All-Story Weekly, Vol. 112, No. 1 — page 138: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

128 “Go on,” urged Van Zandt. ‘““Why—why, that’s about all,” faltered Billy, surprised. ‘‘ Have you any objec- tions?” Mr. Van Zandt looked him over leisurely and speculatively. Finally he spoke. “Well, my boy, I’d rather see her marry you than ”’—Billy’s heart jumped at the pause—‘‘ than some illiterate, bomb-throw- ing Russian bolshevik, for instance; and I den’t know but what I’d rather have her marry you than some brands of foreign nobleman I’ve seen. And I believe I’d pre- fer you to a paroled convict, too. But that’s about the extent of my interest.” Billy swallowed a furious lump. “I trust I’m net insulting you by telling you that I love your daughter and want to marry her,” he retorted, not without a cer- tain aggravated dignity. “No, I’m not insulted—I’m merely amused.” ‘“ Maybe you won’t be so amused when we are marrted!”’ ‘““T see. How soon do you think that will be?”’ A poser, that one, everything considered, and particularly considering the fact that Billy would make it the very next day, if he could. Some_people think that the four letters, ]-o-v-e, are the principal ingredient of romance; but Billy was running up against the two letters, i-f, with discourag- ing regularity.. ‘J should like te have your consent first, if possible,” he evaded. ‘“‘T can’t give that.” 79 No?” 66 No!” ‘Well, I suppose you’ll be ordering me out of the house,’”’ hinted Billy, hopefully. “Not at all, not at all,” said Mr. Van Zandt, cheerfully. “T’m too wise fer that. I’m not going to make things worse by giving you a chance to operate under any ‘ truejtove-never-runs-smooth ’ alibi. No, you can come here all you want to—you can have a room here if you wish!” In an illuminating instant Billy knew what it was that Mr. Van Zandt resembied, with his narrow face and Vandyke beard. An old fox! So he—Billy—was thus to be cheated ALL-STORY WEEKLY, of his purpose. If he couldn’t get ordered out of:the house and told to stay away he couldn’t make much of a plea for sym- pathy and there would be little excuse for thrillmg and forbidden meetings arranged “By the way,” said Van Zandt, “‘ what does my daughter think of all this?” “ Why—er—what do you mean?”’ “Has Nanny agreed to marry you if you get ‘my consent?” “ Why—we haven’t reached any definite agreement as yet.” ‘* Have you told her you wanted to marry her?” “Qh, yes—yes, I’ve told her.” “Well, what did-she say?” “ Sire—ah—” The conversation had un- expectedly taken a turn that Billy didn’t relish, He was on the defensive. “She hasn’t given ore her decision just yet.” “TI see. Well, don’t you think it would be a good plan to wait until she makes wp her mind before you go any further in this matter?” “Of course, I shall have to do that.” ‘You realiy have been jumping at oon- clusions, haven’t you, Billy?” ‘“Nanny loves me,” Billy said stoutty. ‘‘ And when ske consents to marry me, then will you agree to it?” He was hopeful again. “Then there would be other things to consider, ” said Mr. Van Zaftdt with a judi- cial air. ‘‘ Your future.” ‘“T’ve got a job in the“bank at a hundred a month and 1’d probably get a raise when I got married,” said Billy eagerly. ‘And did you know that a hundred dol- lars would buy that summery dress she’s wearing to-day?” “Those things would all be adjusted,” said Billy. “No doubt—if you had money enough. Say you wait until you are making more money before you consider getting mar- ried. Wait say until you are getting a hun- dred a week, instead of a hundred a month; and then think about it.” . ‘A hundred a week!” gasped Billy. ‘* At least that—and then there’s Nanny’s view to be considered.” comiclboolk C©