Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-08-30
CHAPTER Nv.


knock was heard at the door, he gave
permission to enter with some little
alacrity. But he shrunk back into
his eaSy-chair when he saw that II
was his ward, come probably to up
braid him.
"What-what do you WANT" he
asked, in evident perturbation, fol
there was nothing he so dreaded as q
scene"
May I speak to you a moment"
she said, quietly.
Il am at your disposal, Of course
with some acrimony, feeling that She
had given him no choice in the matter
I'VE have just been informed Of youl
intention of leaving your fortune in
two equal parts, one of which is tc
come to me-" said Ellen.
Under certain conditiOns-under Ger
tain conditions
THAT was fully explained" she an
swered sadly.
VERY naturally you may have taken
exception to the terms Of the codicil
but try to look at it FROM NY point
of view, Elaine"
II have looked at it from every con,
ceivable point of view"
Remember the circumstances in
which l adopted you, and that I con
slider myself ansWerable for your fut.
ure fate. To shield you is my duty
but must l not also protect myself"
L am not blaming you. I have
never blamed you"
But you look at me with those large
sorrowful eyes Of yours, and make NE
feel perfect brute
you are all goodness. You have
been far kinder to me than | deserve
or wish. 1t is that of which : must
complain"
"Eh? What? What?'-looking UP
at her in quick surprise.
81 have accepted your kindness
freely as [ believe it was offered; the
shelter you gave me nearly two years
ago has become to me a home. 1t is
my only home; and no one else would
be kind to me but YOU
rs that all you came to say"-in an
embarrassed tone.
No. 1 want to tell you that I can
no longer accept that kindness, and
must seek another home, unless"
Unless l cancel the codicil Of my
will?'
She shook her head impatiently.
You have a right to make what pro-
visions you think best-you have a
right to do what you please with your
own: but money should go as a bless
ing, not as a curse. 1t is a cruel gift,
if an unWelcome one"
What do you mean?"
Il want you to erase my name from
your will absolutely and forever"
He stared at her in undiguised
Was this acting or real
ity? Yet something in her attitude
him against his will.
THAT is a strange request. Why
do you urge it?'
Because it is only so that I can re-
main with you at all. The gratitude
and love [ owe you prevent my resent
ing any unjust suspicion you may
harbor, the good you have done me far
outbalancing the evil; but don't you
understand that such patience is in
compatible with dignity and self-re-
spect if in the end l am to gain by it?''
"You think I am bribing you to be
good?" with a bitter smile.
81 am sure you mean to be generous
i11St hut hn1invn
serve me best by doing as say
and if I refuse?"
"Then [ shall leave your house al
once"
Mr.. Bowyer looked thoughtfully into
the fire, and pondered the matter for
Once or twice he glanced furtiyely at
the girl who stood there so patiently
before him awaiting his decision, and
bis heart softened toward her as ii
Away did soften when exposed to
good influence.
Presently he asked, not looking into
her face
Can you throw any light upon
upon that painful business-the ar
senie, you know"
L know nothing about it beyond the
mere fact that [ saw Mrs. Priolo place
it quite out Of the way in the morn
ing. and that in the afternoon [ took
the milk, tea and sugar from the usual
places"
Suppose I alter or entirely remove
that codicil?" said Mr.. Bowyer. hesita
tingly The lawyer has not left the
house; and, after all, I had no right
to let morbid fear of mine destroy
another's peace"
THAT would not do at all" she OBJ
jected gently. In no circumstances
that seem possible at present could
accept any money from you beyond
what is necessary while living as
do beneath your roof
rs it that you are offended, az
grieved at the wording of the codicil|
mo, I don't think it is that. To say
a thing or think a thing, it is all the
same; and as you say, you are bound
to protect yourself
He WINGED a little, detecting the
slight infection Of contempt in hel
tone. and touched too by its deep sad
ness.
81 will think it over and let yor
know. I am not sure whether I have
the right to leave you utterly unpro
riIaI destitute IN fact -