The Washington herald., 1914-07-05

I They arrived at the third house on
the right after the FIRST turn to the left
1t was an old house in colonial style,
and it stood on slight elevation He
drove in at gateway hanked by stone
pillars and up a long drive, with Lom-
hardy pcplars standing sentinel at eth
er side. The car came to a standstill at
the foot of wide, shallow steps leading
up to a generous piazza. As the car
stopped, a girl came out through the
house door, evidently brought there by
the sound of the motor.
She was charming girl, with crink-
ly, wind-blown hair. but good deal of
Billy's exuberance departed at sight of
her. Had the Fates dealt him a knock
down blow at a moment when he felt
he could carry the world on his back?
my cousin, Cecilia Gryce, Mr.. Du-
plane" said David Gryce. Where's
Priscilla?" he continued, almost before
the others had concluded their intro
ductory greetings
"We were down in the orchard when
we heard the automobile" the girl said
We raced, and l reached the house
first" she explained, with a smile.
Out onto the steps came Priscilla, tall,
slim, with the exquisite coloring that
had first caught Billy's attention.
Their eyes met in a second sweeping
glance.
MY sister" Billy heard David Gryce
say, and the next moment he was hold
ing the slender fingers of the October
Maid.
Priscilla Gryce led the way to a room
where a FIRE of hickory logs cracked.
and sent up blue and various colored
flames from a wide fireplace.
We'll. Davidl" said Priscilla. as they
seated themselves where all could watch
the fascinating flames.
We'll, Priscilla" said David.
"You must know, Mr.. Duplane," went
on the girl, that we are in the midst OF
great excitement. David has at last Sc
cured man who is willing to take up
his automobile"
Il am that man." returned Billy, smil-
ing;
"Are you a shareholder in the Speeding
Automobile Works."
MY uncle is a shareholder. | have
nothing to do with the Speeding"
Then is your uncle-?"
He is" broke in Billy. He doesn't
know it yet, but he is going to provide
the capital to launch the Gryce car prop
erly."
Lucky David" said Priscilla, patting
her brothers hand.
Il settled it this morning. as soon as
! tried the car, again he'd Billy valiant
k.
We'll, | thought I had the question
OF capital settled the day induced Mr..
Harrison to visit the factory he girl
said, as she laughed a little rueful
laugh. He promised his daughter
Laura and me that he would give the
matter his very closest attention. He
liked the auto well enough, but he didn't
come down with the capital"
You'll get it this time" said Billy
confidently.
81 hope 50. for David's sake" the girl
replied. little anxiously, Billy thought.
Il hope so. for your sake, Priscilla" >"
said David Gryce.
Where is your brother?" Billy asked
abruptly. for he wanted to divert this
talk OF capital until he had got it.
"Oh. Tom went to Chicago when we
had to close up, but he'll come back If
| can make a go of the motor"
Billy walked about the room, admiring
the garden from the window, and Pris-
ella showed him a peep they had OF
the lake, and thus they spent half an
hour, when David announced his inten
ton of returning to the city.
The two men parted at the Speeding
Works, and Billy's last words to David
Gryce were:
Mind, not a word to Wellwyn about
Andrew Duplane's nephew. | don't
think he recognized me-
"Wellwyn's pretty sharp" replied
David thoughtfully.
Billy was off, and as he neared his
uncle's house, his lips became COM
pressed to a thin, red line, his face was
not familiar in the erstwhile pleasure
loving Harvard man.
Now for it~ he said, as he waited
for Perkins to answer his ring.
rs my uncle at home?" he asked.
Hes at luncheon" replied Perkins,
as he closed the door.
Il hope it's a good one" said Billy.
"for then Uncle Andrew will be in good
humor."
He is never in bad one" returned
the man quietly.
When Billy was ushered into the din
ing-room. Andrew Duplane had just
risen from the table. He shook hands
in a cordial way as if greatly pleased to
see his nephew.