Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1891-12-12


slowly refilling his glass. Here is a
new turn in affairs. | must go and
see what Eve says about it,"
On his way there he tried not to think
OF the subject. It perplexed and an
noyed him, but Eve had way of let
! ting sunlight into everything, and what
ever she said of course he should do.
Eve, watching and listening in the
, shadow of the crimson draperies, heard
the echoes of bis long, swinging steps,
and OWNED in them something new
even before she saw the strange light
In his usual merry eyes.
What Is the matter Ronald7 do
not believe shall call you sans souci'
tonight; you look troubled"
You may call me the 'Disinherited
Knight, for think my trouble will
amount to that"
What have you been doingT said
Mrs Sorley.
my sin is one of omission, madam.
You see, Mrs. Sorley. am only a part
of the estate to my mother. She wants
to invest me profitably, just as she
does the interest on her loans and saw
ings. At present she allows Inc $500 a
year; but il refuse TO carry out her
plans she will withdraw it, | am sure.
Then what am to dor
"Ask Eve"
Eve met the questioning face with
one of confidence.
"Go to work, sir, and make f500
year. will marry you when you
can earn f300 What do you say to
thatT'
"That you are the wisest and lowell
est and bravest little lady in Christen-
DOM" and he fairly lifted her in his
arms and kissed her.
''Put me down, Ronald, and listen
to what say. You are 6 feet 9 inches
high, and strong as Hercules. You
never have headache, and are just
twenty-five years old. 'DisinheritedP j
Pshaw Your Inheritance Is in your
own keeping. The world is given to
the children of men; go into it and
take your portion"
Nothing strengthens Il man in trouble
like the sympathy and help of the wom-
an he loves. Ronald went from Ewes
presence gifted with definite purpose
and an appointed task. The inward
change had it's outward evidences. 1t
was perceptible in his firm, rapid tread,
which had lost it's usual lazy swing; in
the manner in which he assembled the
steps two and three at time, and in
the impetuous way in which he flung
hat and gloves on the hall table and
entered his mothers presence. She was
half sitting and half lying in a large
duchess chair, lazily dipping her toast
into a glass of mulled wine; but at
Ronalds entrance she partly turned her
head and said in sleepy manner:
"Your energy is exhausting and un-
necessary, Ronald. ] wish you would
be more gentlemanly."
He tried to obey her, as he had al
ways done, but he was too excited to-
night Before he got half across the
room ne stumbled over a small otto
man, and then kicked it out of his way
What is the matter with you, sira
What kind of company have you been
in to bring such riotous influence back
with youT
II have been with two of the noblest
women in the world, mother"
Indeed am sure should never
have thought So" And the sneering
accent was very perceptible.
II told you | was going to Mrs. Sor-
! ley's, and have BEEN"
Every well, sir; that is enough.
am not curious about the family. We
will change the subject, please"
The habit of obedience was so strong
that he remained silent--if silence that
might be called in which every attitude
was eloquent with resistance.
THE two Wilkes were here tonight.
They wish to join You in fishing ex-
cursion to the Trosachs. / told them
l was sure you would go"
"You are mistaken, mother shall
be better employed, hope"
Mrs. Mitchell raised her eyes incredu-
lously, but asked, ''HowF"
II am going to try to find some work
to do"
'Work !" almost screamed his moth
er. "And pray, what can you dol"
Indeed, mother, very little, but
can learn. have been taught nothing
useful; my education is superficial, and
no profession has been given Inc.
am not even fit for n clerkship. ] see
nothing before me but manual labor,
unless you continue my allowance
while / study law or medicine"
"You have begun at the wrong end
of your story, sir. Now be pleased to
begin your argument properly. What
led you to form this resolution
''Your remark this evening. You
declared that II / married Miss Sorley
should no longer be your SON."
"Quite correct"
"Then, as am determined TO marry
Miss Sorley, it becomes necessary for
me TO consider on some way of snp-
porting her and myself
True; for you can hardly expect
me TO support a young woman de-
test. AS for continuing your allow
ance, / shall do no such thing, l will
give you a month to reconsider your
conduct, and II at the end of ii you
still prefer this--this"--
Miss Sorley, motherr
"This girl, sir. You can take her,
] ~. n