Ralph Henry Barbour

“ Jerry, who had won his match handily, was in great spirits, and did most of the talking on the way back, while Beryl, a bit tired, as it appeared, smiled and listened—or seemed to listen—most appreciatively. Jerry was not yet so deeply in love as to be troubled by any sense of unworthiness. Self-abnegation is not a failing of twenty-two. A mile or so short of Alderbury, the car overtook a man and a white dog walking along the side of the road, and Jerry slowed down and stopped as he drew abreast. ”

“ She did not, however, press the charge, for she realized that to Beryl he was no longer welcome. Jerry Forbes, who had grown discouraged, took heart again, and became assidious in his attentions. And Beryl was very kind to him, and Alderbury looked on enjoyingly.
Jerry, who, even when Allan had crowded him out of Beryl's society, had remained a whole-hearted admirer of the older man, came nearer to a correct interpretation of affairs than others. “That yarn of Shortland's about being engaged was all rot,” he decided. “He's too decent a chap to make love to Beryl Vernon if he wasn't free. ”

“ Vernon found an opportunity to study Beryl's countenance, but learned little. “Nevertheless, I think he has been sailing under false colors,” she declared severely.
“Still, Mamma, if Mr. Smith knew it——”
“Yes, and he says all the men at the club knew it. I think it is very strange that no one mentioned it. Men are so annoyingly close-mouthed at times.”
“After all,” replied Beryl, calmly, “I don't think we need to worry ourselves about Mr. Shortland's affairs, Mamma. If he wants to get married, I presume he has a perfect right to. ”