Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-01-02

Was il not her business now TO delight
the eyes Of her new owner?
Brocl,holt, reclining by his Christ
mas-Gre, looked at her earnestly before
he spoke.
ii called lawyer Mt daybrcak.
Your future is provided fort docs
not matter now how soon die; indeed,
the sooner the better for YOU"
She did not answer.
'sIs ii not sof'' lie urged, whimsi-
cally. "Do You not wish me TO make
haste in the mattcr!'
Her dark eyes expanded.
1Wish you to die, sir!" she replied
in shocked voice. .sCertainly not!-
that would be nonstrous."
"There are others who have not
your delicacy of feeling. At dinner To-
day you will meet guest who has for
months been impaticntly waiting my
demise mean my cousin, and fail
ing heirs of mine. the next master of
Brockholt. lie always dimes here at
Christmas, and brings his debts to me
for payment. We hate each other
Struggling his gaunt shoulders
Though we manage 10 preserve the
outward deccncies of life. He will be
furious 10 hear OF marriage, where
he was ardently looking for a DEATH
"lIc must be very dreadful per-
son, sir said Esther, gravely.
"Yes, decidedly bad lot" answer
ed Brock holt.
Shortly before the dinner-hour
struck, Godfrey Argent, the expected
guest. appeared at the stone house.
lie was graceful fellow, with
Spanish cast of face, soft, drawing
voice, and sleepy chances. He
sauntered into the Brockholt drawing
room, and found bis cousin pacing its
length leaning on the arm of valet.
IL wish YOU a merry Christmas,
Adam, he said, reaching to pluck
nlistletoe-sprig from one Of the clande
Tiers. .'By Joye. the seasons come
and 90, but you still live, poor fellow"
"les, | still i've" answered Brock
holt, with curl of the lip; ''and You
still wait for your inheritance.
Don't mention ii, dear boy--take
your time! As | came through
the town, / heard some trunIpcry
talk about wedding here. OF
course, did not believe IL; dying
man would never make such fool of
HIMSELF
There are many ways in which a
man may make himself fool"
answered Brockholt. dryly. "Docs
the close of this year find YOU rs deeply
involved as ever! Are you still in the
clutches of the money-lenders? dare
say you have brought your bills to me
as usual ~
"Ceriainlyl | could not think of
departing from such delightful Gus
tom! Ii cannot matter in the long run,
Ada.h, since | am to have Brockholt
after your DEATH
providing that die childless."
A footman appeared at the door.
Dinner was on the board. Godfrey
offered an arm TO his cousin.
ado we dine alone to-day!' he ask |
ed.
mo-" replied Brockhol, holding |
back. ssWait one moment--therc is 4
Then Argent heard rustic of femi-
nine draperies, and saw standing ON
the threshold, snow-whitc girl, in an I
antique satin gown, with beautiful
Marechal Mel roses in her bodice.
"erhe story which you heard in the
town was quite true, Geoflrey,n said \
Brockholt. al have the honor to pre-
senf Won 10 my wifpin
For one dreadful moment the two
stood staring at each other in swift
recognition.
"Grcqt Cod!" cried Argent, and at
sound of his voice the girl swayed
backward, triedto grasp support, and
failing, fell her shining length upon
the floor, and lay there like one dead.
White as chalk, Argent cast one
strange look at his cousin, then sprang
for his hat, and as if pursued by
legion of demons, rushed out of the
house.