Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-02-16

'SCRUPLES|
-
A Novel by
THOMAS COBB
Author of
mi. Passingham," THE Judgment
of Helen" Etc.
CONTINUED from last week. }

On, just the same as she treats
Waterhouse,' he cried. 1t seems to
me that every woman can drive a
team. Pom my word, shouldn't
know which to back. They're running
neck and neck
Well said Joan, If that's the case,
it's a little more difficult to see why
you should be jealous.
Anyhow, | can't stand her going on
as she did last night. Every one
noticed it. I'm not going to put up
with 1t. It's just a little too thick.
You have only yourself to please.
my dear boy.
1 don't please myself, he muttered.
Have YOU asked Amabel-?
1 haven't exactly asked her. said
Bernard
wouldn't it be as well before your
final remuneration? Joan suggested.
Take my advice; ask her plainly
whether she will be your wife
You see, I've tried ever so many
times, he answered ruefully.
'Tried?'
She won't let me get it out, you
know
How can she prevent your asked
Joan.
Sometimes she begins to play the
piano. Last time she put her hand
over my lips
What curious method! said Joan.
very solemnly.
can't make Amabel out he ex-
claimed. She's immensely nice to
me one hour. and she treats me like a.
criminal the next Besides. she's
just as nice TO other fellows.
1t is TO be hoped she doesn't ST.
lence them all the same way Joan
retorted.
1 can't stand it, cried Bernard. 4
shall chuck the regiment and try to
get in some fighting somewhere
Well, make an effort and take your
life more easily in the meantime.
said Joan, If it's only for my sake
And you may accept it is a fact that
Wray intends to ask Pauline to be his
wife
L wish he'd hurry up then, Bern.
ard retorted. But, he added, ANA
bel says he won't
'Amabel is charming girl. said
Joan, but she doesn't possess all the
wisdom in the world. The only ques-
tion is whether Pauline will accept
him
The following afternoon Joan receiv-
ed visit from Gilbert. whom she had
not seen for more than a week. He
looked quite as disconsolate as he had
done that evening when she summon
ed him to her presence; and he an
nounced that he had called la say
goodbye
What is the meaning of that?' she
asked. with an air of resignation.
Il think | made a mistake in stay
ing he said. I have only prolonged
the agony
Then you acknowledge yourself
beaten?' Joan suggested
Yes he returned. Besides, my
presence is an annoyance to Pauline
How does she show her annoy
ance?
She doesn't show it.
Then how do YOU know 1t exists?'
Joan demanded.
You see. he cried abruptly, we are
always meeting-I and Waterhouse,
| mean
AT Mrs. Porchester's. for instan
'Ah, Bernard told you said Gil
bert.
Demands was a very different
story, she answered. According to
him, it was with Amabel that Wray
made himself, well--a little conspic-
uous
Perhaps he did Gilbert admitted.
But you know what Amabel is
Still, Wray shows certain facility
in adapting himself TO her moods
The fact is said Gilbert, 4 don't
fancy the fellow is very keen
4 always set him down as a man
without a notion beyond horses and
diet, said Wray.
You have not seen much of him.
she retorted, and probably he felt
schemes to your ears
Still | have come across him rath-
er often during the last week or two
You anticipate that he would quiet.
ly retire.
wa 20, take my advice?' she cried
a ...s eXcitedly. Will you fotestall
hi!
IA moo. his head decidedly
AVE done, he said Only
there u crssedness about things
,.I COW
..s there is she admitted
'fpu have found that out too?' he
-ies ael.
- please don't bring me into the
lIt'X. she cried. with a lauga
q can't understand what the women
80 n the fellow. muttered Gilbert,
.'t Onins his coat and rising.
faen YOU have quite decided To re-
urn TO Horsemere?'
Tomorrow morning | have been
ICg,ecting my affairs It's time /
JO..ed after them.
On his way 10 the gate. Gilben
net Bernard, and stopping, explained
hat he was returning to Horse-lere