The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1909-10-01
CHAPTER w. ,
Continued.


But I hope to get over it. I think
Ill get over it, and whatever happens
Elsie's little fortune is out of haSm's
way. I made sure of that. She need
never starve."
Every prudent and proper" re-
turned Glynn. But I earnestly hope
you will escape the loss you mention
Been bitten by bubble company?''
"No! It's a long story; I'll tell 1t
TO you some day, and you'll judge
for yourself; but not now, not now.
All! you are a bright chap, Glynn
strong and steady. If you had lit
tie capital, now, you'd get along first
rate"
Glynn did not answer his conjec-
lures as to his (Glynn's) financial po-
sition; he felt terribly disappointed
that Lambert had made no confession
of tangible difficulties, and yet he
was brimful Of some trouble which
he could not bring himself to confess.
At dinner, some hours later, he ei-
ther was more cheerful or assumed
q nvelier aspect for his daughter S
benefit. She seemed to accept the
Improvement as real, and the evening
vent quickly. With the help of mu-
sic and conversation Lambert toward
the end seemed to forget his troubles
and was more like himself. At part
ing Elsie gave Glynn an eloquent
glance expressive of thanks, of mu-
tual understanding, which sent him
away charmed, restless-longtng for
their next interview,~yet full of dread
for the future.
The next day as he was leaving
his hotel he ran against Deering, who
was coming in. "I am off to Vichy
to-day" he said. s'I thought should
Just let you know. I ought to have
gone a week ago, but met some peo-
pie that amused me; Lady Harriet
Beauchamp and Wedderburn - you
know them, I suppose? Shall I find
you here when I return?"
"That depends upon the length of
your visit
ooh, about a fortnight"
'tI shall hardly stay so long"
"Good-bye, then. Don't forget
Denham in August. Lady Frances
will be delighted to see you"
The very atmosphere seemed light
er and brighter to Glynn when Deer
ing was safe away. Lambert was
visib1y relieved, and his daughter re-
dected her fathers mood.
These were delightful days. The
quiet harmony of the present made
Glynn regardless of the future.
There were moments when his hes
itation disappeared, and Glynn was
almost resolved to make Elsie his
wife if she would have him; but that
vague cloud of mystery was bad ac-
compartment for married life.
It was about ten days after Glynn's
return, and he was debating in his
own mind the prudence and advisa-
bility of a retreat while he had still
some command of lis own will. Din
ner was over in Lambert's pretty
sale as manger. Elsie hal left her
father and his friend to talk and
smoke for the lazy, comfortable half
hour which succeeds the evening
meal.
Miss Lambert is looking quite
herself again." said Glynn, his imag-
ination too full of her to resist
speech.
'.She is" returned her father.
'That is because I am brighter; but
l am not out of the wood yet-not
yet" He was silent for moment OF
two, putting vigorously while he
thought. "Ay!-many an anxious
thought she costs me. I'd give s
good deal-all I possess, life itself
to know she was safe and in better
hands than mine. Glynn, am going
to prove the confidence 1 have in
you. We are men of the world, and
can talk to each other without fea1
of misunderstanding"
''It's coming at LAST" thought
Glynn. You may be sure that any,
thing you like to tell is safe with
me- he said aloud.
81 know it," He rose, lifted the cur
tain which hung across the doorway
leading to Elsie's little study, as.
sured himself it was unoccupied and
the outer door shut. Then he re.
sumed his seat, and placing his arms
on the table leaned toward Glynn, and
began in a low voice, which, as he
plunged deeper into his subject, grew
clearer and louder. Look here, now
l don't see why, when I am in Rome
! shouldn't do as Rome does. I know
you'll meet me in my own spirit. II
you like what 1 am going to propose
well and good; if not, there's nc
harm done. First of all 1 suppose
l am right in concluding you are not
married-that you are free and indie,
pendent?"
ST am" said Glynn, greatly sur
lrised.
: Then what do you say to settling
yourself? You are old enough. You
are six Or seven and thirty, I guess
Now, if you are so disposed, I'd die
happy if I saw yoG married to my
Elsie"
Glynn started at this bold PROPOSE
tion; yet gazing at the eager eyes
the earnest face, the slight nervous
twitch in the lips which had just Ie-
tered it, he felt strangely moved,
Don't answer all at once" con.
nnued Lambert; ST calculate there's
a goodish bit more to be said on the
subject. l know this sort of thing
isn't our fashion, but I am too un-
easy about-ah! about the future, to
wait for the chance of my jewel meet
Ing the right man, and life is uncer-
tain-mine especially. I wouldn' t
give her to you empty handed,
either"
why, Lambert, you take my
breath away! In the first place, 1
don't fancy Miss Lambert ever vast
ed thought on me, except as to how
far I might be of use to you"