Brandon of the Engineers

Kenwardine pondered. Fuller was an attractive lad, and he would not have

been displeased to think that Clare's wish to protect him might spring

from sentimental tenderness. But if this were so, she would hardly have

been so frank and have admitted that he was weak. Moreover, if she found

his society congenial, she would not insist on keeping him away.

"You are afraid some of the others might take advantage of his rashness?"

he suggested. "Can't you trust me to see this doesn't happen?"

"It did happen, not long ago. And you can't go very far; one can't be

rude to one's guests."

"Well," said Kenwardine, smiling, "it's kind of you to make an excuse for

me. On the whole, of course, I like you to be fastidious in your choice

of friends, but one should temper severity with sense. I don't want you

to get as exacting as Brandon, for example."

"I'm afraid he was right when he tried to keep Fuller away."

"Right in thinking my house was unsafe for the lad, and in warning him

that you and I were unfit for him to associate with?"

Kenwardine studied the girl. She looked distressed, and he thought this

significant, but after a moment or two she answered steadily: "After all, Brandon had some grounds for thinking so. I would much sooner

you didn't urge me to ask Jake Fuller."

"Very well," said Kenwardine. "I don't want you to do anything that's

repugnant; but, of course, if he comes to see me, I can't send him off.

It isn't a matter of much importance, anyhow."

He left her, but she was not deceived by his careless tone. She thought

he meant to bring Fuller back and did not see how she could prevent this,

although she had refused to help. Then she thought about the plans that

Brandon had lost at their house in England. They had certainly been

stolen, for she could not doubt what he had told her, but it was painful

to admit that her father had taken them. She felt dejected and lonely,

and while she struggled against the depression Lucille came to say that

Jake was waiting below.

"Tell him I am not at home," Clare replied.

Lucille went away and Clare left the balcony, but a few minutes later,

when she thought Jake had gone, she went down the stairs and met him

coming up. He stopped with a twinkle of amusement.

"I sent word that I was not at home," she said haughtily.

"You did," Jake agreed in an apologetic tone. "It's your privilege, but

although I felt rather hurt, I don't see why that should prevent my

asking if your father was in."

Clare's indignation vanished. She liked Jake and was moved by his

reproachful look. She determined to try an appeal.