te supprise Marshland.

"Dont say alone miss" cried the faithful servant, for I will be with you
through thick and thin.

At that moment the door opened and Gladys announced that Mr. Sheene was
waiting in the parlour, together with Mr. Palsey. Helen dressed herself
quickly and leaning on Gladys's arm for support she entered the much
disturbed drawing room.

Cyril was standing by the window, his hands in his trouser pockets
looking desperatly ill.

Mr. Palsey looked as stern and hard as ever, and with his cigarette
between his lips he appeared to be taking a general survey of the room.

"Good morning Miss Winston" he cried totally ignoring his future wife,
"if you have any brains they ought to tell you what I am here about.
Before Helen had time to reply Gladys stepped forward and laying her
hand on Mr. Palsey's arm looked in his face steadily and said. "James,
I dont know what you intend saying but I am sure it is cruel and cutting
and I beg and pray of you to keep quiet whatever it is. Helen is, as you
know in great trouble about her dear father, and added to that, a
robbery has been commited in the night, which has deprived her of all
the money which had been left her and so she has now to earn her own
living----"

"Hold" cried Cyril suddenly turning round, "I have already heard of this
terrible robbery and though I have to grovell in the very ground, Helen
shall never have to earn her own living, in the presence of everyone
here I repeat my words. I intend as soon as possible to take Helen to
London and marry her on the first opportunity which presents itself; I
have" he added, "though no one may know it, a private bussiness in
Holburn, which consists of a small office in which I employ two clerks,
my living appartments are at the back of this office or (home affair) as
I generally call it, and mark my words all of you here Helen would lead
a very happy life, and if my bussiness should prosper I will go and live
in Paris or Rome if Helen should prefer it."

"Thank you Cyril" said Helen, "I will spend one more week here to
collect my belongings and then only too gladly will I go with you to
your office. I have only one request to make."

"What is that?" asked Cyril.

"A very simple one" replied Helen "only that Marshland should come with
us and be our servant."

"Certainly," answered Cyril. "I shall be only too pleased, for the one
servant I have is just leaving and I am sure Marshland will suit."

"Pard