New Britain herald., 1924-02-19
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 "Beggars may not choose, ma'am. I go where I can find empoyment Besides. it is not IS bad as you l imagine
 "But where's the need to go at all, when. as I've told you already, such man as yourself should be thinking of settling down at home and taking a wife?'
 She realized that the time had come 10 deliver battle. Ii was now or never And thus she sent out pre- liminary skirmishing party.
 Why. look at yourself" she ran on. before he could answer. Look at the condition of you" And she pointed a denunciatory finger at the great hole in the heel Of his right stocking. You should be seeking a woman 10 take care Of you, instead of letting your mind run on soldier i ing in foreign parts"
 Excellent advice" he laughed, There is one difficulty only. Who takes a wife must keep wife. and. if stay in England, I shant have enough to keep myself, So I think | ii'll be the Indies. after all"
 She came to the table, and leaned upon it. facing him.
 You're forgetting something. There's many woman well endowed, and there's many q man has taken a wife with Il iointure who couldn't ha' taken wife without"
 You said something Of the kind before." Again he laughed. You think I should be hunting an heiress. You think have the figure for tho part"
 "l do." said she. to his astonish- ment. You're proper man. and you've a name and position to offer. There's many wealthy woman Of modest birth would be glad Of you. as you should be glad Of her. since each would bring what the other lacks"
 Faith You think of everything. Carry your good offices further than mere advice Mrs Quinn. Find me this wealthy and accommodating lady. and Iii consider tho rejection Of this Indian office. But you'il need to make haste. for 'there's only n week left"
 Ii was laughing challenge.
 That's not quite so easy as ad- yisinr. is :" he rallied her.
 "Oh. yes, fl is" she assured him. "Tf you was serious I could soon pro- dDee the lady--a comely enough woman Of about your own age. mis- tress Of thirty thousand pounds and some property, besides"
 Where is she, then3"
 Mrs. Quinn moved away from the table, and round 10 his side or it.
 "Shc is here"
 "lere?" he echoed.
 She drewa step or two nearer. so that she was almost beside him.
 Here in this room," she insisted. softly.
 He looked up at her. still uneom- pretending. Then, as he observed the shy smile with which she sought 10 dissemble her agitation, the truth troke upon him at last.
 The clay stem Of his pipe snapped between his fingers, and he dived after the pieces. glad of any prefexi 70 remove his eyes from her face and give him a moment in which to con- sider how he should conduct himself in this novel and surprising situation.
 When he came up again. his face was flushed. which may have been from the lowering Of his head. He wanted to laugh; but he realized tlsat this would he utterly unpardonable. He rose. and set the pieces Of the broken pipe on the table. Standing thus. his shoulder 10 her. he spoke gently. horribly embarrassed.
 T I had no notion of |. of your meaning :" And there | Ec broke down
 But his embarrassment encouraged | her. Again she came close.
 And now that you knovr if. 1 Colonel 2" she whispered.
 T ] don't know what 10 i say
 His mind was beginning to recover it's functions. He yndeFstc od at last I why a person or his shabby exterior 1 md obyions neediness should haNc been given unlimited credit in this ' ouse.
 Then say nothing al all. Colonel. i dear" she was purring. save that l you'Ii put from you slI notion or sail i ing to inc Indies."
 But my word is pledged 1 sirfady." T. was a straw at which | he ciDtched desperately. And ii was rot s verv fortunate one. for if sHg- -ested that his pledged word was the only obstacle.
 The effect vas 10 bring her closer !
 snc as almost touching him. as hc i stood fhcre. still half arertcd, aud 4 she actually leaned against him. and . set a hand upon his shoulder as she I spoke. coaxiBgly. persuasively.
 "But it was pledged before i before you knew Of this. His grace \ vill understand. He'll never hold 4 you to it. You've but to explain"
 q ! couldn't l couldn't" be cried weakly. |
 Then can"
 Your" He looked at her.
 Enc was pale. but resolUte. 'eTes. me- she answered him. If your pledge is all that holds you. III take roach at once and go to Whitehall. \ George Monk1i sec me. or if he won't his Duchess uili. ! knsT her wciI b the old days. when ! was a young girl. and she was sempstress glad .o earn 2 rroat rHsre she could. Nan 'iarses'f neter deny hersef 70 an old friend. So il you Lat say the N0rI,