"Really!" she exclaimed, after Shiel had explained the situation. "Do
you mean to say you have stayed here all day?"
"Of course I have," Shiel answered. "I told your father I would see
you, and I meant to stay here till I did."
"And what good has it done you?"
"All the good in the world. I shall sleep twice as well for it. I'm
more in love with you than you think, and I mean to marry you one day.
My prospects at present are absolutely Thames Embankmentish, but no
matter, I've hit upon a capital way of ferreting out the secrets of
the Modern Sorcery Company. I shall get employed by them"--and he told
Gladys of the advertisement he had seen in the paper.
"Well! I wish you all success," she said, "but I'm afraid you've upset
my father dreadfully, and the doctor says excitement is the very worst
thing for him and may lead to another stroke. You must on no account
come here again, until I give you leave."
"But I may see you elsewhere?"
"If you're a wise man, you'll do one thing at a time. You'll discover
the secret of the Sorcery Company first, and then--"
"When I have discovered it?"
"My father may forgive you. Have I told you I'm going on the stage? I
know Bromley Burnham, and he's offered me a part at the Imperial. It
is imperative now, that I should do something to help my father."
"If you become an actress," Shiel said bitterly, "my chances of
marrying you will indeed be small.
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