Margery hid her face in her trembling hands while her father gave Lester a full account of what had transpired, while the latter's emotion was great; and his distress intense, upon learning that Kendale had dared betroth himself to Margery in his name, and that the gentle-hearted girl had learned to care for the scamp, despite her repugnance to him at first.
Lester thought it best, under the circumstances, to confide in full to Margery and her father concerning his own love affair, lest they might expect him to carry out the contract his cousin had made in regard to marrying his old friend's pretty daughter.
Margery's next words, however, set his troubled heart at rest in that respect.
She looked up at him suddenly through her tears, saying shyly: "There is another who cares for me, not knowing of this affair, one whom I once thought I could love.

Yesterday he wrote me a letter, asking for my heart and hand.
"Last night I wrote him a reply, saying 'No,' and telling him why.

I shall destroy that letter to-night, thankful enough that I did not have time to send it.

And my answer will then be 'Yes.'" "You have my best wishes for your happiness, little Margery," said Lester, adding smilingly: "And when; the wedding occurs, which I hope will be soon, you may, expect a very handsome present from me." Long after Mr.Conway and his unexpected visitor had finished their simple breakfast, they talked over the strange situation of affairs, and what was best to be done to avoid great publicity.
"The bogus Lester Armstrong went to Beechwood last night," said the old cashier.

"He probably will remain there, as is his custom, until to-day noon.