Evening star., 1936-11-22
kosazins Section

around Joan. but you've known one another
only month";
Its customary in my country" Derwent
drawled. Ito see what Father thinks, before
announcing an engagement"
"Oh, but sirr' Michael exclaimed. Surely
you can not raise up any obstacle to such an
alliance?"
We're just crazy about each other" Joan
murmured. nesting her head against her
mothers shoulder.
"All the same. DEAR" said Mrs. Cappel
quietly, you must give us time to think it
over"
Although he had not actually said so,
knew that Derwent did not approve of
Michael de SAUCER. was glad. but foresaw
trouble Joan was young, inexperienced, fool
ish in the sense that many young girls are
foolish; but she had all the tenacity which
distinguished her fathers character.
Baron de Sauger had to return to town that
night and Joan undertook to drive him
to catch the eleven-ive Mrs. Cappel and l
saw them off from the back porch. When they
had gone roaring headlong through the ranks
of fir trees, we returned to rejoin Derwent
who had remained with his pipe and drink
in nook of the library.
you know" he said, 1--WE quite made up
my mind i don't like Michael de SAUCER"
He happened 50 suddenly that I'm still
uncertain. his wife replied. dropping on to a
settee and lighting cigarette
you were certain, dead certain. way ahead
of me. dear." Derwent growled. you haven't
any more use for him than have" He turned
to me: Help yourself - it's at your elbow
l feel this way: I'm a man that worked hard
to make his way in the world. don't have
to look back to the Cappel ancestors to
justify my existence. I'm glad to be in home
that once belonged to a member of the family
- fine; but nobody gave it to me. I'm not
out to buy titles that mean nothing
wouldn't be any happier. nor would Henrietta,
if Joan became Baroness de Sanger tomorrow.
Although she's my daughter. say that l
think Joan's crazy
There was short silence to be broken by
Mrs. Cappel. Il don't think Joan is dazzled
by Michael's title" she said quietly. "As
woman. can see that the man is personally
attractive. don't like him any the better
for it. because always suspect that sort of
man of having cultivated his appeal to
women. But the fact remains that he has this
appeal, and whilst agree with you, D.. at
the same time can sympathize with JOAN"
Try to sympathize with me-" Derwent
suggested. He wants me to settle hundred
thousand dollars on them. That's what he
calls dot"
Il had expected it," his wife returned
calmly. I'm only afraid that if we oppose
Joan, she'll do something rash.'
We were still discussing the problem at
twelve-forty-hve, and l could see that my
host and hostess were getting worried about
Joan. For my own part had decided that.
having missed the train, she was driving
Michael to London. Then we heard her voice
somewhere outside, and moment later she
came running into the library.
''Mum! she cried, 1--WE had most mar
vellous experience! Oh, Dad!" she turned to
Derwent, Il met the most wonderful man!
l mean l could have fallen in love with him
on the spot - in fact, think have. Except
of course, that he's very odd -"
How do you mean - odd?" Derwent in
quired.
Joan dropped down beside him, grasped his
hand.