GLADYS LINCARROL
The week that followed that day was a happy one indeed. Helen and Cyril
were more together than ever and then too each day brought it nearer to
when Gladys was to come.
At last Monday morning came, and Helen was so excited she could hardly
eat her dinner, and Mr. Winston got quite cross when she refused some
beautiful cherry pie.
"Do hurry up father" exclaimed Helen at last, "I want to have the room
nice and tidy for Gladys and Mr. Palsey."
"My dear I wont starve for any amount of grand ladies" replied Mr.
Winston heartily.
Helen smiled languidly and began to arrange the flower stand by the
window.
At 4 o'clock precisely a dainty little dog cart drew up at Beach Dale.
Helen, peeping from behind the drawing room curtains, saw, first a tall
man dressed in a blue suit and black hat and gloves, jump down from the
cart and hold out his hand to a young lady who tripped lightly down and
tossed a silver coin to the coachman.
The next moment the drawing room door was flung open and Marshland's
clear voice was heard announcing, "Miss Lincarrol--Mr. Palsey."
"Oh dear Gladys, I am so delighted to see you" cried Helen in her
sweetest tones.
"And I am equally glad to meet you" cried Gladys, "and allow me to
introduce my future husband James Palsey."
"How do you do" said Mr. Palsey gravely as he held out his well gloved
hand.
At that minute Mr. Winston entered the room dressed in his best things.
"Well Gladys my dear and how are you he cried cheerfully "what a big
person you are to be sure, quite half a head taller than Helen I
declare."
Gladys laughed affectedly and held out her small hand; she then
introduced Mr. Palsey, who, during all this merriment had stood as grave
as a judge.
"Do come and have some food pleaded Helen pointing to the dainty little
equipage already set out on a bamboo table by the open window.
"Oh thank you" said Gladys and she began to take off her gloves and turn
up her veil preparatory to eating.
"Wont you take a seat Mr. Palsey?" asked Helen as she poured out the
tea.
"Thanks" replied the gentleman and he sat down on the edge of a whicker
chair. Here will be a good opportunity to describe Gladys Lincarrol and
her young man.
Mr. Palsey was a tall broad shouldered man about 37, with a solemn face
and large hands. His black hair was curly and plentiful and his small
green eyes twinkled queerly if he was at all pleased. He was attired in
blue, as I said before and in addition to this he wore patent leather
boots and a crimson tie.
Gladys was also tall, but very slim. She had golden hair with a reddish
tinge and blue eyes. She was very pale and her mouth had a peculiar
twitch of conciet. She wore a lovely pink muslin dress and kid gloves to
match. A large white hat adorned her pretty head, and she wore a bunch
of violets at her neck.
Tea over, Helen proposed a stroll around the village.
"Oh yes, that will be very nice, dont you think so Jim?" asked Gladys.
"Yes I do, thanks" replied Mr. Palsey.
So the trio linked arms and walked slowly down the garden path, and Mr.
Winston settled himself comfortably once more and prepared to read the
"Star."