Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-12
CHAPTER x

The grateful folly, feeling that an
uncle who could be drawn upon in times
of financial stress was not to be ne
elected, took the earliest opportunity of
calling in Grosvenor Square to convey his
thanks in person. He omitted to tell his
father and mother of his intended visit.
They had always spoken of his uncle as
one of the meaneSt of men, and Toily had
heard his father say over and over again
| that he would sooner cut off his hand
than ask Cammarleigh a favor. FOLLY
congratulated himself on having per-
formed brilliant stroke of business in
discovering that his uncle was not the
hard-hearted monster his parents. would
have had him believe.
When the man announced that Mr..
Lionel Bruton had called to see him.
Cammarleigh's upper lip went down. and
he told the servant to say that ne was
not at home. and poor folly might have
had his journey for nothing if it had not
been for his good angel, Anthony.
Anthony met him being shown out and
at once guessed who he was.
II am sure Lord Cammarleigh would
be most disappointed to miss you. He
was only saying the other day what a
pity it was he did not see more of his
nephews. Tell Lord Cammarleigh when
he comes in that Mr.. Bruton will be here
to lunch"
Gregsbury had by this time quite real
lied that whatever Anthony did would be
right. He did not profess to explain the
situation. but like a well-bred servant fell
instinctively into the line of conduct
which would most advantage him.
Anthony knew that Cammarleigh dis
liked folly because he was, after his
father. his heir. ands THAT however much
he might have wished otherwise he would
be bound to have the greater part of his
wealth.
folly took to Anthony at once. perhaps
because he was Immediately offered a
cigarette and treated without the faint
est degree of grown-up patronage. He
admired Anthony's clothes, and decided
that he knew how to dress. folly him
self was his fathers son, and Lord Cecil
Bruton was one of the best dressed men
in town, and Master Bruton's Elton suit
was cut to perfection. folly had noticed
that the letter containing the gift of
money had not been in his uncle's writ
ing. and he was wondering If it had been
Anthony's hand that had penned the note.
and If he knew all about it.
'You won't mind sitting and talking
to me- said Anthony, while I finish
one or two letters?"
Tolly did not mind at all. and smoked
his cigarette and read the Times with a
very grown-up air indeed. Being young
gentleman of an inquiring turn of mind
he took the opportunity of surreptitiously
inspecting Anthony's handwriting. Yes.
undoubtedly it was he who had penned
the affectionate note. 1t was rather
strange of his uncle to dictate sentiment
talities to his secretary. but then. his
father had always declared that Cammar-
leigh was mad.
His notes finished. Anthony threw HIM
self back and talked to folly in the most
affable way, and by the time lunch was
announced that unsuspecting young gen.
tleman had let him into every imaginable
family secret.
Il don't think father quite understands
Uncle Percy he said. He can't be SO
hard hearted. and yet it's quite dreadful
the way father abuses him at times
What does your mother say?
well. you see, mother feels that she
ought to stick UP for him because
Here folly paused and looked obviously
at Anthony.
Anthony waited A boys conversa-
tional relevance is an uncertain thing: a
question in the wrong place might dis
turb the convenient flow of his conf
dances
II don't know whether / ought to say
what was going to-" said FOLLY. Il only
Have another cigarette" said An
thony. graciouSly.
Thank you. They're awfully good
"Abdul's-Bond street. I'll give you a
box. If you like Anthony spoke just as
age. and folly, secretly fattered. ac-
cepted the proffered cigarettes.
LAS you were saying when l so rudely
interrupted you?" resumed Anthony, en-
couragingly.
After such a tactful speech folly could
not very well do otherwise than impart
his information.
II only heard it by accident
"Yes?" lured Anthony. gently.
well, l think Uncle Percy would have
liked to marry my mother.
From condolences about Lord and Lady
Cecil Bruton. folly roamed unsuspecting-
ly into little family anecdotes about Lady
Editha and her daughter.
''They get everything they. can. you
know" said FOLLY. land mamma says it s
quite extraordinary the way Aunt Editha
wins at bridge"
Miss Travers is very beautiful" sug-
gested Anthony.
''Oh, l don't know. There's a fellow |
know who's got sister. and she's what l
call beautiful. She'd make three of
Sybl.'
Miss Travers is SMALL agreed An
thony. dreamily.
"Of course I like Sybil.'' said folly.
hastily. And when she came down for
the Fourth no end of the fellows got
quite cracked about her. My mother says
she doesn't think she's got any heart
sy.>.y Xii 4