New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-04

ceptablc by claiming me as cousin ReS'iS'
Dad, with the slightest encouragement on my part
he would have kissed mel"
"Shockingl" said Ingersoll.
"Father dear, don't make fun OF me- His cou-
sinly kiss would have burnt my cheek"
~ can't profess fierce indignation because
Young man tried to seize a good opportunity 70
kiss pretty young woman"
"Well. he didn't dare make the attempt de-
cared Yvonne spritedly. ale realized at once
that | would have slapped his face soundly for
his pains"
"But are you serious about Madeleine? / mean,
rather do you think she is really enamoured OF
him. or merely showing off for Peridots benehtv
$50 serious that am profoundly thankful the
settled weather has kept Peridot at sea-"
"Do they meet frequently?'
az hate suspecting people, Dad, so | can only
say that don't know Let US get away from all
this worry for a day. Send Barbe for Lorry, and
ask him to dejeuner. Then the three of us will
walk out the Belon road and have tea at the inn
1t will do us heap of good"
Mrs. Carmac, after a burst of hysterical sob
bing which her nephew tried to stop by few
conventional words Of sympathy, subsidized into
even more exasperating silence as the carriage
rolled back from Nzon Fosdyke, being an ego
indeed. profoundly relieved when the wretched
Journey came to an end. He helped his aunt TO
alight, but did not attempt to escort her into the
annex Instead he waited until the second car
rage drove up and Bennett appeared.
"Am wanted for any formalites?" he inquired
offhandedly
"Not at present, Mr.. Fosdyke," was the quiet
answer.
isn't it customary that the will should be read
after the funeral"
Eyes, if it is available"
Surely my uncle did not die intestate" The
question was shot out with fiery eagerness that
showed how joyfuly any indication of the absence
of will would have been received.
mo-" said Bennett, after pause. "Mr. Car
macs WILL in duplicate, is lodged in my Office and
at his bank. l did not bring my copy, as had no
reason to believe that events would shape them
selves as they have done. But confidential
clerk is on the way with the document. He tele-
graphed from st. Malo this morning that he had
caught a train that should reach Pont Aven about
4:3O this afternoon At o'clock il convenient
tc you | suggest that meet in Mrs. Carmacs
rooms"
Then Fosdyke knew that the gray-hared lawyer
had been playing with him, but he only said airily,
"Such distractions as seem to flourish in Pont
Aven will probably leave me at liberty about the
time you name, Mr.. Bennett"
The lawyer nodded, kept stiff upper lip and
followed Mrs Carman.
"The old fox!" growled Fosdyke savagely,
less who heard him. "I'll bet good money he has
feathered his own nest all right"
The Mayor, the doctor and the notary, who had
descended close at hand, wondered what had put
this elegant young gentleman into temper. Ray
mond and Poppe understood well enough, but said
nothing.
81 suppose you ought to invite these local gentle
men to take a glass of wne?" suggested the
rotary.
"IIl see them boiled frst!" was the amiable
answer.
Then Raymond in his slow French, gave the in
vitation on his own behalf, but the POnt Aven
men were not slow witted, and courteously ex-
cused their further attendance.
"I've notion that a gargle of some sort
wouldn't come amiss," observed Popple thought
fully.
81 can't drink now fumed FOsdyke Gray
mond, word with you!"
Raymond however, had been furtivey engaged
in taking stock of Rupert Fosdyke during the
last few days
SORRY" he said, "but chat must be post
poned Mrs Carmac would be exceedingly an
noyed if she heard that were inhospitabe.
You ought not to have spoken the way you did
before those French gentlemen. 1t distinctly
bad FORM
If timid hare coursed by a greyhound were
suddenly to turn and admonish its pursuer the
dog would hardly be surprised than Fosdyke
when this queer looking little secretary dared to
chide him. He completely taken aback
that he laughed.
81 guess you're right" he said. "Order bottle
of champagne. I'll ask those fellows TO dinner,
and do them well. Then they'll forgive me. Lead
on. Macduf! And cursed be he who first cries,
Hold! Enough!'"
Fosdyke's changed mood distinctly more
agreeable. Popple, for one, deemed him rather
peppery young gentleman but none the worse be-
cause he spoke out freely.
"Lifes rum thing, anyhow" said the skipper,
when the three were seated in the dining room
Of the hotel which otherwise empty. About
this very hour this day week the Stella MAX
in bad weather of it off some little islands north
of the Aven. | wanted to put in here, but Mrs.
Carmac wouldn't hear of it. Il must push on for
Lorent,' she sadan' the pore gentleman we've
just planted on top of the hill there was chafin'
her about bein' afraid O. spooks. Sink me! Who's
the spook now"
81 don't see what ghosts had to do with Point
Aven" said Fosdyke sharply.
Neither do |, sir" said Popple. at was
funny remark, look at it any way you like"
Both of you seem to forget Mrs. Carmacs
niece" put in Raymond suavely The conversation
had suddenly taken a dangerous turn, and 1t