I20 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



" I daresay it was an odd request, Mr. Morgan. I must 

 have been engrossed in my ' private theatricals,' for it comes 

 to that, only they will be rather public. When in a play the 

 war-worn, long-lost lover returns, covered with wounds and 

 glory, it is such a pity to produce him in a brand new uni- 

 form. Now I think of it, you probably never had such a 

 question put to you before." 



*' Oh, I have indeed, but not by a lady, you know. There 

 is a certain old man who periodically " 



" Now you are laughing at me, Mr. Morgan." 



'' Not in the least, but you will understand it was not the 

 request so much as the petitioner. Hadn't we better get out 

 of the sun ? " 



If Jack Morgan preserved any revulsion of feeling whilst 

 Lavvy explained her views of the necessity of the case, it 

 was only temporary. So innocent was the girl, and so 

 entirely wrapped up in securing Miss Badsworth's claim, 

 that in a quarter of an hour his prejudices collapsed, and he 

 found himself entering into certain details as matters of 

 necessity, and recalling what Charles Badsworth had said 

 to his sister. 



"Oh, I wish it were Cornwall!" Lavvy exclaimed. "I 

 know I shall disgust everybody, myself included, but it's the 

 * only way out,' as I think you said, Mr. Morgan. I have 

 promised auntie, and I am going through with it." 



"You won't disgust everybody, anyway," Jack replied (he 

 was probably speaking for himself). " I think I have the 

 very coat you want, long, such as hunt servants wear ; it has 

 seen plenty of rough weather." 



Lavvy hated herself for colouring as she said " Thanks ! " 



This time they parted in peace and with some content- 

 ment, 



