Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-12-01

She answered hurriedly-
One need not be painter to under
stand a picture.
Then you don't speak from expert
ence he suggested.
shall have TO turn you out she
said, rising. 1t is rather late. you
know
When do you go to London? he
asked
| Early tomorrow afternoon My
nephew is TO meet me at Waterloo.
| Bernard he said.
| ies. His regiment is at Colches-
ter, but he will stay with me few
weeks. I like Bernard. though | am
half ashamed to look in his face.
stand between him and fortune, you
see. What time do you go TO Glouces-
ter Placer she asked.
About four o'clock tomorrow, | sup
pose.
Il should like to be the first to con-
graduate YOU. she said.
| Your congratulations won't be very
enthusiastic. answered Wray. May
| come to you afterwards?
i shall be home ABOUT five o'clock
she said.
Wray on leaving her room. sought
a place to smoke in. He sat long
time in the deserted biliard-room, his
pipe held firmly between his teeth,
burrows lining his forehead.
Early on Tuesday morning he took
the train to London. and from Water
lee terminus was driven to the hotel
where he had stayed during his pre-
vious sojourn. lnence he paid a visit
TO his tailor, anu afterwards TO Mr.
Norris. his solicitor at ClinOrd's Inn.
There he endured a ba.. quarter
OF an hour listening To Norris's brief
story of a shameful life. OF q shocking
death. Norris had identified Mrs.
| warehouses; body at the inquest
he had seen 10 her burial: and now
wished for instructions concerning
her tombstone.
On returning to the hotel Wray sat
down to a late luncneon. and very
shortly afterwards il was time to SCI
form to Gloucester place.
CHAPTED VI
At three cock that Tuesday after
noon Amabel was alone in the draw
ing-room when Bernard arrived
Bernard Venahlcs appeared TO be in
the highest spirits This was not al
ways his condition; ,nere were days
when he refused to handle a golf
club or a cricket bat.
But he had come to London on
few weeks visit. and naturally hoped
| al.
the house in Gloucester Place. how
ever-at least when Mrs Cathcart
happened TO be at home
He did not blame Mrs Cl,hcart e
he only cursed his fate. which certain
ly seemed sufficiently contrarious.
It was difficult to see the slightest
favorable prospect. unless Joan should
marry again. a possibility which he
hardly saw reason TO count upon. lie
possessed nothing besides his par
and the presents, OF which she was
liberal
But now that he s.cod in Amabols
presence the hopelessness OF his
cause was forgotten. He thought sha
looked even more enticing than usual
this afternoon in her light blue frocKs
though his opinion would probably
have been the same had the dress
been red or yellow.
Il only left Colchester this mora
ing. he cried i thought it was nota-
ing less than my duty 10 come Il
once
You need not have inconvenience,
yourself. Amabel answered.
L haven't. he continued; but
came 10 see Pauline wanted TO
congratulate her you know
she's not at home
Then | shall have to come again.
he said
lie is away from London.
We'll. I'll congratulate her through
you he retorted. 4 rather like doing
things through you. Amabel.'
Pauline and my mother are STAYING
at Horsemere. she explained. They
have been away since Wednesday. So
am alone
That's immensely jolly. cried Bern
ard. and taking a chair, he stayed half
an hour. dwelling for the most part
on the enjoyment he anticipated dur
ing the ensuing, three weeks.
When do YOU expect Mrs. Ven
ables?' asked Amabel presently.
1 am on my way to Waterloo to
meet her. he said. | sent the car
riage Off first BY Jove. it's time
started he added. taking his watch
from his trouser pocket.
Are you going to Mrs. Bishops
dance on Friday? she asked
Rather,
My mother and Pauline are coming
home on Thursday for the express
purpose of taking me. said Amabel.
But don't suppose Pauline will go
when IL comes to the point She
always shirks that house.
We'll. don't wonder. he answered I:
. and having said goodbye. Bernard
left Gloucester Place and took cab
to Waterloo station.
Amabel sat down by the open win.
dow and gazed out at the street. Bern
ards visit had made an agreeable
diversion but she was beginning 10