The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-09-25

utie ana forged testamentary documents.
Although it was correctly believed that
Pedro had met his death in an escapade of
galiantry or intrigue. the coroner's jury
had returned verdict of "accidental
death. and the lesser scandal was lost in
the wider, far-spreading disclosure of
fraud. When he had resolved to assume
all the liabilities of his purchase he was
obliged to write to Mrs. Peyton and con-
fess his ruin. But he was glad to remind
curity; he had only given her the posses
sion, and she would revert to her original
and now uncontested title But as there
was now no reason for his continuing the
stewardship, and az he must adopt some
profession and seek his fortune elsewhere,
he begged her to relieve him of his duty.
Albeit, written with throbbing heart and
sufiused eyes. it was plain. business-like
and practical letter.
Her reply was equally cool and matter
of-fact. She was sorry to hear Of his
losses. although she could not agree with
him that they could logically sever his
present connection with the rancho, or
that-placed upon another and distinctly
business footing-the occupation would
not be Is remunerative to him a. any
other. But of course If he had q prefer
ence for some more independent position
that was another question, although he
would forgive her for using the privilege
of her years. to remind him that his finan-
cial and business success had not yet justi-
fed his independence. She would also
advise him not to decide hastily, or ct
least to wait until she had again thor
oughly gone over her husbands papers
with her lawyer in reference to the old
purchase of the SISTERS title, and tho
conditions under which it was bought.
She knew that Mr.. Brant would
not refuse this as matter of
business, nor would that friendship
which she valued SO highly allow
him to imperil the possession of
the rancho by leaving it at such
a moment. As soon as she had finished
the examination of the papers abe would
write again. Her letter seemed to leave
him no hope, if. indeed. rs had ever in
dulged any. 1t was the practical kindli-
ness of woman of business; nothing
more. As to the examination OF her hus-
bands papers. that was a natural precau-
ton; he alone knew that they would give
no record of 8 transaction which had
never occurred. He briefly replied that
his intention to seek another situation
was unchanged, but that he would cheer
fully await the arrival OF his successor.
Two weeks passed. Then Mr.. Sanderson,
Mrs. Peyton's lawyer. arrived. bringing an
apologize note from Mira Peytou. She
was so sorry her business was still delayed,
but rs she felt that she had no right to de-
tain him entirely at Robes. she had sent
Mr.. Sanderson to temporarily relieve him,
that he might be free to look around him.
or visit San Francisco in reference to his
own business, only exacting q promise
from him that he would return to Robles
TO meet her at the end Of the week before
settling upon anything.
The bitter smile with which Clarence
had read thus far suddenly changed; some
mysterious touch of unhusiness-iike but
r. a ~ hAA
ticed IN her previous letters gave HIM q
faint sense of pleasure, as If her note had
been perfumed. He had awaited himself
Of the offer. 1t was on this visit to Sacra-
mento that he had accidentally discovered
the marriage of Susy and Hooker. Its .
great deal better business for her to have
husband in the 'profesh' If she's goin' to
stick 10 it," said his informant. Mrs. Nc
Ciosky. land she's nothing if she ain Z
business and profesh, Mr.. Brant. ] never
zee girl that was born for the stage-yes,
you might say. Jess cut out o the boards
for the stage-as that girl Susy is! And
that's Jest what's the matter. and you
know 1t and l know 1t. and there you
areP'
IL Was with these experiences that Ciar-
ence Was today re-entering the wooded
and rocky gateway of the rancho from the
high road of the canada, but as he can
tered up the first slope through the drift
OF $cartet poppaes that almost ooiiteratel
| the track. and the blue and yellow blooms
| of the terraces again broke upon his view.
| he thought only of Mrs. peyton's pleasure
| in this changed aspect of her old home.
| She had told him of il once before. and Of
| her delight in 1t. aud he had once thought
how happy he should be 10 see IL with her.
| The servant who took his horse told him
| that the Sonora had arrived that morning
| from Santa lnex, bringing with her the
/ two SenoritAs Hcrnandex from TIE rancho
/ OF Les canejcs. and that other guests were
expected. Aud there Was the Senior sam
dssson and his reverence. Padxs kstsban.