CHAPTER XXXVI. (Continued). MR CUDEMORE GETS UNEASY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2254, 18 December 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER XXXVI. (Continued). MR CUDEMORE GETS UNEASY.

Whk>t she and Bessie had fetched the other three back from the library, as it was the custom to call James Foxborough's own den, Mrs Foxborough sat down to make acquaintance with Phil Soames, while Morant was left to entertain the two girls. Mrs Foxborough was a quick-witted woman, and nhe had heard much of Phil's business qualifications from Herbert. She was much struck with his quiet, shrewd remarks, for she had turned the conversation on Soames' s own business and position, and what he thought of Herbert's chance of prospering iv the opeuing his firm had so kindly afforded him, «nd her heart felt light about the prospect of her daughters as she likened to Phil's clear exposition of the future. Suddenly it flashed across her that she sorely needed someone to advise her. Why could she not cow fide her trouble about the Syriuga to the clearheaded son-in-law that was to be. She paused for a moment and then said, 'Mr Soamep, I want your advice,' and then without further preliminary she poured into Phil's ears the stories of her difficulties with Mr Cuderaore. 1 Don't be alarmed, Mrs Foxborough,' replied Soames quietly, as she concluded. • I've no doubt in the first place, when this bullying money-lender is confronted with a sharp solicitor we shall find his power over th« Syriuga to be mythical. Secondly, I have no doubt that when the mortgage has to be paid off I can obtaiu the money for you if the property is anything like what you represent it to be. Lastly, with your permission, I'll call in my partner in embryo. I've a notion in days gone by he also patronised this Cudemore ; he might give us a hint, and mind, Mrs Foxboroutfh, I'm training him to business. Come here, Herbert, we want you for a minute.' • Yes, and he's rather popular on that side the room just now,' replied Nid. 1 Mamma monopolising two young meu in nheer tyranny.' •We only want him for two minutes, Nid.' reuliGd Soames laughingly. ' A matter of business ' lOh ! dear ; v\ c don't require him in that capacity in the least ; you had better go, Mr.' ' What is it ?' said Herbert, as he crossed the room. ' You told me one nijrht at Baumbornu^ht, if I don't mistake, that you once had some dealings with a moneylender of the name of Cudemore V ' Yes, tho thief, he's slippery as an eul. What about him ?' • May I tell him, Mrs Foxborough ?' asked Phil. The manageress nodded assent, and then Soames told the story of Mr Cuderuore'j* audacious claim to look into the books, bee the receipts, and otherwise interfere with the management of tht> Syrmga. • The confounded scoundrel,' exclaimed Morant,' 'I've half a mind to brc»ik every bone in his body, only I've an idea it is unnecessary. Listen, Phil, th« j forty-eight hours' stipulated in up. We came prepared to stay the nijfht in town Let Bessie stay here as originally proposed, but let you and I instead of going to an hotel take the first train back to Baumborough. Be guided by me thi* time, Phil.' 'Herbert's quick enough, Mrs Foxborough, when he takes the trouble to think. He knows what he's talking* about now, and I don't, but I have no hesitation about putting myself into his hand?.' ' Good ! Mrs Foxborougb," said Morant, ' I may be mistaken, but I've an impression Cuderaore will trouble us no more. ' • And I feel sure,' said Philip, as ho bade his hostess adieu, 'that mortgage can be arranged. Remember you've a light to claim my assistance now.' Then the two young men made their farewell to the girls. Bessie kissed her fiance 6, and shook hands with her future brother-in-law ; if they thought it necessary th^y should go no doubt it wa* so ; but Nid was not to be dismissed so easily. The little coquette effected to pout, and said that if Herbert and her new brother wore satisfied with such a flying visit as that she was afraid the sight of her was not much in the King's eyes, and here she looked at Phil, but at this juncture her lover caught her in his arms, who, lifting her up off her feet, snatched half-a-dozen kisses, then puttintr her down breathless and indignant, rushed out of the room followed by Phil. 'Ah !' said Nid, when she was able to speak, 'that's what ifc is to be little ; nobody, not even strong, tall Phil could subject you to such an outrage.' 'Oh, yes,' rejoined Bessie, laughing, 'I fancy he could if he tried, and I don't think, my dear, I should feel any worse about than you do.' 'Miss Hyde. I'm ashamed of you,' rejoined Nid, demurely; 'come and have some tea.