Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-07-16


ribly proud and naughty, as the butler
would say. He said he wouldn't sleep
well until he has returned the filthy
lucre. We are looking for him back
any hour now. But If he shouldn't get
hero by Friday, we viii sail without
him. He said he would follow by the
next boat. in case anything happened
that he didn't catch the Mauretania. ;"
Sara interrupted herself to offer an
ironic observation IF Hetty did not
despise her father SO heartily, should
advise you to look farther for father
in-law, Brandon. The colonel is bad
lot. Estates In the north Of Irelandl
Poor Leslie!" She laughed softly.
Hell not show up, eh?"
Not bit OF It," she said. He
may be charged to profit and loss in
Leslie's books. This part of the letter
will interest you," she went on, as
if all that had gone before was of
no Importance to him. 81 hear inter-
esting news concerning you, my dear
girl My heartiest congratulations IL
1t is all true. Brandy is one in a mill
lion. / have hoped all along to have
him as full-f1edged brcther-in-law, if
that's the way you'd put 1t. Father
writes that every one is talking about
It, and saying what fine thing 1t is.
He has feeling of delicacy about ap-
preaching you in the matter, and
fancy it's just as well until everything
is settled. | wish you'd let me make
a suggestion, however. Wouldn't it
be wise to let us all get together and
talk over the business end of the
game? Brandy's fine chap, a corker,
in fact but the question is has he
got it in him to take Challis' place in
the firm? You've got to consider the
future as well as the present, my dear.
We all do. With his artistic tempera-
ment he might play hob with your sp-
terests, and ours too, for that matter.
Wouldn't it be wise for me to sound
him bit before we take him into the
firm? Forgive me for suggesting this,
but, as you know, your interests are
mine. and I'm terribly keen about sae-
ing you get the ges: u syscysasns-
BY the way. wsSnt he DIT gone on
Hetty? Passing fancy, of course, and
not deep enough to hurt anybody.
Good old Brandyn"
There is more Brandon, but it's
of no consequence she said. tossing
the letter upon the table. You see
how the land lays.
Booth was pale with annoyance
BY Jove, Sara, what an insufferabls
ass he Isl"
THE shoe pinches?"
ooh, it's such perfect rot! I'm
sorry on your account. Have you ever
heard Of such gall?"
"Oh, he is merely acting as the fam
lily spokesman. | can see them now
in solemn conclave. They think it
their indisputable right to select a
husband for me, to pass upon him. to
accept or decline him as they see fit.
to say whether he is a proper man to
hang up his hat and coat in the offices
of Wrandall G Co.
do you mean to say
Lets not talk about it, Brandon.
1t is too silly"
They fell to discussing her plans for
the immediate future. although the
minds of both were at work with
something else.
Nov that have served my pur-
pose, l suppose you will not care to
see SO much of me-" she said, as he
prepared to take leave of her
Served your purpose? What do
you mean?" IN
Il should have put 1t differently
hox cd H.
efforts to force the secret from me-
1t has been accomplished. Now do
you understand" -
That isn't fair, Sara" he protest
ed. IF you'll let me come to see you,
in spite of what the gossips and Mr..
Redmond Wrandall predict, you may
be sure l will be as much in evidence
as ever. suppose have been bit
of nuisance, hanging on as have"
Il admire your perseverance. More
than that, l admire your courage In
accepting the situation as you have
l only hope you may win her over to
your way of thinking. Brandon
Goodby."
Il shall go up to town tomorrow,
kit and bag. When shall l see youf
We have a great deal left to talk about
before l sail"
"Come when you like"
You really want me to conner
Certainly" 4
He studied her pale. tired face for
moment, and then shook his head
You must take care of yourself" he
said. you are unstrung. Get a good
rest and-and forget certains things II
you can. Everything will come out
oil right in the end"
1T depends on what one is willinz
to accept as the end" he said.
CTO BE CONTINUED