Sea Urchin.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2781, 28 November 1931, Page 3

Sea Urchin.

H BY E. C. BULEY. ssssoths ■

CHAPTER XV,

Ann is Curious? “Peter, I want to talk to you, if you please.” Thus Ann Despard, patting the seat beside her, by way of invitation. Edsell, who had helped her into the car, drew aside with a word of apology, and Peter took the place which the other man had intended for himself. “I wasn’t very nice to you yesterday,” Ann said, as soon as they were on their way. “You tried to save my money for me, and I wouldn’t have it. I’m sorry, Peter; but you ought to know that no girl likes being put in the wrong, before a whole lot of people.” “I ought to have managed better, Ann," Peter replied. “But I’m not much good at managing, I’m afraid.” “And yet Dad wants you to manage Ledgeways, and its future owner!” Ann said, with an innocent intonation, but a sideways look which belied her dovelike accents. “Yes,” Peter agreed. “But my cousins will not consent to the arrangement,” Ann continued. “I wonder why?” “I wonder?” echoed Peter, determined not to commit himself on the subject of Despard’s business. “Well, you know, don’t you?” Ann asked. “You can see that I’m aching with curiosity. What is it all about, Peter?” “It’s very simple,” Peter said ironically. “Ledgeways and Camilla, who have something less than nothing a year between them, have decided to refuse an income of £3,000. So your father, who had arranged to take over the most pressing liabilities of the estate, has gone off to London, presumably to put an end to all his negotiations." “Did he tell you that?” Ann asked quickly. “He told me nothing, except that his offer was a final one,” Peter told her. “I merely assume the nature of the business which called him away. Ledgeways refused a good offer, and Mr Despard hurries away to London. Post hoc.’ ergo propter hoc.” ' . “But you are my cousin’s best friend,” Ann argued. “Why don’t you. persuade him to be sensible?” “I stand to benefit to the extent of £1,500 a year, if Ledgeways will accede,” Peter said. “I am an interested party, Ann, and barred from volunteering advice.” Ann considered him for a long minute. “It must be inconvenient to have a conscience like yours,” she decided. “I’m aware that there is nothing very dashing about listening to your conscience.” Peter said stiffly. “And, coming to that, who told you about the share your father had proposed for myself, when making his plans? He didn’t, I know; because he warned me against mentioning it to you. And it is not likely that Ledgeways or Camilla was your informant.” “Well, then?” Ann said provacatively. “Then they’ve told Edsell all about it,” Peter said grimly. “And Edsell had the infernal cheek to pass it along to you.” “Assuming, very naturally, that I must know all about it,” Ann said. “You don’t like Richard Edsell, do you, Peter?” “I don’t pretend to like him,” Peter snapped. “I find him altogether charming,” Ann went on. “Many people do,” Peter agreed, making an effort to control himself. “I happen to be one of those who do not. But why should we discuss him, Ann? Not long ago we arranged to be friends, didn’t we? And isn’t the essence of friendship to refrain from criticising your friend’s other friends?” Ann threw back her head, and laughed. “You are not so slow, Peter,” she said. “That leaves me with nothing to say. But who is Mr Edsell, and where does he come from?” Peter shook his head, smiling a wary smile. “No you don’t, Ann,” he said. “If you really wanted to know, you wouldn’t come to me.” Ann gave it up, and they talked amicably about other things until Goodwood was reached. But as soon as Peter left Ann’s side, it was noticeable that Edsell look his place, full of good nature and entertaining suggestions. He was not afraid to show his hand, and every member of the party was welcome, for his part, to see what was going forward. While they were lunching Ronnie Scaife created a diversion by blurting out:— “Oh, I say, Gaunt; I think Potters wants to see you, don’t you know'. He asked me if you were here to-day.” “He might have another good winner, Peter,” said Ledgeways, brightening up; and expressing the general hope in his frank guess. As a matter of fact, this turned out to be the case. The amicable . Potters had a tip for Peter, which he imparted after requesting that Peter should keep an eye on his younger brother. “Young Ronnie is only an ass, not a bad ass,” he explained. “But I don’t much fancy him running around in the same company as that chap Edsell.” “He doesn’t admire Edsell, if that’s

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any news,” Peter said. “I heard him expressing his opinion fairly openly.” “Glad to hear it,” said Ronnie’s brother. “You might do worse than play up part of your winnings on Glamour. It’s her first time on a racecourse, but she’s more than useful at home. Belongs to a pal of mine, and I know all about her.”

Ledgeways was waiting, with a hungry look in his eye, to learn what Peter had been told.

“Glamour, eh?” he said, wistfully. “I could fancy that one. Just my luck, too; I cannot bet. Edsell will not stand me for another penny; the mean swine."

(To be continued)