New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1925-10-03
NEA Service
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breath.
No" he said bluntly. I'm sorry
for yon--thats ALL"
Sorry" Mans voice was indig-
nant. How dare you say such
things?" Then suddenly she broke
down; she sat down on the hard
wooden chair behind her and leaned
her head on her hand.
"Yes, you're right to be sorry for
me-" she said in a stifled voice, II
think Tn the most unhappy woman
in all the world"
He took her hand in his and
patted 1t with vague attempt at
comfort,
"why have you done IT," he
asked
She gave long sigh. why"
oh, don't know; lots of reasons
too many to tell you now. Hes
rich, for one thing, and | love
money Then--then :"
Arnott broke in angriy, 81 don't
want to hear any more excuses like
that: tell me the real one"
There isn't a real one--at
least .-. -
Nan raised her eyes II don't see
why you need get so upset about
it." she sad. mine isn't the only
engagement flying about the village.
+ heard Of another one yesterday
much more interesting one, too"
She took Hp the half-peeled apple
ard the knife and went on with her
work, but her hands trembled and
she peeled the apple eXtravagantly.
Arnott watched her for mo-
ment with perplexed eyes. You
don't mean-me >" he asked then.
"You-no"
He gave a little exclamation.
"Not-Peter,"
Mans hand ierked suddenly, and
the knife slipped and cut her finger
an ugly cash,
She found her handkerchief and
wound il round anyhow: she would
not let Arnott look at It,
Its nothing" she said-"nothing.
Please don't bother
"If you mean Peter" Arnott said
presently, its all tommyrot' lie
looked. at her with sudden suspicion.
who is he supposed to be engaged
to, for heavens sake?" he asked ir-
ritably.
II never said I meant him" Nan
cried in a panic. ITS nothing to
me of he chooses to get married. |
dare say shall be married before
he is. anyway-and ~
Yes" said Arnott, 81 should
think that is quite possible"
blessed II can understand you!
T thought you cared so much for
Iyster that Oh, all right ! m
sorry ." He sauntered away to
the window ard stood staring into
the garden INster has applied TO
the war office to send him back TO
France" he said suddenly
He heard Nan catch her breath.
But they won't take him, will
thew" she asked. Il should nave
thought Oh you don't think
they will take him, do you
Arnott shrugged his shoulders.
Hes soon got tired Of being
here" Nan said.
"Fe made up his mind in deuce
OF a hurry. anyway Arnott an
tswered, "Only yesterday morning
he said he hoped they Wouldn I
send him for a month or So aud
then last night he came in and saih
he was going TO write at once ana
ask TO be sent back--hc wrote, TOO.
Last night" .
"Yes-hc's a rum chap-cant
make him out. We did our hest to
dissuade him. but he wouldn't
listen. I thought Doris had some
influence with him, too
Yes" said Nan, quietly L
thought she had
Arnott swung round: he stared
at her for moment without speak
ing then he said:
You don't like my sister, Miss
Marraby.'
Nan trieG to deny H.
ct do-how absurd-of course,
10: why, I've only seen her once in
my life"
"She takes a bit of knowing, Ar
mott said. thoughtfully. But shes
one of the best when YOU do know
her. she behaved like a brick when
her husband was killed-and she
adored him, too .'Id like &c
make bet that she'll never marry
again"
Nan sat very still, her left hand
clasped tightly over the wounded
finger"
81 don't believe it." she was say
ing in her heart. It's Just that h
doesn't want to burt me.
The kitchen door opened abrupt
ly. Mary thrust a scared FACE
round,
Mr.. Seton, please, Miss Nan"
: Arnott swore under his breath
Nan rose hurriedly
s "In a moment--ask him in tn
/ schooroom-I'l he there in mo
ment." She turned TO Arnott: "So
,. don't mind if ask YOU TO go"
e 81 was going, anyway" he an
n swered,