The times., 1891-08-21
THE NESTOR MILLIONS.

selfish. 1t would need only few
thousand dollars for me to attain q
musical education. And there is no
way of my getting the money unless
you marry the Nestor fortune, and yet
you refuse" Miss Maudie sobbed in
scornful reproach. y
'.And if l only had few thousand
dollars could tit myself out so beau-
tifully that I should soon be mistress
of house and fortune all my own. /
am sure, Athol. don't see how you
can be so unkind and stubborn" said
glance at her brother from her hand
some. angry eyes.
"Well. for myself don't mind"
said Athors mother. grand looking
little lady. with hair like shining sill
lver. ..But for the sake of our dear
jeanette, who must have expensive
medical treatment or walk with
hateful crutch all her life, it does seem
to me that you might be more reason
able, Athol. 1t is simple madness to
throw away the Nestor millions"
II can't throw away what has never
been mine." was the grim reply.
He was a handsome young fellow,
slender-limbed and broad shouldered.
with curly-brown hair and laughing
blue eyes, and with the healthful rose
and-snow complexion of young girl
1T is yours for the asking" his
mother rejoined. significantly, land
before you decide irrevocably, my boy,
remember the denials and sacrifices
we have all made for you in the past"
With stormy brow the young fel-
low sprung from his chair, snatched
up his hat and rushed away from them
and the house in silence.
And what charm could the Nestor
millions have for him when he had the
love of the dearest, sweetest creature
this side of heavenp
As he strobe onward the anger in
those fine eyes changed to sadness; the
indignation of the noble young face
changed to look of respondent grief.
Heaven knows it is hard enough to
refuse any of them anything, espe-
cially poor jeanette. he said to him
self '.And it will be years before l
can help them very much from the in
come of my profession. ] am weak
hearted enough at times almost to
yield to their entreaties."
And then for moment fancy pict-
ured what his life would be like with
Marine Farney-the millionaire bride
his family had chosen for him.
Could he ever feel aught but aver
sion for that thin-lipped. sallow-feat-
ured young person, with her perpetual
sneer, and her shrill, false tones?
But then, other men just as good as
he no doubt had formed just such
obnoxious unions for the sake of in
terest before now, and would again, so
long as the earth rolled round.
Content and plenty would gladden.
his mothers last years. Maudie and
Kathie would have all the grandeur
and splendor they coveted. And.
more than all, the youngest and best
loved sister-poor, pretty, patient
Jeanette-could be made once more
strong and happy.
1t was dazzling, tempting pict-
ure.
At that moment he looked up to be-
hold Dollie Larayne in the path before
him, dressed in charming walking
suit of some pretty gray tint, trimmed
with gray fox. and wearing great
gray, heavily-plumed hat.
At sight of her all his doubts and
despondency were dissolved like grew
some night-vapors before rosy dawn.
Instantly he had become resolute in-
stead of wavering; strength had re-
placed weakness.
He wondered that even for one brief
moment he could have contemplated
the remuneration of his love.
But he decided that it was best Dol
lie should be made aware of his FAM
ily's whim concerning the Nestor
millions.
And as they strolled onward to-
gether he managed to unfold the pain
full truth.
ut was best for you to know, dar-
ling was it notp Otherwise some un-
foreseen Misunderstanding might have
come between us" he concluded anx-
iously.
Dollie's lovely face was averted. the
luminous gray eyes were hidden by
their sweeping fringe of dark lashes.