The L'Anse sentinel., 1924-02-01
CHAPTER XIII

Remarkable as the apparition of Mr..
Bennett appeared to his daughter, the
explanation of his presence at that mo-
ment Ia the Office of Marlowe, Thorpe,
Prescott. WinsloYs and Appleby was
simple. He had woken early that
morning, and, glancing at his watch
on the dressing table, he had suddenly
become aware of something bright and
yellow beside 1t, and had paused, trans
fixed, like Robinson Crusoe staring at
the footprint In the sand. If he had
not been In England, he would have
said 1t was patch of sunshine. Hardly
daring to hope, he pulled up the
shades and looked out on the garden.
1t was superb morning. 1t was as
If some giant had uncorked great
bottle full of the distilled scent Of
grass, trees, flowers and hay. Mr..
Bennett shifted luxuriantly. Gone was
the gloom of the past ten days. swept
away in great exhilaration..
Breakfast had deepened his content.
Henry Mortimer, softened by the same
balmy influence had been perfectly
charming. All their little differences
had melted away. in the genial warmth.
And then suddenly Mr.. Bennett re
membered that he had sent Billie up
to London to enlist the aid of the Law
against his old friend. and remorse
grlpped him. Half an hour later he
was. in the train, on his way to Lon
don to intercept her and cancel her
mission. He had arrived breathless
at Sir Mallaby's office, and the first
the arms of young man who was a
total stranger to him. The shock took
away his breath again just as II was
coming back. He advanced shakfly
into the room, and supported himself
with one hand on the desk, while with
his superheated face.
Billie was the first to speak.
"Why, father" she said, II didn't
expect youl"
As an explanation Of her behavior
this might no doubt, have been con-
oihtiCb ouhleiChty put 40 dh CANhSV AcA
1t Mr.. Bennett thought 1t inadequate.
He tried to convey fatherly reproof
by putting like a seal after long dive
in search Of fish.
'.This is SAM" proceeded Billie.
"Sam Marlowe"
Mr.. Bennett became aware that the
young man was moving toward him
with outstretched hand, 1t took lot
to disconcert Sam, and he was the
calmest person present. He gave evil
dsnce Of this in a neat speech. He
did not in SO many words congratulate
Mr.. Bennett on the piece of luck which
had befallen him, but he tried to make
him understand by his manner that he
was distinctly to be envied as the
prospective father-in-law Of snch,a one
as himself.
Mr.. Bennett stared in frozen sort
Of way at the hand. He had placed
Sam by now. He knew that Sir NAL
laby had son. This, presumably, was
he But the discovery did not dimin-
ish his INDICATION.
II am delighted to meet You, Mr..
Bennett" said Sam. "You could not
have come at more fortunate mo-
ment. You see for yourself how
things are. There Is no need for a
long explanation. You came to find
daughter, Mr.. Bennett. and you have
found sonr'
And he would like to see tbe man.
thought Sam, who could have put II
more cleverly and pleasantly and tact.
fully than that
'What are you talking about1" said
Mr.. Bennett, recovering his breath. II
haven't got a SON."
II will be a SON to you'll I win be
| the prep of your declining yeu -s. !"
"what the devil do you mean, my
declining yeafsr' demanded Mr.. Ben.
nett with asperity.
HE means when they do decline,
father, DEAR" said Billie.
"Of course, of course" said Sam.
'when they do decline.S Not till then,
OF coursei wouldn't dream Of II,
But, once they do decline, count on
mel And / should like to say for my
part" he went ON handsomely. 'what
an honor I think Il, to become the
son-in-law Of man like Mr., Bennett.
Bennett Of New York !" he added spa.
ciously, not so much because he knew
what he meant. for he would have been
the flrst to admit that.he did NOT, bui
becauso Il sounded well.