322 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



Jack unlocked the drawer and fumbled with it. 



" I must give another proof of discovery," Lavvy said. 

 "There is a knob underneath, you must press that." 



Jack sat back on his heels as he knelt on the floor with 

 the open drawer before him. 



*' I've seen the late Squire put a book under his chair many 

 a time, but I thought he put it on the floor, the carpet is 

 thick, you know." 



For some time the two sat very close together, whilst Jack 

 read the Will aloud. After sundry comments he said : — 



" Lavvy, dear, this rather upsets my plans." 



Her face fell ever so little as she asked the reason. 



" Don't you see it becomes a serious question which sub- 

 ject I broach first." 



" Oh, ask for me first." 



''Why?" 



" Because dad is more likely to say ' no '." 



His arm stole round her slim waist — well, never mind, we 

 will pass that over. Several minutes elapsed before she 

 kissed her hand to him in the doorway, and said : — 



" I'll tell dad you want to see him." 



" Before the door opened again it seemed to Jack Morgan 

 that he had walked the best part of a mile up and down the 

 room. 



" Good morning, Morgan ; nice day, but we are in a 

 pretty good fix; I'm glad you have come over." Mr. Bads 

 worth came briskly in. 



** It's a wonderful fine day," said Jack. " I have — er — an 

 important question to ask you ; in fact, sir, I want you to 

 consent to my marrying your daughter." 



Charles Badsworth's genial manner changed, and for quite 

 a minute he looked at the carpet in silence. Then he glanced 

 up quickly and said : — 



" I suppose it was bound to come somewhen. I think, 

 Morgan, I would prefer you to any one else I know as a son- 

 in-law. I always have said that when the time came Lavvy 

 should choose for herself. I presume she has done so," 



