radiantly.
% Bernie! Bernie,' cried Amabel
and at the same instant Mr.. Cath.
cart entered the room.
'Ah, Venables, how do you do?
he said, as Bernard rose and made
dutiful inquiry after Mrs. Cathcart
We expect her home at one o'clock
tomorrow, Mr.. Cathcart continued
and tea being brought. Bernard pres
emily sat down, staring into his CUP
with a smile. which in the absence OF
| explanation impaired a somewhat i'm
beetle expression to his face.
You look immensely pleased about
something remarked Amabel.
We'll, | am, you know he answer
| ed.
Have you got a step?' asked Mr.
Cathcart. But no. it's too soon for
that
I've had one big stroke of luck.
cried Bernard, with a grin.
The Derby, suggested Amabel.
He blurted out his news in a boyish
| fashion.
| The fact is I've got a thousand a
year he said. and in a few words. but
with great enthusiasm, he explained
how ii had come TO pass. Having
duly congratulated him. and finished
his tea, Mr.. Cathcart left the room.
| Awfully decent of my Aunt Joan
now wasn't it?' he said.
What made her do ito asked Am
abel quietly.
Love and affection. That's what
the Johnny's going to put in the
| bond
Does she love you more today than
she did week ago?' said Amabel
Anyhow, there's the fact
We'll. she exclaimed. you must not
be estravagant, Bernie