The Monmouth inquirer., 1922-09-14
CHAPTER ".


man
He had somewhat the appearance
of q benevolent parson, with a rubi-
cund. shaven face, d bald crown, and
a portly fgure.
Concerning Pauline, his bankers
passbook could have told a significant
tale. A few years ago he had been
assured on excellent authority, no less
than his wife's, that the heavy dis
bursements on Pauline's account par
took of the nature of investments.
And no doubt Mr Cathcart's fore
cast would have been justified, and
Pauline would have married long ago,
if wray waterhouse had not crossed
her path.
AS it was, Mr.. Cathcart respected
the scruples which actuated his elder
daughter, whilst he deplored the con-
tinuance of an outlay which severely
strained his income. So that when
Mrs. Cathcart told him Gilbert was
coming at nine o'clock tomorrow eve
ming, with significant expression
which left no room for doubt, Mr.
Cathcart rejoiced exceedingly.
He. set forth in excellent spirits on
Wednesday morning, walked to the
Court, and took his seat on the bench
He disposed Of a few drunk and
disorderlies infiieting small fines
or severe admonitions; he sent one or
two more serious delinquents to vari-
GUS terms of hard labor; and having
at last completed his own labors for
the day, he set out on his way home
to Gloucester Place.
Mr. Cathcart hung up his hat meth
odically ON the usual peg, entered the
room which was devoted to his own
purposes, and, standing with his back
towards the empty fireplace, gazed
about as if to find some occupation
for the leisure he always declared he
pined for, but seldom seemed able to
employ.
A few minutes later he heard Mrs.
Cathcart's footsteps in the hall. One
generally had warning of her ap-
proach She was a rather bustling,
fussy woman, taller than Amabel,
shorter than Pauline, little inclin-
ed to obesity, and at fortyLseven still
possessing "reminiscences of good
looks.
Mrs. Cathcart was wellintention.
ed woman, she strove to do her duty
to her husband, to her daughters, and
even to her servants, she possessed
strong faith, but she seemed unable
to apply it to the ordinary, everyday
affairs of life.
She appeared to find it easier to be-
iieve that all would be well through
out eternity than the day after to.
about her soul, but a great deal about
the next days dinner. She had the
most profound trust in Providence,
but insisted on appointing herself it's
energetic instrument.
Her face looked extremely anxious
this afternoon as she closed the door
and kissed her husband, for custom
had not stalled their regard.
'The most provoking thing has
happened!' she exclaimed. Nothing
could be more annoying. Though it
was fortunate no one saw 1T but my
self
You forget have not the remotest
idea of what you are driving at, said
Mr. Cathcart
"A letter came after you started this
morning. she explained 1t arrived
by the second post. l knew what it
contained directly saw the stamp.
Her Majesty's face was expressive
he suggested.
IT was from Cape Colony
. Whom do we know at the CapeT
asked Mr.. Cathcart
You forget Mr.. Waterhouse!'
Bless my soul!' Mr. Cathcart ejac-
ulated with start.
You may as well read the letter for
yourself said his wife. taking it from
her pocket
No. no, answered Cathcart, draw
ing further back. Tell me what the
man says
He has lost his wife she said.
Hat
He intends returning to England
as soon as possible
I am sincerely sorry to hear it.
cried the magistrate.
He hopes | shall permit him the
opportunity to ask Pauline to be his
wife said Mrs Cathcart, staring
blanlxly into he Husbands face
What does Pauline say about it?'
asked Mr.. Cathcart brusquely.
Nothing was the answer.
She she takes it calmly, then,
said Mr.. Cathcart, with a sense OF
relief
I have not told her Mrs. Cath
cart continued. What is more, have
not the least intention to tell herr
Upon hearing this, Mr.. Cathcart
looked grave.
She ought to be told he said, hold
ing his chin In his hand.
1T would completely upset her
mind, cried Mrs. Cathcart
She cans be quite 500 devoted
to Strachan as you have led me to
understand, then!'
Pauline wound not dream of marry
ing any man unless she was devoted
fo him said Mrs Cathrart with an air