PAID IN FULL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21229, 27 September 1940, Page 11

PAID IN FULL

I NEW SERIAL STORY 5

by H. S. Sarbert

CHAPTER IX—(Continued) Viola looked straight at him, and there were many questions trembling on her lips. She knew that there was some big trouble up in London, otherwise Mr Preston would not have sold up his shop and goodwill. True, he had spread it abroad that he wanted to make his home in London so as to be near his boy. That was a sort of excuse that had been generally accepted, because it was known how fond he was of his son. Put there was something, and Viola had decided that her grandfather had been right when he had said that it was to do with Harry. Perhaps David guessed at the thoughts that were passing through the girl’s mind. “You’re to be trusted, Viola—l know that,” he said. “You’ve proved your worth, my dear—you’ve proved what you would do for Harry *’ “Or for you,” she put in. “I’d do anything for either of you.” "That’s fine of you. Then I’ll just tell you this—there’s been a—well, a little upset ” “And Harry’s in ” “Harry’s in no trouble, and no danger,” his father stated. “Make your mind quite easy now on that score. I give you my word for it, and I wouldn’t tell you a lie. Harry is quite all right, you’re not to worry about him. He’s going to do all the big things we thought he was going to do. I don’t know how you feel about him, Viola. I know what your granddad thinks—that you should put him out of your mind altogether and look around for someone else—someone who would make you happy ” “There’s only one man in all the world who would ever be able to make me happy, Mr Preston,” Viola told him. “You’ve trusted me—and I know I can trust you. Harry is going to marry someone else, and I—l wouldn’t have him know how I feel for the world. I wouldn’t do or say a thing that would make him—well, feel sorry for me. “That—that’s just the thing I

never could tolerate,” Viola went on, and she spoke huskily. “I—l think I should want to go right away and : hide myself and never look anyone : in the lace again if—if Harry knew j that. But I can tell you; in fact, j I’m rather proud that you should j know that whatever Harry may have ! done, or whatever the future may ! hold, I shall always love him.” i There was something very wonI derful in these words, about the ; girl’s face, the look in her eyes as j she spoke. j It was just then that the signal ' went down. David took the girl in j his arms and kissed her, very genti iy- ! “I’ll write to you, my dear. I’ll I let you know how we get along,” he said. “Harry’s not married yet. I can’t tell what will happen—but I i believe all will yet be well—and I’m going on hoping—hoping for the break in the clouds and the sun ; shining in the blue sky, and everyI thing happy and bright. And the greatest sunshine of all for me would be to see you and my boy coming out of yonder church—man and wife!” | With these words he left her. With ! eyes dimmed with tears Viola stood j and watched the tall, strong figure : going through the barrier. Mr Presi ton turned then and waved to her, ; and Viola forced a smile to her lips as she waved back. “Did Not Understand” The following day, David gave George Wyman his cheque for the amount necessary, and received a j receipt for it. David had to admit | that Mr Wyman had certainly been ! very decent about the whole matter. The tangle might have been far worse but for his assistance. ; “That puts things right for my boy, doesn’t it?” David said. “There will be no more trouble for him I after this?” Wyman nodded. “I give you my word about that,” jhe replied. “This clears everything jso far as he is concerned. It’s hara for you, Mr Preston,” and I appreI ciate the way you have acted.” I “There was no other way for me to act,” David said. “But your son ” “My son did not understand. He was guiltless of any intention to defraud, sir. He was just a victim. I want you to believe that.” “I do believe it,” Wyman replied. “And that is one reason why I am going to make you an offer. I don’t knoj/ whether you have made any arrangements for Harry’s future—” j "I haven’t,” Harry’s father stated. “I did suggest that he might go back .to his old firm at Shalford, but he won’t hear of that, and I—l couldn’t j very well press it.” Which was true enough. David had not pressed the matter. The Preston pride had shown itself there. He did not want Harry to go back to be sneered at, any more than j Harry wanted to himself. No, | Hajry had come to London to make I good before he returned. When he I had something to talk about, when ! he had a definite position would be time to return, and not before. Wyman understood, and his next reI mark was a very pleasant surprise I for David.

He suggested that Harry migh'. like to enter the office of a firm of architects and surveyors in which he had an interest. It was an old established and very respectable firm. It would mean, of course, that Harry would have to start at the bottom of the ladder again, but it would be a start for him, and he would be paid a salary—just enough to keep himself. Then it would be up to him as to what progress he made. David was delighted with the suggestion, and there was real gratitude in his eyes as he thanked the solicitor. “I'm sure of it,” David replied. “Very well, then, Mr Preston. Here’s the address.” Wyman scribbled a few lines on a piece of paper, a brief introduction. “Tell Harry to go there next Monday week—and they will start him to work right away. The salary will be two pounds a week at the commencement, and I’ll keep my eye on him!” David rose to his feet, stretching out his hand. (To be continued daily)