Page:Tom Beauling (1901).pdf/203

 case, ebony-backed hair-brushes, evening clothes, shirts, studs, etc. The new millionaire—it meant that in the short—was just in from a stroll with Phylis. But the only sign of his being in the vicinity was the roaring noise of a shower-bath. Mr. Beauling spent the most of his vacations in doing one of four things-exercising, bathing, changing his clothes, or violently restraining himself from telling Phylis what was in his heart. And she was satisfied to have it so. Some day he would speak. She knew that. So did he. What had occurred during the particular stroll in question is not known, but when he was about half dressed Mr. Beauling threw himself into a loungingchair and communed thus:

"One thing or the other," he said; "I've got to tell her or go away forever. On the one hand, I'm nobody at all, and I haven't been honest, for I should have told them that in the beginning; on the other hand, she—she cares for me. I know I am a blind fool—I've just seen it And she's been caring all along, just