The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-05-10
Stella's Inheritance.
BY S. ANNIE FROST.

"a lady to see Miss Wentworth !"
The forewoman standing in the doorway
of p & Co.'s long work-room, made
this announcement in a resentful tone, as if
Miss. .Wentworth's visitor was a personal af-
front. Stella Wentworth, rising from her
seat, where her daily routine of labor was
performed, came slowly across the long room.
no excitement flushing the marble pallor
Of her check, only faint wonder in her soft
brown eyes.
"a lady to sec mel" she asked, when she
faced the frQwning woman.
"Yes you will please inform her that it is
out of order for visitors to call work hours.
She is'in a carriage at the door"
"Thank youp
And for the last time Stella spoke to the
grim iorewomon for the last lime crossed
the threshold of the work-room, where she
had saved patiently for two years. At the
door, she found carriage, and waiting in
side tall, stately blonde, whose rich dress
and wonderful beauty were entirely un-
known to Stella. A voice singularly sweet
and low-toned addressed her.
81 have permission from Mr.. P
for you to spend the day with me. 1 am
Gertrude Wentworth"
Stella flushed rosily now, and drew back
with a movement of shy pride.
fFleaso come" said the lady pleading
gently. "Ifyou do not wish to stav, you
may return in an hourj but please come
now %
There was no resisting the persuasive
power of the sweet, musical voice and
Stella, saying she would soon return, went
for hat and shawl. In few moments the
two were driving rapidly to the hotel, neith-
er speaking till they were in the luxurious
room there, where Gertrude Wentworth was
staying. Then, removing herself stella's
shabby hat and coat, Gertrude drew her
gently to sofa.
81 should have been here BEFORE" she
said, very gently, but l did not hear Of
your mothers death until last week.
She died three months ago." Stella SAID
in choking voice.
Z" So long2 Poor child, how lonely you
have beenp'
The true, heartfelt sympathy broke down
the last barrier of Stellas pride, and she
bent her head and sobbed. By the contrast
between these women, one would have sup
posed Gertrude greatly the senior of her cous-
in. But she was but twenty-three, while
| Stella had passed her nineteenth birthday
But Gertrude, tall, full in figure,rchly dress
ed in flowing garments, Of a noble yet win
ming type of beauty, had the gracious dig.
nifty of one accustomed to control wealth
While Stella pale and thin, small in figure
dressed in shabby black, looked crushed and
subdued, though her face was exquisitely
fair, and promised beauty, ifever the heavy
cloud of sorrow could be lifted. When the
sobs grew fainter, Gertrude spoke again.
You have been taught to believe my
father was strangely unjust to yours, stellar
- think papa felt So" was the reply in q
low tone.
Because my father married at an adj
vonced age, after giving his nephew-youi
father-a home, love, and care for thirty
years. lie had intended to make him his
heir, Stella, until he met my mother, and
married her. l knew little more of the ems
trangement, except that your father was in
solent to the bride, and there was n quarrel
All this was long ago, before either you'or
my father intended to leave something to
you. He could not quite forgive your faith
e.; your mother he never knew; but he
looked upon you as a near relative, and
often talked Of you. lie died very sudden
ly three years ago, and never made will
so ! inherit everything. I wrote twice tc
your mother, but she never answered my
letters. She felt herself wronged suppose
But you, Stella, will bury this old quarrel
will you notY We two are the only Went
worths left, and if die you will inherit all
l own"
" But you will marry"
"No, shall never marry |" The noble
face grew very pale, and into the large blue
eyes there came an expression, not SO much
Of sadness as Of solemnityi as if the word;
had stirred some profound emotion. al
have no near relative" Gertrude continued
except my mothers widowed sister, Mrs
Cresson, who lives with me. You will Sc,
her to-day, have come all the way from
my home, Stella, to ask you to return witt
me, to be my sister You will Gomez"
But you do not know ialtered Stella
I" am working girl. have not a dollul
in the world"
have thought of that. You will have
the income of twenty thousand dollars Will,
l live. After that, you will have all, excep
a few legaeies."
"But do onot understand. You are young
You will live years and years. hope Yol
will live to be old" she added, and ther,
was no doubling the sincerity of her tone