MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 323 



Of course Jack was ready with a full explanation. 



" By the way, I noticed your name did not appear in the 

 list which accompanied the petition which people sent to 

 Lavvy through her aunt." 



Charles Badsworth's eyes twinkled as he spoke in a 

 manner which reminded Jack of Hugo's portrait. 



" No, it did not," Jack replied. 



Charles Badsworth laughed. '* Take good care of her, 

 that is all I ask." 



" There is another important matter, sir," Jack said, 

 when the first convenient pause occurred. " To me it is 

 of secondary importance, but at the same time it gives me 

 great pleasure to tell you ; I have here a later Will of the 

 late Mr. Hugo Badsworth than that which we have had to 

 act on. To me it appears to be fully correct, and the two 

 witnesses are alive." 



Then of course much time was spent. 



The news travelled fast. 



Lady Flora Parkfield pulled up her cobs to ask Alf Diccox 

 after the welfare of his invalid daughter. After a suitable 

 reply and favourable allusions to both Miss Badsworth and 

 her niece, Alf overflowed. " They do say, my lady, as the 

 Squire's right Will has been found, Mr. Charles is to 'ave it 

 all. You see, ma'am, my daughter Clara she valets the 

 young lady." This was by way of accounting for the rightful 

 possession of the news. 



" Dear me I Really, you don't say so ! " her ladyship 

 exclaimed, and then drove straight to Newnton Lodge. 



" My dear boy, I do congratulate you," she said as she 

 was shown in. " I came on at once when I heard it. Just 

 as my cobs have got used to motors in the ordinary way, 

 Toby Sorter must needs crawl under his and kick his legs 

 about ; however, I didn't go far up the bank, and now tell 

 me all about it. I am so glad." 



♦' I thought you would be. Lady Flora. You know she is 

 the very nicest girl " 



" Nicest girl ! What ? You don't mean to say — I 



21 * 



