Part 45 (1/2)
Then Alice got up with a quiet grace he thought stately and stood facing hie new softness in her eyes that had yet a hint of pride
”I don't think I aht to choose my husband for myself” She paused and his heart beat fast as he waited until she resu I came to the orchard I had chosen you”
He held out his hands with a low cry of triu Foster saw Featherstone, who listened without surprise, and then remarked: ”It would perhaps have been better if you had come to me before the matter went so far; but I can't lay ”
”I couldn't, sir You see, until last night----”
Featherstone nodded ”Yes, of course! But all that's done with I can't understand how the absurd notion cas did look suspicious,” said Foster, s
”Well,” resumed Featherstone, ”except for that ridiculous interval, I liked you fro, as did my wife Besides, it would be very hard for either of us to refuse you anything, and if Alice is satisfied--But there's another consideration; I understand froh Miss Stephen wants himent your share Well, you understand why I et on”
Foster, having succeeded better than he expected, thanked hi The Featherstones were co to stay there for a ti worked hard, but had now an object that spurred hie activity He resented the loss of tiht to trial and he had to attend the court
The h objected to by the defense, sufficed to prove that Fred Hulton had no complicity in the theft
A feeeks later, when Featherstone and his fa, Hulton sent for Foster
”I suppose you won't want to sell the mill?” he asked
”No,” said Foster ”Business looks like boon of agreeer trade than you have the uess you and Featherstone mean to continue the partnershi+p?”
”Yes,” said Foster, quietly, ”we stick together”
”Although he is going to marry a lady ill invest some money in the business? If your friendshi+p stands that test, it must be pretty sound But I'd better state why I sent for you Our trade is growing fast, and there's a risk of our running short of half-worked material
Well, if you won't sell your e it on a scale that will enable you to keep us going, besides coping with your other orders I'h proposition Give him the paper, Percival”