Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1910-07-21
CHAPTER XXI.

thing far more serious to think Of
The information which Mr.. Wheeler
had given him had struck him to the
very center. If true, there was a
chance that he might even yet lose
Lorriei Lose Lorrie! The thought
made his heart almost stand still.
Lose her after all he had dared and
done! Smiling placidly he walked
along westward, his hand clinched
upon his cane, and his teeth ground
together.
There was not time to be wasted.
If this news was true, Lorrie must be
made his wife at once! But how?
All the way along the Strand and up
Pail Mall he resolved this "Hn~+' :,
me- acute brain, and it was not until
he stood opposite his fathers club
that an idea came in answer.
He went up the steps in his light
and cat-like fashion, and learning
that Mr.. Melford, senior, was in the
smoking room, entered that apart
ment.
Mr. Me1ford was seated before a
glass Of whisky and water, and smok-
ing large cigar, which he worked in
to the corner Of his mouth to grunt
a greeting to his only son.
'Hallo!" he said; what's the mat
ter?" for Mr.. Seymour was not in the
habit of paying bis father visits at
his club unless she wanted something.
Don't let me disturb you. | wanted
to speak to you about the French con-
tract"
Well what ;.bout~it?'
"DoD't you think some one had
better go and look after that bust
ness?" said Mr.. Seymour, pleasantly.
Somebody to go to France-of
course. I'm going to send my man ct
business"
Don't you think that some one
more closely connected and interest
ed ought to go?" asked Mr.. Seymour.
What do you mean? Do you mean
me?"
mo, meant myself" replied Sey.
mour.
49,
south Of France for?" he said. why
thought you were head over ears in
love with Miss Dolores, and couldn't
leave her for more than a couple OF
days.
Nor can l. intend taking her with
me-"
Take her with you! Do you mean
that you want to marry her right OFF,
That is what l mean and want.
Whats your reason for this sud
denness? Why can't you wait the
the proper time? Why, it's only yes
terday, so to speak, that you got en-
gagged. Are you afraid she'll get tired
OF you, SEYMOUR"
mot exactly, sir; have my rea
sons, but I won't weary you with
them. l am not always wrong in what
do, SIR he added, significantly.
mo, no! I'll do you that justice
You managed that affair between Dbl
enough. But this tear-away business
puzzles me! Why do you do it?'
Call it whim, if you like, SIR he
said. "At any rate, you Ian trust me
TO look after the French business.
am willing to go over there in three
weeks. l shall be more useful to you
chan your man, I think?'
Have your own way. | don't pre-
tend to know your motives, but you
seem to be playing a strange game
One day you fall in love with par
sons daughter, you might have mar
ried as high as you liked; then you
choose to throw your money away or
the Wheal Rose shares, and now you
want to get married all in five min
utes! Well, have your way. You want
some money, | suppose? All right!
Just write ME short note saying
that it is imperatively necessary tina,
I should go to France, will you? Pu
It as strongly as you like; you CAM
put it too strongly.
There you are," he said, pushing
1t toward him. You're a strange fel
low, Seymour. suppose you couldh'
60 straight il you tried!"
I have a way of my own of doins
things
yes, anG deuced mysteriou,
way! Will you have some wine-cigal
-anything?"
Nothing, thanks. l never drinl
anything in the morning." and with
respectful and even affectionate MOI
he went out, and in an hours time b,
was in the train bound for Carshal.
They are sitting round the fire il
the rectory drowing-room that even
ing when he was announced, and Lor
RE. who has been staring at an opel
leaf of the last new novel withou
turning it for the last half hour, START
and changes color.
Il thought you were going to re
main in London tonight?" giving hin
her hand coldly.
Il had intended doing so, but some
thing had occurred to change m
plans. Are you sorry to see me?" a