"Dont say it my child" said the old man "your faces tell me what it is and I give my consent on the spot." And he plunged his stick into the ground to mark the vehemance of his words. CHAPTER 5 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.