Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1926-05-08

a good deal and talked jerkily: NaA
was surprised to discover that he
rather bored her: she was relieved
when he rose to go.
when shall ! see you again?. he
asked.
Nan was family amazed.
Whenever you like she said
Come over when you like: am al.
ways glad to see you"
II wish could believe that" he
said bluntly.
How u Mr.. Lyster7" Nan asked
She felt that It was u safeguard
TO thrust Peters name between them.
Arnott pulled his caps over hi,
eyes savasely.
'He hasn't been up to the mark
lately" he said. Chap seems to be
worrying about something
Nan caught her breath.
"worryinsr' -
yes" Arnott did not look at her
! didn't know him 90 wen. I
should say he Was worried over mai.
ness matters. but AZ It 10 :"
"Tou mean money!" Nan asked.
He shrugged his shoulders.
I've always found him most
scrupulous: one OF tho straiehtest
chaps know" He glanced down NJ
her. But you don't want me to tell
you that" he added.
"No," said Nan. ~ don't need you
to ten me that"
They were walking siowly down
the garden. and Arnott suddenly
turned. hooking at her with pleading
eyes.
Miss Neutrality-suspicious. won't
think I'm an awful rotter II I-ifT
ask you Ca personal question:
"No-please do" She thought she
knew what was coming. He ran an
asitated finger round his soft collar.
It's about Lyster I--you -.
would it b possible .fop-for any
other fellow-to-t5st stand q ghost
or chance. mean-a ghost of
q chance--with your
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 II you met a decent chap
Ia chap who would go straight
and--and be good to you-perhaps
:. In time oh. I hope you don't
hate me for asking your"
IT don't mind you asking me-" she
said. frankly. Though I should
hate 1t from some people. And
don't mind telling you--though there
is hardly anyone else in the world I
would tell-that I'm afraid I'm-Tm
one OF those poor creatures-who
can't forget. I've never cared for
anyone except Peter in all my
Life. =" A little sigh shook her.
Il don't think it's likely that shall
ever care for anyone else" she added.
Arnott squared his shoulders.
THANK you." he said quietly. "I
He stood beside her for q moment,
then suddenly he caught her hand in
his and raised Il awkwardly to his
lips.
Nan gave O little protesting cry.
but somehow she was pleased, and
before she could say q word he had
opened the gate and was striding of
down the lane at q tremendous rate,
There was q suspicious moisture
IN Mans eyes as she looked after
him.
He'd make somebody a splendid
husband" she thought. 1T wish--I
almost wish :" but she did nor
inish 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.
rhey had all seen her. she knew. and
Claude ran forward from the others
towards her. calling out that he had
found birds nest with four eggs
IN 1t.
Nan opened the gate. She felt as
4 she were walking on air.
oh. Claudie!' she said reproacb.
fully She bent over the child to hide
her face from Peter "Oh, I hone
you didn't tako Them" che said.
He wouldn't let me-" he said with
4 backward jerk OF his head I'm
Peters direction.
Quite right. too Nan declared:
she had to meet Peter now: she
forced her eyss to his face.
Go Be Continued