Part 14 (2/2)
”What we all do!” growled George.
”Yes, but some ways are so much more agreeable than others. His profession was to have been along the path of glory.”
”What is that?”
”Why, the Army, of course.”
”And now his profession is checking inventories and cargoes. As he is new to the business, he will have his hands fairly full for the next few months; so, my dear Polly, don't turn his head just _yet_.”
”As if I ever turned anybody's head.”
”I cannot answer for others, but you certainly turned mine.”
”Ah, but that was twelve years ago; I'm afraid my fascinations have faded since then. Joking apart, George, Milly has left me two legacies--two proteges to befriend. Shafto is one--I am to invite him to tea, and talk to him with wisdom, and win his complete and entire confidence.”
”Oh! and the other?”
”The other is Miss Leigh, whom she chaperoned from home. She is living with an aunt, who is married to a German named Krauss.”
”Yes, I know; a poisonous chap!”
”So she seems to think, and that this girl, who by all accounts is very pretty and charming, and a marvellous pianist, has been lured out to act as maid and housekeeper, and save the pocket of Herr Krauss. Now, as I have two legacies, I want to know if you will take one of them off my hands?”
”As if my hands were not full!”
”Yes, officially, only; now I offer you your choice. Which will you have? Shafto or the girl?”
”You need scarcely ask; I'll take the girl, of course, and leave you Shafto.”
”Oh, you are an old silly!” she exclaimed, ruffling up his grizzled hair; ”I wonder which of us will have the better bargain.”
With regard to the subject of Mrs. Gregory's conversation, Douglas set to work with the proverbial enthusiasm of a new broom and soon became--as Salter had predicted--a cog in the whirling wheels of a machine. But Thursday being the Station holiday, he hired a taxi and had himself driven out to Kokine, in order to call on Mrs. Krauss and Miss Leigh; unfortunately his journey proved to be a waste of time and money. The leisurely servant who emerged from the entrance of ”Heidelberg,” salver in hand, accepted his visiting-card with a salaam, and then announced with stolid unconcern:
”Missis can't see.”
CHAPTER XIV
THE MANTLE OF FERNANDA
During the long and weary wait whilst the _Blanks.h.i.+re_ was being made fast, Sophy Leigh and her girl friends had collected in a group taking leave of one another and making plans for future meetings.
”I must say I envy you,” said Lena Morgan, the elder of the two plain, pleasant sisters, whose father was ”something in timber.” ”You will be the darling of enormously rich relatives, have several motors, and horses galore.”
”I'm not so sure,” she gaily rejoined. ”'Galore' is such a big word, but from what my aunt has told us, I believe I shall have what is called 'a good time,' and I hope everyone of us will share it. I expect Aunt Flora will be here to meet me,” she added with happy certainty.
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