New Britain herald., 1930-10-25

l pcncQ to my eyes dllHOSt as IlluCIl | for Lytton's sake as my own.' Grannock was deeply moved. But l have another friend, Lester, a lady who's coming to see me tomorrow afternoon. Pm going to persuad , | her not 10 stay in my life because we'll it's obviously not worth offer ing her, now. But I'd like you to meet her. I'm anxious tor you to tell me what she is like. She won't mind.'
 You bet. Til describe her to you. Only 1 cant do it tomorrow, Seeks. as I'll be in town"
 What I'm thinking of is that you'll soon be wanting this place to yourself. 1 remember before I got back you wrote me that you wanted to marry and settle down. Who is it, old man?"
 Lester hesitated.
 "Who it is--or Was-doesn't mat ter now. The whole idea is impos- sible," he said at length.
 But surely-"
 Ut is impossible for the same rea- son that it is impossible for me |, meet the lady who is coming hers tomorrow"
 What reason %
 Nurse Ellesmore."
 "I'm afraid didn't grasp all that you implied just now said Gran mock. You say you met this girl in the hall last nigbt. Had she heard your latchkey?"
 "S'pose so."
 And not knowing she was on duty, of course, you invited her into the drawing room. l gathered from Lytton that she stayed there until about four
 q was asleep by the time she left but I guess Lytton's correct. The point is, Socks, that I feel that I've injured her reputation. I've even taken away her means of getting I living"
 q don't think so." Grannock's She's done for as a nurse, I admit, but that's because she left her joo Of looking after me in this room and stayed away: not because she spent the time in the drawing-room with you"
 Lester gracefully abandoned thar line of argument.
 "Yes, I sec. You're right there, O. course. Anyway. I have injured her reputation. There are no two ways about that"
 "Is she a respectable girl?'
 Absolutely"
 What's she like?'
 Rather lovely Dark. Dark eyes and hair and dark eyebrows, one tilted little higher than the other
 q meant, what is she like in character? Is she-does she come of good people?"
 "Yes. She doesn't seem to know anything much about her parents. but she was brought up by rela- tive who was ohay what's the matter?"
 Nothing. Just a queer coinci- oencc. Go on
 Lester took a deep breath. His lizard-lik mind, darting in and out of the whole situation, saw the morass into which he had so nearly floundercd.
 Shes sensible and level headed and energetic. Everything I'm not. She has only one weakness and that's well. she's terribly keen about mo, Socks. Was from the first. That was at the bottom of the whole business last night of course"
 What is your feeling for her?'
 I'm fond enough of her 10 make her happy"
 Do you consider you owe it to her to ask her to marry you?"
 "Yes, I do. Only, l want your opinion.'
 You're the only person who can judge." Grannock looked ex- Eausted.
 to marry without your consent" murmured Lester.
 If you feel it's the decent thing to do Tn the circumstances" sail Grannock with unconscious irony. "it is the decent thing. Naturally I must give my consent"
 Lester drew another deep breath. He had got old Socks exactly where hI' wanted him.
 Thanks a lot, Socks. I knew you'd help me make up my mind I'll go in town tomorrow, then, and see her.
 'She has left Southcliff?"
 'So I understand. I may have to stay up for a day or two but