The Washington herald., 1914-07-12

tight lips relaxed, and happy. expectant
look took possession of his countenance
At the sound of the motors approach
Priscilla Gryce came down the shallow
steps of the piazza. She stood, rendered
more charming by the glorious May sun
shine, awaiting the cars arrival
I'm so glad you've come" she said, in
some excitement. important news has
Just come over the telephone" She
turned and led the way into the veranda
and sat down in a rocking chair. The
two men followed, and also seated
themselves.
During his six months apprentice
ship to business, Billy had not worshiped
from afar, and was now very well
acquainted with his hostess and her sur
roundings. His runs out to the old house
had been frequent, and he permitted
himself all the enchantment young man
dare without actually proposing mar
rage to Priscilla Gryce, but-'the mo
ment my future is assured, there won't
be any more waiting" Billy told him
self:
We'll. your news, Priscilla? What is
it," asked David Gyce.
The Speeding company is to bring
out a new. cheap auto" the girl an
nounced, somewhat breathlessly. as
though great matters were at stake, as
indeed there were.
David has Just told me-" said Billy.
Then you knew about it," the girl
said in astonishment, addressing her
brother.
81 learned of it today" replied David.
Several of our men are flched from
the Speeding works"
Laura Hastings rang ne up just
now. She says her father, F. F. Harri-
son, is greatly disturbed by the knowl-
edge" Priscilla turned to Billy. ITS
too bad of your uncle to break into your
first business venture like this. Aren't
you feeling hurt at his doing so?"
Hurt" returned Billy, I'm dis
gusted" And his tone expressed his
feeling.
4 hoped, at first, it might prove one
of Laura's teases-she was the greatest
tease in college-but apparently it's only
too true"
Yes" returned David, rising from his
chair, and restlessly moving about. THE
Speeding cheap car is settled fact" He
strolled along the versnda and finally
down the steps Thrusting his hands
into his trousers pockets, he disappeared
round the corner of the house, softly
whistling the plaintive air of a Scotch
ballad.
Il always diagnose David's mood by
the tune he whistles" said Priscilla.
Then what does this Scotch air tell
you:" Billy asked.
"Oh, the poor dear is in the dol
drums" the girl replied.
Anyway, hope he isn't afraid that l
can't upset old Wellwyn's plans" said
Billy. Il shall see Uncle Andrew to-
night, and at least persuade him to call
a truce until the Gryce car is launched
on the market"
Priscilla had been sitting back in her
rocking chair, hands clasped behind her
head, her slender fingers entangled in
the rebellious locks OF her bronze hair
One daintily slippered toe touched the
floor with sufficient force to keep the
chair gently oscillating. Her dress was
Of deep blue linen, and across her
shoulders was carelessly thrown a soft
blue scarf, the ends of which foated
from her upraised arms. making her ap-
pear a symphony in blue" Billy was
by the picture
Suddenly Priscilla withdrew her
hands, and sat forward, speaking eager
ly.
so, Mr.. Duplane, our chickens are
not coming home to roost?" she said, yet
she spoke as one who hopes for contra
diction.
They are not only coming home to
roost; they are going to be plucked as
well, Billy rejoined, with his unassail-
able confidence.
Priscilla laughed softly and gayly, and
Billy thought it a pity that with such a
laugh she should not indulge in mirth
oftener. 1t was true, although Billy
hadn't noticed it before, that Priscilla
Sryce laughed but seldom. |