The evening world., 1893-10-20

Yes, she was dead at last-Margaret
Demorest, of Stony Lodge and the
shock of her demise had shaken Bellevue
from centre to circumference. For years
her numerous relatives. Zach with an
eye to the estate, had watched her
movements from II respectful distance,
which she herself had i~nterposed be-
tween them. and their hearts had grown
sick with hope deferred.
Heart disease, the doctors said, when
she was found one morning with a smile
of peace frozen on her stern and with
cred features. The relatives accepted the
verdict with due resignation. following
the remains of the dear departed to
their final resting place amid an ostenta-
tious display of Grape. But when the
will was read the excitement Of the
irs-at-law rapidly assembled to fever
Il. Always eccentric In life. Miss
morast had retained that eccentricity
the end and woven 1t into her last
II and testament.
With the exception OF a few requests
her servants, the whole of her prop
erty, landed and personal. to wit: Stony
Lodge, her present residence. with It's
beautiful park. which was a very Eden
of loneliness: Rose Villa. her Winter re-
sort on Lake Helen. Fla. together with
a splendid house in own and money to
the amoun Of &. 900, 900, was to pass into
the sole possession of that one among
her kinsfolk who should discover the
hiding-place of the twelve Demorest ru-
bies.
Should the gems remain undiscovered
after the lapse of one year from the
l.N~ - - 49, 4 - ~
and a home for old maids founded with
the proceeds.
1.-THE old cat!" muttered fashionable
Mrs. Meridith, viciously. "She hid those
rubies herself. the spiteful thing!"
1T is too provoking" pouted her pref
ty daughter Maude.
Il shall contest the will,' said thin
Tipped Reuben Gray. 1T cannot stand"
Mrs. Meredith was Miss Demorest's
niece and ReLoen Gray her nephew.
The two were brother and sister and the
nearest akin to the dead woman.
Nex came Marsie Vane, child OF a
favorite nephew, who was TO have
been the heir lad he not displeased his
aunt by marrying against her will q
girl of obscure p~arentage-"a pauper,"
Miss Demorest called her.
Harold Nane had died some years
back. closely followed by his wife. and
the n daughter. Margaret, was left
alone in the world and utterly penniless.
Mrs. Meredith had taken her-for the
old aunt had remained obdrrate-and she
as now serving in the capacity of maid
0 her beautiful cousin Maude.
Margie Nane was not present at the
ed6inG OF the will. Mrs. Meredith con-
Idered 1t unnecessary, and Margie her.
III had not the ~faintest hope of being
,membered kindly by her fathers stern
d relative. When. therefore. they re-
lrned in anger and disappointment and
i've an account of the wording of the
vi Margie's hazel eyes opened wide
tn wonder.
chat afternoon and many ensuing af
moons Mrs, Meredith, Maude and Mar.
walked over to Stony Lodge and wan.
ed fruitlessly about amid the trea,
es Of ~bric-a-brac. %statuary, books and
o old china.
n one of these occasions Margie met
! Denorest, a cousin several times
, loved of her fathers. He was 6
TX, handsome young fellow, witt
X blue eyes and close. curling. fail
T. his was lHt genuine lpeIloTeS
e. the index Of a strong, mob char
e..
y occupation he was an artist il
ss-blowing, having learned the art IL
nice. He had don considerable worl
Miss Demorest. with whom he wa
prime favorite.
so you thought O would have a lool
: the rubies with the rest of us.
y Id Mrs. Meredith, with a sneer. a
q found the young glassblower ex
IN inning the books in the library on
I'M ,rning. Yet I thought you abhorre'
.rcenary considerations
I am not in quest of the gems" VIII
lplied. as his blue eyes rested in un
\ III stakable admiration on Margie's fair
ME- eet face.
SyE- Humph! I hope you don't take m
~f : a lunatic or fool, VIII Demorest,
s the soathing rejoinder.
Nj For neither. I assure you." said viii
rs tn a bow. "Only at present ! am NOR
terested in pearls than rubies. CousiI