New Britain herald., 1925-10-07
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preached the subject.
 "l suppose you've been thinking what heartless brute l am," she said with an attempt at lightness. T mean - about being engaged. After all I've said, too. Do you re- member the way we used to argue about what we would do if -- 1T anything happened to Tim or or PetCrr"
 Joan shivered.
 Its unlucky 10 talk about it." she said.
 Nap made an impatient gesture.
 Nothing can change my luck now" she said. rBut We wont talk about 1t unless you wish. just wanted to say that - that it's not because I've forgotten that I'm marrying Mir. sefton, I shall never forget as long as live"
 Her cheeks were fiery, her eyes burned.
 Tt wasn't any use walting-and struggling on - and hoping" she said, in strangled voice. After after I'd seen Peter down here once or twice I knew it was all up. Besides ." She stopped. and there was long silence which Joan did not dare to break.
 Nan went on:
 Then Mir. Sefton came. He's rich, and father owes him money. I'm only telling you. this, Joan, be- cause you. are my friend. and know youD never tell anyone. And so, as I - I knew l couldn't be happy any more, thought I might as well do the best could for - for the family. ." She laughed drearily. There are the boys 10 think of, you sec" she added. And love them especially Claudio ."
 "Is CIaudie the little one"" Joan asked helpleSsly. "Yes and SO - that's why. had to tell you; but you won't tell anyone. will you. Joan--prom- ise."
 You know won't" Joan said.
 She got up, stood on tip-toe and kissed Nan more warmly than she had ever done before. You're a brave darling." she said shakily.
 I'm not brave at all," Nan said If you only knew. Good night. I'm glad you came" she added.
 The boys made friends with Joan very quickly.
 How long are you going to istay?" they asked In chorus when she appeared at breakfast. Joan laughed.
 I'm net going to stay at all -- at least, I don't think so Nan has enough to do 10 look after you without me as we'll"
 They did not agree with this, and she received prompt invitations to stay as long as she liked.
 wen take you in the woods Jim promised.
 And find you birds eggs" Bus ter added.
 "Mr. Lyster's gone away" said Nan quietly.
 NO, he hasn't" shrilled Buster again. T saw him this morning be- fore breakfast - he came down the road when I was out In the gar den - he said he'd meet us In the woods when we'd had our break fast"
 Joan looked quickly at Nan.
 q think you've made a mistake ' Nan said evenly. "We saw him driving to the station yesterday with Mir. Arnott you know"
 Hes come back" Buster insist ed. "I saw him.
 Nan changed the subject hur- riedly.
 Later, Joan followed the boys out Into the garden. The weather had taken a turn for the better it was as warm and sunny as a May morning. She sniffed the country air deliciously as she went.
 Where are you boys going?' she asked.
 ITO find Mir. Lyster" came back to her Tn d chorus. You can come too, if you like"
 Joan hesitated she looked back at the house. Nan had come to the door and was calling to her
 I'm coming in a minute, Joan caught hold of Claudio and detained him.
 Can you keep a secret?" sht asked, in whisper. Claudie's eyes shone.
 Yes" he said, with an emphatic nod. | Joan produced a letter from he pocket - she folded 1t and crushed it into his fat little hand.
 (To Be Continued)