The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-10-31
CHAPTER VII

Co1u NE pO1nL-Dlank Chat she
doesn't intend to live in Parville.
Frankly I've been stalling. I told
Olive that I had to help Father
out for little just now, because
his office help is leaving. But
now she's talking about an ex-
tended cruise"
I'm what possible way do I fit
in this?" Vic asked.
well, it's like this, old chap, I
don't know what you're knocking
down here or what you think
your chances are. So I was Won
dering why you couldn't arrange
for leave of absence for time,
pinch hit for me with the old gen.
tleman while I'm away. You'd be
so much better than I, he'd be
glad to be rid of me. I mean it. :"
"I'm not sure get that" Vic
admitted slowly. 'You mean I
should give up a permanent job
for a temporary one?"
mo. Get a leave. If your boss
gets fussy, you can easily line up
another berth. I know darned
well that Father would make it
worth your while"
Vic slowly shook his head. cts
the craziest thing I ever heard
Of"
"Just the same, it appeals to
you"
I'm a way. I don't think you ap-
preciate the reputation your ia
Their has in this state as a jurist.
It would be quite an opportuni-
ty for any cub like myself to be
associated with him. That's the
only reason I'd ever consider it
not at all for the reason you
have in mind. That's crazier still"
"Please think it over carefully,
Vic. You can save the happiness
of several people, swear"
81 wonder. It will take a heap
of consideration. See me next
time you're up. I won't promise a
thing. still think it's crazy"
s.
Jeffrey Castles suggestion that
Victor take his place in the Of
flee while he would be on his no
neymoon brought the considera-
ton the young lawyer promised,
and great deal more. Victor rea-
liked that he was yearning to &C
cept it because it would bring
him so near to- Audrey Swan.
Now he cursed himself helplessly
for having told her of his love.
Desperate, he put in call for
Audrey without any clear idea
of what he was going to say. He,
would have to trump up some ex-
cuse for an interview; then what?
Unfortunately, the operator re-
ported that his party was not at
the number given. Would he talk
to anyone else? It was Mrs. Swan
who took the call. 81 wanted to
speak to Audrey just a minute"
he attempted, twill she be at
home after dinner?"
II doubt it, Martha replied.
"Audrey's in the city. She broke
a filling yesterday and left ear
ly this morning. She hoped the
dentist would be able to take care
of her today. If not, she said she
would stay over. Her dentist is
Doctor Llewellyn. He's in the
Medical Arts. You might just
happen to catch her there. know
she would be glad to see you"
Thanks lot. I'll do that.
Goodby." He found Audrey there.
'eWe're going some place to have
LUNCH" Vic enlightened her as
he led the way to the elevators.
At small table in secluded
corner of grill room Audrey
said, Nov tell me what it's all
about"
''Well, it has to do with our old
pal, jeff"
whats he done? Trying to
back out of things?"
mo. Trying to back in" Vic
tor briefly sketched the situation.
"He thinks he's stuck for a
lengthy honeymoon and he's beg
ging me to pinch hit for him with
his father"
"Why don't you?"
Lets skip that one for a min
ute," Victor pondered a little
over his next words. IF the sit
uation were different I'll admit
I'd Jump at the chance to be
around the old Judge, more or
less. It would be the post-grad-
uate course of lifetime"
whats holding you back?
=
''You. Look here, Audrey. You
know what I'm driving at. Moth
ing has changed with me. But
suppose I'd turned up in Parvllle
for an indefinite stay. Frankly,
wouldn't you have thought it In