The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-08-16

very essence OF religion, in that young
fellow. than 1 have yet encountered In
anyone Of his age"
Mr.. Rivington. 'coloring still more
deeply, looked at his lordship with ap-
preciative eyes. Lady Scroope smiled.
stony, dear, have seldom heard you
express yourself so warmly; and as
Judge of character you have taught me
to regard you as infallible. Certainly,
from the rather brief interview 1 had
with Mr.. Spencer l formed a similar
opinion But do understand that you
have-T
"Hem," said Lord Scroope, with
some slight confusion. 1--WE appear to be
moving rather-ah-rapidly. l feel"
He broke off, apparently at loss, as
Billy and Aimee came towards them
across the lawn, side by side. There
was something Olympian in Billy's as
pect and the splendor of his smile.
Aimee was radiant and glowing. Lord
Scroope scarcely recognized in her the
. pallid and distressed young woman
who had returned from Jervaulx. 1t
was as though an errant descendant of
the gods had restored his daughter to
him.
Dad" said Aimee. you've been
splendid. dear. And want to say all
the nice things to Billy's uncle. that
haven't had a chance to, yet"
II hope" said Lord Scroope, wrin-
king his brow in perplexity as he and
his wife stood in the library some
hours later, after the departure Of the
visitors, "that I have not been too
precipitate. Have 1 committed my
self too far, Delicia?"
Lady Scroope pushed her husband
gently into an armchair and perched
herself on the arm of 1t.
"If you mean, dear" she said,
stroking his hair, did you definitely
accept Billy Spencer as a prospective
son-in-law-you certainly did. And
very good thing, too."
"Did I reallyT" murmured her hus-
band. II hardly recognize myself to-
day, Delicia. 1t seems very precipi-
tate. There are so many things to
consider-to verify"
IT haven't the slightest doubt that
will be all right. Two of the sound
est people ever came across"
"But what"
"What I like about Americans" said
Lady Scroope. when a proposition
that's what they call it, I think-when
a proposition is clear, they don't waste
time. I like people who don't waste
time-it makes life so much less COM
plicated."
IT am certainly conscious of great
access of happiness"
"Yes. Because Aimee is so happy.
And Aimees happiness is very infec-
tious quality. Still. at the moment,
Tony dear, you are looking a little
worried and anxious. Why?"
"The one rift in the Lutte" said Lord
Scroope regretfully. "is this break
with the Jervaulx household. Family
quarrels are always petty and undig-
nified. fear the affair has alienated
Erythea. 1 hope did not convey the
impression that I disapproved of Alex
anders marriage. Really 1t is an ex-
cellent thing for Georgina, and he will
have a most worthy WIFE"
"I." said Lady Scroope, kissing the
top of his head, Twill make the peace
with Erythea. Although she disap-
proves Of my moral character, am
the only person she really listens to.
I will go over tomorrow and pave
the way. I've already talked that over
with Mr.. William Spencer" she added,
twinkling, "and he will accompany me.
am persuaded he has great influence
there. suggest a double wedding
here at Scroope. 1t will suit Erythea
much better than at Jervaulx-as
things arel Have no fear, Tony. It
shall be arranged"