The Holbrook news., 1922-03-10

and body, slept hour after glorious hour. Richard, returning from golf for late luncheon, asked for her. Mrs. Carter was still asleep, Bottomley as- sured him, and received orders not to disturb her But when MT. Blondin called, Richard told the butler, he was to be shown to the terrace at once.
 'I had your message" Royal said, as an opening.
 You've not seen Nina today?' Mi mas father asked.
 q broke an engagement with her at the club,' the other man assured him. "We will probably meet at the Bel lamys', at dinner this evening"
 An it was about that I wished to speak" Richard paused, and Blondin watched him with polite interest. You have held your knowledge of Mrs. Carter as sort of weapon for some months," Richard said, presently, ito use it when you saw fit. I have al- ways been in my wife's confidence"
 He paused, but for no reason that Blondin could divine. AS matter of fact it gave Richard a sudden and un- expected pleasure to speak of her so, to realize that he really might give the most wonderful title in the world to this beautiful and spirited woman.
 And 1 have also talked with Nina this morning." he went on. T regret to say that her intentions have not al- tered.'
 "A loyal little heart!' Blondin said, gravely and eontentedly. T knew l could depend upon her."
 Il said 1 wanted to see you on buSi- ness, MT. BlOndin," Richard continued, trying to keep impatience and con- tempt out of his voice, "and we'll keep to business. 1 don't know what your circumstances are, of cOurSe-"
 lie hesitated, and Blondin looked at him with a faint interest.
 'I live simply" he said. "Nina's money will he all her own."
 Nina will have no money, not one five-cent piece, for exactly three years r Richard said.
 BlOndin shrugged.
 "She is quite willing to try it!" he reminded her father.
 T know she is. But how about yOu?" Richard asked. You are not a boy. you have some idea of what mar riage means. For three years you must take care of her, dress her, amuse her, satisfy her that she has not made mistake. Then she does come into her m0ney-yes. But three years is long time in which to keep her certain that the wisest thing she can do is turn it over to you"
 He paused; Blondin smoked imper- turbably.
 "The marriage must be notorious one, in any case" Richard pursued. For I intend to make my stand too clear ever to permit of a retraction. I shall forbid it-let the world know that I forbid it. I shall forbid my daughter the house, and her wedding gift will be simply the clothes she hap pens to have From Tuesday-her eighteenth birthday-she will turn to you for her actual pocket money, for her theater tickets and cab fares
 q understand that perfectly!" Royal said, serenely. But underneath, while not moved from his intention, he felt his customary assurance shaken.
 ''She is eXtravagant, naturally" hes father said "She will want new gowns, want to display her new i'm portance a little. Those bills will come to you, Mir. B;ondin. All the world will know as well as you do that I have washed my hands of the whole affair.""
 Blondin had no money, and lived with an eXtravagance that kept him perpetually worried for money. His credit would receive an immediate as- sistance from a marriage with Rich- ard Carter's daughter, to be sure. but to sustain a credit for three years upon that shadowy footing would be extremely trying.
 He liked Nina; despite his contempt
 Gro be continued next week.