Part 39 (1/2)

”H'mm.” Mr. Wellington looked at his wife gravely. ”What is it now, Belle? Have they eloped, or what?”

”I am sure I haven't the slightest idea,” replied that lady yawning.

”Not interested, eh?” There was sort of a chirrup in the man's voice.

”Not the slightest,” was the reply with rising emphasis. ”Anne might as well marry--or elope with--Lieutenant Armitage as some one equally or more objectionable to me.”

”Oh, Mrs. Wellington!” cried Sara. ”Jack Armitage is eminently eligible, really. As I told you, I know all about him.”

As Mrs. Wellington smiled her wintry smile and was about to reply, there was a flash of white in the doorway.

An instant later Anne had darted into the room and launched herself into her father's lap.

”Father!”

Ronald Wellington studied his daughter's flushed face for a moment, the sparkling eyes, the parted lips, the disarranged hair, the wet, bedraggled gown, and the bruised forehead.

”Where is he? Did you find him?” he asked. ”You look as though you had conducted a strenuous search, Anne.”

With a laugh, Anne, radiant as a spirit, ran out into the hall and when she returned she had Jack by the hand.

”Father, mother, here is Jack Armitage--Lieutenant Armitage of--of our Navy.”

Mr. Wellington slowly arose.

”Say, Armitage,” he said, ”I know your father. He has been a mighty capable enemy of mine, or, rather, to my interests. What have you to say to that?”

Jack met his eyes with a brave smile.

”I 'm sorry to hear that, sir. But he won't be any longer. I 'll fix that.”

”Of course we will,” cried Anne.