New Britain herald., 1925-09-29

went on furiousy. But you nevcv cared what became of me or your mother and brothers. as long as you were free to do as you liked and go your own way. This is my one chance-it's more than l dared hope for"
 And me- What about me and my happiness?" Nan asked, Her eyes were cold as stone.
 Nan turned and walked out of the room.
 There were some letters lying on the hall table. One was for her from Joan Endicott; she broke the Hap and drew out it's contents.
 Four pages of the usual small. superfluous chat, she supposed wear fly.
 But today Joan seemed to have struck deeper vein than usual; there was a very real anguish in the first few words--the wonderful Tim. it appeared. had gone back to France-his leave was at an end, and the world was desolate in conse- quence.
 'm all alone again, Nan-Tim has gone, and I feel as if my heart will break. To have to stay In the house where we have been so happy without him-to have nothing to look forward to. ....."
 Nan crumpled the letter angrily.
 Nothing to look forward to- when she had just lived through per- feet happiness! Nothing to look for ward to!-when she herself would have sacrified all the future for just one day out of the happy past.
 For two days Nan saw nothing of Peter. John Arnott came over once, but he seemed distrait and nervous; he had lost his usual cheerness.
 During the short while he was in the house he fidgeted about the room a good deal and talked jerkily; Nan was surprised to discover that he rather bored her; she was re- lieved when he rose to go.
 "When shall I see you again?' he asked.
 Nan was faintly amazed.
 "Whenever you like" she said. Come over when you like; l am all ways glad to see you"
 q wish ] could believe that,"' he said bluntly,
 How is Mr. Iyster"'" Nan asked.
 She felt that it was safeguard to thrust Peters name between them.
 Arnott pulled his cap over his eyes savagely.
 "He hasn't been up to the mark lately" he said. "Chap seems to be worrying about something"
 Nan caught her breath.
 "Worrying." | "Yes." Arnott did not look at her
 "Jt I didn't know him so well, 1 should say he was worried over busl- ness matters. but as it is ....'
 "You mean money?" Nan asked, He shrugged his shoulders.
 "I'ye always found him most scrupulous; one of the stra'ghtest chaps I know" He glanced down at her. But you don't want me to tell you that '" he added. "No," said Nan. T don't need 1 YOU to tell me that" They were walking slowly down the garden, and Arnott suddenly turned, looking at her with pleading eyes.
 Miss Marraby-you-you won't think I'm an awful rotter If Tiff ask you a--a personal question:"
 "No-please do." She thought she knew what vas coming. He ran an agitated finger round his soft collar.
 Its about Lyster.. .1-you. ... would it be possible for-for any other elloT-to-to-stand ghost of a chance. T mean-a ghost of chance-with you?" The words were incoherent; his face was fiery red long before he had finished.
 "Of course. know people don't ever care twice in the same way but but if you met a decent chap "a chap who would go straight and-and be good to you-perhaps .. in time. ... oh. hope you don't hate me for asking you?'
 "I don't mind you asking me" she said. frankly. Though l should hate 1t from some people. And I don't mind telling you-though there is hardly anyone else in the world I would tell--that I'm afraid I'm--I'm one of those poor creatures who can't forget. I've never cared for anyone except Peter in all may life. ." A little sigh shook her. q don't think it's likely that I shall ever care for anyone else" she add ed.
 Arnott squared his shoulders
 Thank you," he said quietly. T understand"
 He stood beside her for moment then suddenly he caught her hand in his and raised it awkwasdly to his lips,
 Nan sove little protesting cry. but somehow she was pleased, and before she could say word he had opened the lane at a tremendous rate,
 There was a suspicious moisture in | Mans eyes as she looked after him.
 He'd make somebody a splendid husband" she thought. "1 wish-l almost wish. ." but she did not | finish the sentence.
 What was the use of wishing any thing?
 She heard the boys voices down the road. and the next moment they | had turned the bend and were com ing towards her, with Peter Lyster himself.
 It was too late for Nan to escape.
 I.n mh