The Monmouth inquirer., 1922-08-31

touch before return, or--or walt {
little longer.
How delightfully."- patient that
soundsi' she returned.
I can't pretend to be patient, he
said. In fact, l don't suppose any
man was ever more impatient, but
Whilst Gilbert was speaking the
door opened, and Amabel started to
her feet in unaffected surprise.
Mr.. Venables,' was announced. but
not. before the newcomer had passed
the servant and entered the room.
He looked little more than twenty
years of age, but Bernard was in fact
twenty-four His appearance was a
little conspicuous He was noticeably
tall, being two or three inches over
six feet, with rather wide sloping
shoulders, and long neck. He
carried himself well, and his apparel
was unexceptionable His face was
long and spare, fresh-looking and
agreeable, his skin was pink, and
white as a girls, his hair distinctly
yellow.
why, Bernardo cried Amabel,
blushing vividly, I imagined you at
Colchester
so am, he answered airily, and
his manner was suggestive of a
schooiboy out for holiday. AT least
the regiment is still there. I've just
run up for the day, you know
Awfully jolly day. he added, turning
to shake hands with Gilbert Bern
ard had large hands, and his grasp
was cordial.
Gilbert did not sit down again,
He had sufficient knowledge to be
aware that his presence could be
spared, and after a few commonplace
remarks, he offered his right hand to
Amabel
What shall do?' he asked, lower.
ing his voice.
Come on Monday she answered
Z am sure to>be alone And having
said goodbye to Bernard, Gilbert left
the room.
Bernard looked at Amabel with
sudden cloud on his face.
What's the Johnny to come on
Monday for? he demanded.
Because I enjoy the pleasure OF
his society," said Amabel.
I know all about that, Bernard in
sisted, only why?'
Now, do you imagine I intend to
account for all my actions to your
she exclaimed.
I wish you had to-, said Bernard
discontentedly.
The truth is,' she continued, re-
turning to her chair, I am going to
give Gilbert some advice
I want you to spare little for
me- he answered.
Perhaps can,' she caid. What is
your difficulty?
I've half mind to chuck it. he ex-
claimed.
The armyT
Yes
IF you do she answered quickly,
I'll never speak to you again.
What's the good?' Bernard demand
ed. There isn't much chance Of ac-
tive service All our fellows are
beastly young and healthy. You see,
l feel I'm hiding my light under
bushel. In twenty years time
shant be any nearer my goal than
am today
oh, you'n get your company long
before then
Bernard came to her side.
You see, dear, I'm inpatient ror
yours, he whispered.
You have done nothing but grum.
BILE since you came, she limited.
Look here, Amabel,' he persisted,
you know very well what mean
She shook. her head slowly
I am not sure want to know she
said.
Now, could any fellow be more hor-
ribly tantalised.-- cried There's
my Aunt joan
Yenables to accommodate you by dy-
ingi'
Not at all Tsonly want her to mar
ry and live happily ever after, he
said.
How absurd 1t is to think she can
be your aunt answered Amabel.
She doesn't look day older than
Internationally
She isn't far short of thirty, though
Bernard suggested.
That's the advantage of being fair
said Amabel. But the idea OF her
heing your auntf,
I wish to goodness she would en-
dow me with another uncle he cried.
She has had three years of widow
hood, and she never cared rap
/ Colonel Venables couldn't have car.
ed very, very much for her, said
Amabel
oh, he was a cantankerous, beg
gar' answered Bernard old enough
to be her father
I think it was horribly mean tn
make her lose all her money ii. she
married again
| Well said Bernard, I don't know
about that Upon my word. can't
find fault with his will
How pleasantly unselfsh!'
She has always been awfully de
cent to me, you know Bernard con