The Spectator., 1916-01-21

best friends throat behind her back by jove, you're the coldest-b -blooded set | of female vampires I ever saw in my life! It's a revelation to me! So that's all you wanted, eh? That's why | you all hung fire this morning, and got me into this confounded mess-oh, you | wanted time! Yes, time to investi- gate my finances. of course-and then, when you do get wind of this devilish old legacy, then you're all after me on the gallop, like pack of Siberian | wolves-falling over one another to see who can get to the telephone first! We'll. thank God found 1t out in time! Thank God I'm free of all three of you, you lying. back-biting, mercenary. two faced hypocrites! Well. it's all over. now. advise you to train your guns on Cousin Jonas!"
 | There was disagreeable pause. l When the pot calls the kettle black 1t 1 Is uncomfortable for both. Then the three women, their rage and disap- pointment still unappeased. swept out of the studio and left him alone. Rosa mund went out, surly and lowering, l Carolyn sarcastic to the last, with 1 bitter smile upon her lips, Mrs. Royal ton abjectly weeping. hurling her faint reproaches with a lessening might She turned at the door to pull the ruby ring from her hand, and, with all of Flodie's abandon, if with less of Flode's justification, tossed 1t at him. 1 He drew long breath, and dropped 1 into chair It had been very bad 1 five minutes; it was relief to have it l over. What next? The music still continued, but 1t would soon be time for his guests to be leaving. He knew he ought to go out into the other rooms and play the host-but he could not It was impossible for him to see ] again the three ladies who must just now be making their scornful exit. As soon as they were out of the way, he would do his best with the others. l He knelt down on the floor and be- 1 gan to search for the ring. Are you in here, MT. .Bonistelle ?" came Flodie's gentle voice at the door
 He jumped up and faced her, Yes. Flode."
 She came in timidly and gave a glance at the clock. Yes. it's all over; the moneys gone." he said calmly Have they left yet?"
 She nodded. smiling. They're all making up to Jonas with all their might. By the way they talked, you must have had pretty lively time with them" Flodie sat down demurely. II should say so. Flodie. Three ladies have told me tonight rather ex- plicitly that I'm cad. What dyou think?"
 You're not!" she cried Flodie sat up indignantly, her eyes blazing. He gave her quick surprised look. and his face lighted with hope. It was the first time their eyes had met in perfect accord. It was the first real thrill.
 Then" he hardly dared to say it. have you forgiven me, Flo?"
 Have you forgiven me?"
 You! For what?" It was evident that she need not fear him.
 Flodie cast down her eyes a mo- ment. then raised them boldly. For pretending"
 Pretending what?"
 Pretending that didn't care" Flo and walked away from him. Hall made leap for her. He caught her in his arms.
 oh. do you care. Flodie? Do you? Do you? Even after all this?" 1 He kissed her ardently full on the lips.
 Flodie extricated herself from his grasp. Isn't it-of course it's very nice, Hall--it's awfully nice-but isn't it-just a little-well. premature?" She brought it out timidly, but her face showed her rapture.
 He dropped his arms and stood. sud denly disconcerted, then laughed nerv- ously. Why, surely you ought to be- lieve me now, Flodie! I'm right back to where l was this morning-no for tune. no prospects-just working for my living. and quite head over heels in debt"
 
 Flodie giggled blissfully, Do you want your eggs boiled two minutes, this morning. MT. Bonistelle. or three?"
 He smiled and shook his head. Yes, it's all over-l'll have no mil lions to offer you. after all. Flodie. I'm just a poor devil of photographer, Don't you believe me now?" he repeat ed anxiously.
 Flodie was trembling. Believe what. Hall?" she hung her head. You haven't said it. yeti"
 For a moment he stood looking at her, puzzled, then a broad grin spread over his face. "Oh!" he cried. Well l guess Is that it!" Jubilant, now, he approached her with playful mock. romantic airs, knelt and put his arms around her. Will you marry me, Flodie?"
 CHAPTER xV