LOVE SHALL BE FIRST.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1427, 9 September 1918, Page 6 (Supplement)

LOVE SHALL BE FIRST.

Ht ARTHUR W. MARCH MONT; Author of "K Tight t'ornfr," "Th« Man M ho Who Dead,” Ktc. (All Rights RmtrTtd) niAI’TKU 111.-(Continue!). Hir Janies was waiting in the lounge, mid Frank was able in have a good look at him as he crossed to his chair. The Impression was not favourable. Small of stature an<t slight in figure, with a T.evvons, hesitating, rather underhand manner, a weak face, and a feeble smile that ‘‘wouldn’t eonio. off.’’ he was the very opposite of the usual type of successful City financier. lie had a little straggling moustache, which he lingered nervously as ho. watched Frank approach. holding the card promiuontly, “Sir James Lodfield?” asked Frank. “Vos, yes, Mr Farvell. is it? The man seemed rather stupid about it, at least T thought so,” replied Sir James, rising with a smirk, and speaking with curious little pauses of breathlessness 6ml putting out his hand half way. as if uncertain whether he was expected to offer it. “I am glad indeed to meet you, Sir James,” said Frank taking his hand mid grasping it with unfashionable cordiality. “It is more than good of you to (‘all so promptly.” “Well, I thought T’d kill two birds with one stone. The Fit/, is on my way to the City, and —and it seemed the best thing to do.” “Come into the smoke-room, will you? There's scarcely a soul in it. and we can find a corner to ourselves.” “Yes —oh, yes, with pleasure; but T'in afraid I haven't very much time. I’m by way of being a pretty busy man,” replied Sir James, intending to impress, but succeeding only in being apologetic. Frank offered him a cigar, but he preferred a mild cigarette which he smoked, like everything else he did, with nervous arid rather furtive hesitation. The discussion of the business followed, and Frank was careful to make the luattor as alluring as possible, describing the richness of the mineral deposits on the property and referring to his father’s wealth, and to huge sums awaiting investment. lie perceived rtrat the latter appealed most strongly lo his rapt listener; and he dwelt upon it, how he had been advised to put a few thousands into one concern, more thousands in another, still more info a. third and so on, and asked his visitor’s advice.

It, was all quite true. "The bank have Icon advising me, the money 'a t.' )re —about thirty thousand pounds—and I»fnncy my father's idea is that T should see what T can make of it. ft seems to me the bank's a bit too cautious, you know.'' His companion's eyes glistened covetously, although he did his best to assume an expression of business indifference an he promised to j,'ive the subject attention as soon as }nn own affairs would permit. ''lt's awfully good of you, Sir James, but. don't let a little thing of this sort interfere with your own matters. There's no hurry." "But I should like to assist, you. It would give me pleasure; as a matter ot fact, your letter interested me; interested me deeply. 1 liked the manly, straightforward tone of it. It's a coincidence, also, that both my wife and I have a great liking for all our Colonials —especially Canadians." "That's very pleasing to hear, .sir, I assure you."

"In point of fact she—she would very much like to make your acquaintance, Mr Carvell," Frank did not correct him about the name, but bowed and murmured something about, its being a miltual desire—as indeed it was. "Letme think," continued Sir James, putting his finger tips together and fiddling them. "If you're not a stickler for too much oeremrtny, would you dine with us to-night? We* shall be quite alone, and it would be an excellent opportunity for our becoming better acquainted. Lady Ledfleld would be delighted." Frank in his turn affected to think, took out a pocket-book, carefully couflulted a blank page, nodded,-aud then accepted the invitation. fjir James rose then, shook hands •with much less flabbiness than before, and, went off to the City in the full belief that he had done a valuable morning's work. Prank was equally jubilant at the success of his plan, and after parting from his companion at the door of the hotel, was going back through the lounge iu high glee, when a hand was slapped on his shoulder, and he turned to meet Dewhurst'a look of perplexed astonishment. "Ho*y the dickens do you come to know Sir James Ledfield?'"' he cried.

"He's my financial adviser," replied Frank gravely, Jiis friend's face changed to sudden seriousness. "T)o you know what you're doing, man? Here, come naid let's have a chat over it"; and they went to the corner of the smoke-room where the business conferenoe had iust ber-n held.

CHAPTER IV. THE LEDJ'TELDS. "Give me a drink, Carton. That llfcIlCi "beggar always makes me feel ill,’’ said Dewhurst ns they lit their eigars. "But, of course, you’re spoofing me about him.” \ "Why should 17 You know about tho coin my father insisted upon sending over here to win my financial spurs Avith; well, I’ve just had a most important conferonee with Sir .Tamos Lellield as to its investment,” replied Erank, with the greatest seriousness. "And he’s asked you to dinner, I suppose I” "He Avas exceedingly* 1 courteous and most friendly, and, as a'matter of fact, ho did ask mo to dine with him tonight—just himself and his Avifo. He was good enough (o say that Lady Ledileld wished to make my acquaintance.” "Natura'ly,” was Dewhurst’s very dry comment. "They’ll take 3011 up, you know, Carton. They are always ready to do it for rich young fellows.” "There’s a note of sarcasm in your voice, I'm afraid, and before you go any farther you should remember that Air dames is a friend of mine,” declared Erank in the same serious tone. "Didn't you tell mo that you had the business control of .your father’s matters for quite a long time?” "I did,- and it’s true.” "Then you can't be a fool in bust.* ness. What’s your game?” "Knowing very little of English investments, it is only natural I am glad to have the advantage of the ripe experience of-—” "res, yes. Go it,” intermitted Dewhurst. "The ripe experience of a weed of a man as shifty as they’re made and as feeble as anything in a man’s shape oOuld be; a sort of kitten one would feed with milk and water, not too jftrong: or give to baby to play with instead of u doll.” Erank recognised tho justice of the description but looked offended. "I Avas going to say, a successful and wealthy business man who has deserved « title for his services to his countrv. ” y rrs » \