The Washington herald., 1914-07-12

"Well-no-not quite that, either"
Billy replied slowly 1--WE been work
ing hard, Uncle Andrew" Billy was
aware OF eomPunctions stealing over him
at his neglect of this very old man. 1T
IS true, what ! have told you; / didn't
think you particularly cared to see me-"
he explained
| You were quite wrong. nephew" said
| the other. while his hands continued
their gentle movement.
I'm very glad to know IT," reioined
Billy, who began to think this was alto
gether the most congenial visit he had
yet paid to his serene uncle.
And how does your love affair
progress:" inquired the elder Duplane,
with kindly interest.
Oh" Billy began impulsiyely. Then
he paused. He had been about to speak
enthusiastically of Priscilla's exclusive
attractions, encouraged by his uncle's
manner, when he thought of his situa-
ton regarding the October Maid.
Miss Gryce was engaged before |
met her" he ended abruptly.
And you no longer love her." in
qulTed the sympathetic old voice
i shall never love anyone else" re-
turned Billy
When the lady prefers another?"
Something tells me she doesn't pre-
Ter another" As he spoke. Billy rose
and moved about the room restlessly,
then realizing that his action might be
disturbing to his uncle, he sat down
again
Il beg your pardon, Uncle Andrew"
he said, but I've just come from my re-
fuSal by Priscilla Gryce"
"Ah-hl" reJoined Andrew Duplane
thoughtfully, and there was so much of
understanding in his tone that Billy
knew his uncle had passed through a
similar experience.
What reason have you for hoping, or
mind? ,"
Il believe she will change her mind
because she is engaged to Jack Well
wyn."
''Wellwyn's SOM" asked Andrew Du-
plane.
Yes. son of the hatchet-faced Well
wyn OF the Speeding company" ex-
planned Billy, with some vehemence.
Where is Jack Wellwyn:" asked the
old man, his intonation expressing
neither surprise nor satisfaction, but
Billy himself was surprised by the re-
quest for information.
He Is in Chicago-in the wheat pit"
Billy said jsrkiy, ~and if it serves Well
wyn as it served my father | shall not
be sorry"
Andrew Duplane held up a thin white
hand in protest.
Never say rash things. nephew" he
said
Billy laughed somewhat ruefully.
Il eXemplify TeStamental prophecy"
he said. The last shall be first and the
FIRST last, for the last thing in the world
| meant to discuss with you, Uncle An
drew, was my position regarding Miss
Gryce."
Then what do you wish to discuss,
nephew William Andrew"
1t IS the cheap auto the Speeding
company IS to bring out" Billy said.
that came to talk about"
What have you to say concerning il ,"
inquired the elder Duplane. with no slen-
der suggestion OF astonishment or alter
alton OF facial expression. Billy was
closely observing his uncle and this
taken for granted state OF affairs some
what chilled him II his uncle was
aware OF the cheap Speeding auto, his
task would be difficult.
rs there ANYTHING strange in work.
ing company bringing out a new thing"
concluded the old man.
Well, in this instance. yes replied
Billy You told me- on nv last visit,
that there were too many people rolling
about on wheels, and YOU would not as
sist me with capital for the Gryce car
nor would YOU permit Wellwyn to take
it up"
statement OF my expression at your last
visit. nephew
Anyway" persisted Billy. YOU
wouldn't entertain the idea OF a cheap
auto, and now l find you competing with
me in the hour OF my sorest need II
you so on. Uncle Andrew. you will de-
strov my chance OF success"
But the Gryce auto is without a
rival" gently argued the old man. ''or so
you led me to believe"
1T is perfect in its way. but what will
that amount to when We haven't Sufi-
cient capital to advertise it, With your
unlimited capital you may force an in
ferior car upon the public"
What would you have me do. VIII
liam Andrew" And the elder Duplane
bent his benignant gaze upon his nephew.
Il would have you retain YOUR disbe-
lief in the cheap automobile" Billy said.
and restrain Wellwyn from forcing his
car ahead OF ours. 1t is not desirable
condition to have everyone awheel,' you
know" persuaded the young man
The elder Duplane appeared to be
the question, his fingers tap
ping out the moments while Billy await
ed his decision. At length he spoke
Il will follow your suggestion. VIII
liam Andrew: | will retain my disbe-
lief in the cheap auto
And you will restrain Wellwyn?"
Il will restrain Wellwyn."
Billy rose.
will YOU not dine with me-" asked
Andrew Duplane, also rising.
Thank you, not tonight, Uncle An
drew. | will see you again when have
succeeded in the industrial work I am
engaged in"
Then | may expect YOU" rejoined
his uncle, again shaking Billy's hand cor
daily The young man realized that
there might be concealed compliment
in his uncle's last words, but he had fn-
ished what he had come about, and so he
departed.
I"And now for Wellwyn Number
Two" said Billy, as. with his long. free
stride, he passed down Euclid avenue.
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