Part 9 (1/2)

”I didn't know it, Iris; but ahted to learn the fact on your indisputable authority,” I answered

She flung a handful of grass sprays at

”Don't use those beastly long words,” she said ”No, but really I alance of the pretty blue eyes full uponI own to having felt in my innermost self considerably moved thereby

”Ithe action to the ith a sweep of mock elaboration ”Miss Matterson, will you second the resolution just proposed?” I added, turning to Beryl

”Ah, why do you always say 'Miss Matterson'?” interrupted Iris decisively ”It's so stiff Why don't you say 'Beryl'?”

”May I?” was the obvious rejoinder--indeed, the only possible one

”Why not, Mr Holt? I'm sure if there is anybody e have every reason to look upon as one of ourselves it is you” Yet with the words, frank and friendly as they were, ever so slight a colour had come into the sweet calm face But before I could make any reply Iris emitted a loud whistle

”Look at that, Beryl,” she cried derisively ”And then you call hi to remark upon,” I said

”Very well, then,” said Beryl ”Then I won't do it again” This tiht a momentary look in those soulful eyes that would have justifiedany other frantic and maniacal manoeuvre indicative of delirious exaltation

”Then it's a bargain,” I said

”Yes,” siven rise to that dear child's original remark was a certain conversation that had been held that -out time

”Why don't you ether, Holt?”

Brian had said, as, the job aforesaid over, ere leaning against a gate watching the flocks strearounds ”You seem to take to the life, too Man, you'll never feel at horinding away at figures Why don't you cut loose from it all, and fix up out here? You can do it Don't you think he ought, dad?”

”I think he ht do worse,” was the answer ”As you say, he seeh to it”

With the words an idea had flashed into my brain, an idea that was as a veritable illumination

”But before I could start on my own account I should want a precious deal ot at present,” I said ”There are heaps of things I should have to learn”

”Yes, you would have a good deal to learn,” said Septi a match with his hands as he lit his pipe

”Look here, Mr Matterson,” I said, coht to the point ”Will you teachin the way of a premium that you may think fair, I shall be only too happy--er--er--that I am content to leave entirely to you,” I stuttered

Septi puffs of s handsome face Then he said--

”I don't often swear, Holt, as I believe you'll bearto make an exception Premium be damned!”