The Monmouth inquirer., 1922-08-31
CHAPTER l.

hut IL Amabel could not ADVISE hln
at the present juncture, ne knew
none else who could.
Mrs. Cathcart and Pauline having
act forth to pay some calls, whilst
Mr.. Cathcart was dispensing justice
as usual at one Of the Metropolitan
Police Courts, Amabel prepared to
spend the May afternoon in her own
fashion.
She drew her favorite chair to the
drawing room window, overlooking
Gloucester Place, and sitting down
In a negligent attitude, opened a
new novel.
She was in the act Of turning over
the fourth page when the door opened
and a servant announced Sir Gilbert
Strachan.
Amabel rose to receive him with q
sense of impatience and a bright
smil of welcome She was OF less
than the average height with slim
figure. Her face was small and pale.
her hair dark brown, her eyes were
hazel and mischievous.
I see I am disturbing you said
Gilbert, hat in hand.
Not the least in the world an
swered Amabel-s
But he continued, Mrs. Cathcart
said she was going out this afternoon,
and the fact is I have been wanting
an opportunity to speak to you
About my sister, she exclaimed
The question is whether stand
the slightest chance OF becoming
your brother he said.
I don't think you would make
bad sort of brother!' Anabel re-
torted. And I'm quite sure Pauline
likes you, you know she added, TAX
ing chair.
He unbottoned his frock-coat and
SAT- dewn with a rather solemn ex-
preston. Gilbert stood about the
middle height, and there was a broad
BhouIdered, substantial appearances
about him. He had strong, honest
face, which was almost as brown as
his fairish hair and short, pointed
beard
Resting his hands on the top Of his
walking-stick, he looked at Amabel.
Now, perhaps, you won't mind ex-
planning what you mean by that
he said.
Don't you understand what it is
to like person. she demanded, with
characteristic lift of her eyebrows.
Well, the greater includes the less,
he rejeined. I have understood that
for long time, and it hasn't brought
me any overwhelming satisfaction.
Now. daresay, you are kind enough
to like me-
I have known you so Iong, she
said. in an apoiogetic tone, and am
SO tolerant
Still, in spite Of your-your liking,
you probably won't dream of marry
ing mel
You see, the circumstances are
hardly favorable So much depends
on the circumstances cried Amabel
with laugh
IT'S little humiliating to admit it, ;
he said, but / haven't the slightest
doubt Pauline would have marrieu
me two years ago
Only Mr.. Waterhouse came, saw,
and conquered
You did not meet the fellow
Gilbert suggested.
OF course not I wasn't out, you
know. Besides, was away at the
time
I want to knew hew things stand,
he said rather ABRUPTLY; and well,
thought yeu might be able to en-
tighten me-
There's ne doubt about one thing,
Amabel answered. Pauline was most
awfully fond Of him. She was quite
infatuated
Gilbert's hands pressed more heavi-
~ on his walking-stick, and he stared
for, q few minutes at the carpet.
Presently he looked up again-E
Yes, yes, but is she does she care
fer the fellow stillT he asked.
4 know she hasn't heard from him
since he left England, said Amabel,
and that was two years ago. you
know. You were there!' she chied.
'where?'
oh, you know perfectly well what
II mean, she insisted, watching his
grave face with smile-at Mrs.
Bishops dancer
yes, was. there he returned, q
little bitterly.
The night before Mr.. waterhouse
left London, wasn't it?' she asked.
Yes
He couldn't haye been here very
long, Amabel suggested. I was
only away six weeks.
'waterhouse was here five,' said
Gilbert, but one went nowhere with
out meeting him
'weil?'
Then it suddenly got about that he
was going away again.
Tell me what happened at Mrs
Bishops urged Anabel.
You must know perfectly well.
OF course have hear rslners, she