A SUBSTITUTE FOR BEAE'S GREASE, 105 



" Arc your engagements deep in the matter of 

 that article ? " asked Norman. 



" Why, yes, I confess I have been rash enough to 

 pledge myself pretty heavily," the young fellow 

 admitted, with a bit of a blush showing even 

 through the brick-dusty complexion sun and ex- 

 posure had produced. 



" Are your promised favours general ? or is the 

 principal portion to be reserved for one fair in- 

 dividual ? Ah ! I suspect Miss Verney will benefit 

 most by your success." 



" Now, don't chaff ! If I have promised that 

 young lady, it is only reasonable. She has the 

 prettiest and softest hair in the station." 



" And therefore the less requires the addition of 

 grease," said Norman. " I will take your word for 

 its being soft, as I cannot speak from actual expe- 

 rience tangible experience. Now, if you had only 

 promised old Mrs. Jenkins a bottle or two, it would 

 have been real charity. / have done so." 



" Because you couldn't help yourself," retorted 

 Hawkes. " I heard all about the old woman bully- 

 ing you at dinner, the last time you dined with 

 the Brigadier. But hang it, she might have been 

 contented with one bottle. I hear she asked for six. 

 Is that true ? " 



Norman laughed as he replied, " Quite true. But 



