Novels by Modestus

' You're making fun of me . ' " That's the last thing I'd be likely to do , child . Marriage is a serious matter , I wondered if you have thought it out carefully , tried to imagine what life with Donald will be like . Oh , I'm not running my brother down ; he's a good sort and I respect him , but he's no husband for a girl like you ... I remember you telling me what a wretched life you've led - no fun , no parties , nothing like ordinary girls . Well , that's the sort of life you'll continue to lead if marry Donald . He has one love - and that is learning . Lucy raised her head and looked Jerry McGurtrie full in the face . " You're jealous ! ' she accused . ' So you think that's it ? I don't believe I have anything to be jealous of , because you don't love him ... You know nothing about love , do you ? As she remained silent he drew nearer to her , put his hand under her chin and forced her face up close to his , then bending a little , he kissed her full on

She had to think some excuse for her peace of changed attitude towards him and this seemed a feasible one . " You told me it was Sergio Dim , while all the time you were Jerry McGurtrie . Sergio Dim was the name I used , so there was no you my real name , lie about that . Why should I have told since I had dropped it entirely ? I did not dream that you were my cousin . As a matter of fact , I was hardly aware that such a person as Lucy Alberto existed . Donald knew more of our family history than I. You mustn't forget that I had been away for a long time . You told me about the letter from the lawyer , but you omitted to mention the name of the firm , so how could I know there was a connection between us . Come on , my dear girl , you must be fair . " You didn't tell me who you were when I saw you by the creek , ' she pointed out . You let me go on thinking that you were - were - * I didn't get very much chance to tell you , did I ? I should have done , but Donald forestalle

There was an absorbed serious air about her which went straight to his heart ; she looked like a child playing at being an adult . He tiptoed up behind her and while she was still unaware of his presence bent and kissed the back of her neck . Oh ! She swung round , and as she did so he caught her hands . Blue eyes blazed into grey , anger and something that looked suspiciously like fear in hers. Now don't say what I know you are going to say , he cried . You're not really angry with me . I'll admit I took an unfair advantage of you just now , but the temptation was irresistible . I want to talk to you , Lucy, and so far you've not given me the opportunity . ' I've nothing to say to you , and I can't think what you can possibly have to say to me , ' she retorted , trying to make her voice sound cold , and failing. Please let go my wrists , ' she added . But he held them the tighter . " No , I won't let them go . If I do you'll jump up and run off ... Lucy , tell me ,

Jerry McGurtrie was fishing ; he had come out in the boat with Fergus , the piper's son , because he wanted to get away from the rest of his family , and think out his course of action in the immediate future . He had now been at Kilrossan a week , and the time had come to decide what he was going to do . Should he stand aside and leave Donald a free field with the heiress , or should he marry her himself ? Although Lucy had tried to avoid him on every possible occasion since his arrival at the castle , he knew that he had only to exert himself and he could take her from his brother . She was not adept at hiding her feelings and he was quite sure that she was in love with him . Their first meeting had been a most romantic one , and all she had heard of him since had done nothing to dispel her first impression . He was the prodigal son ; the ne'er - do - well ; the adventurer who refused to conform to the McGurtrie pattern and lead a conventional life - all attr

' I have one , but I don't think I appreciate it as I should , he informed her . ' In future I may do . She avoided his eyes ; the way he looked at her made her feel embarrassed . She did not even know whether he was a single man , there might be a wife in that home he spoke of - someone who cared for him and waited for him to come back to her . But she couldn't ask , it would look like ... it would look like ... " There's someone coming , ' he said at length . ' And he seems to be trying to attract your attention . Lucy turned in the direction he indicated and saw Donald striding down from the castle ; he was beckoning to her and seemed to be rather put out about something . He would be more put out when he realized she had a friend with her - if she could call Sergio Dim a friend , she had not wanted the two men to meet yet awhile - why she should feel a difference about it she could not tell , but she would have given anything to run away at that moment and keep on runnin

Very kind of you . ' She spoke a little breathlessly. You understand I - I am staying with relations , and and ... " Don't worry , I won't get in the way , he retorted , amused at her flounderings . The funny little soul was so transparent if she did but realize it . It would not be easy for her to hide anything . She was afraid that Donald would resent a stranger , as he very probably would . But Donald was going to get the shock of his life presently . " I haven't congratulated you yet on your very good fortune , ' Jerry said . " What are you going to do with all that money ? ' " It - it will mostly be spent on the estate , I suppose , ' she replied . ' Really I ' t given it a thought . But it's nice to be able to buy what I want and not feel I've got to economize on something else . Nice " is rather a tame expression to use , ' he laughed . ' I expected to find you much more enthusiastic . Big Eyes , you seem to have lost your enthusiasm for a lot of things . Are yo