Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-03-14
of a moment had left Miss Clnvering an

cate, proud girl! SO gentle and tender,
too! But she shall not want for any
thing, you may be sure, Orpen! Let us
treat tho unsigned will as if in force. I
am perfectly satisfied with poor Claver-
ings division of his property"
II felt sure you would act with all
honor and consideration, Capt. Hast
ings'-the lawyer sighed quick sigh Of
relief as he spoke-"but so much gener-
o5ity is uncalled for a good and fair
provision for your cousin would suffice;
u large fortune is no real benefit to
woman. It was a cruel task to break
the bitter truth to tho girl. butt
"Why in the name of heaven did you
tell her the painful story" burst forth
Hastings impulsivelv, and rising he at
tempted to relieve his impatience by
pacing the room, soon, however, resum-
ing his seat.
Because, my dear sir, it was my duty
to let her know her true position. How
could foresee what you would do? |
l could not conspire to keep you in the
dark which meant cheating you, and, if
you knew the truth, it was incumbent on
me to inform her. 1t was a cruel task,
assure you, but, although terribly
moved, she bore up bravcly."
Poor little Norma! wish the truth
could have been kept from her."
Had the viii but been signed she
need not have known. AS ii was"-
"She shall not suffer in any way can
prevent" murmured Hastings.
~ fancy Miss Clavering will prove a
rather difficult subject to deal with. She
absolutely refuses to accept the assist
ance l ventured on my own responsible
ity 10 offer her."
Glow could she be SO foolish-so
wrong headed? She cannot doubt my
readiness to do what is simply justice"
The poor young lady is evidently cut
to the soul by the knowledge of her po-
sition. She has the instinct Of the
wounded deer to fly anywhere for shell
ter and obscuritv."
THAT will pass away when she finds
it entails no serious loss Of
II don't think you have any idea of
the view she takes of her misfortune"
interrupted Orpen. II had the greatest
difficulty in persuading her TO stay in her
home until something could be arranged.
She would not accept a sou for her per-
sonal expenditure; she declared she had
ample funds, never having spent all the
allowance made her by her father. She
utterly refused to listen 10 my entreaties
that she should take no step till she had
seen you. She told me she had no claim
on you; that she knew you were engaged
to be married to lady of rank, and that
she did not want to accept anything
from you under the circumstances, nor
to be exposed to the pity of Lady Julia.
think she said'---
at is too insane" calculated Hastings.
But l will see her. She must listen to
me. She always did"
"Ahemr-Orpen cleared his throat
somewhat uneasilv-''lm afraid there
are difficulties YOU cannot anticipate,
and | hope You will believe that have
acted to the best Of my judgment"
My Goo, Orpen! you don't mean to
say that she has married the fellow:'
what fellow" with bewidered
look,
II rather fancied from some words of
hers that she was entangled--or--but go
on"
Il think you are quite mistaken.
think might have succeeded in detain-
ing her till you were able to return but
for that Mrs. Macallau. Not that she be-
haved badly, you understands; but being
an active. practical woman, she found 4
fresh engagement, and, moreover, found
one for Miss Clavering, too"
AN engagement! What do you
mean
"a rich coionist, returning to New
South Wales with his wife and three or
four children, required first class gov
erness companion, and without word
to me she accepted the offer. l took in
finite trouble to dissuade her, but
"You don't mean to say, Orpen, you
suffered this preposterous arrangement
TO stand, That you let the will of a
mere girl stand against yours cried
Hastings, starting to lis feet and lean
ing against the mantelpiecc. II never
heard Of such internal folly!"
when you come in contact with this
mere girls will, you'll he able to Judge
its strength moro justly. Strong or
weak, she insisted on fulfilling her con-
tract
"But she is under age. Why could
you not refuse to permit, as representa-
tive of her nearest of kin
You forget what she reminded me of
she has no kin; she has no claim on
any one, and no one has any authority
over her"
HASTINGS crOaned,
where is she staying?" he asked,
reaching to take his hat. The sooner |
see and demonstrate with her the bet
ter"
My dear sir" cried the lawyer with
evident uneasiness. Il am afraid, very
much afraid, Mr.. and Mrs. MacDougal
have started on their homeward voyage,
and Miss Clayering with them"
"What?' cried Hastings in tone that
made Orpen jump Gone? Have you
a doubt about it?''
''Weil, no; not much. They had taken
their passage in the Southern Queen; she
was to start on Monday-stay! Well see
81 sbo has in thn shiDnipo navc To