People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1894-08-10
CHAPTER XVI.
Love and Lucre.

Love and Lucre.
When James Cromwell alluded to
the possibility Of his receiving leg
acy of ten thousand dollars at no dis.
tant date, it will be understood at
once that he alluded to the sum
promised him by Paul Morton in the
event of the death OF his ward. He
had endeavored to compass Roberts
death at Niagara Falls, but since his
failure there, he had let the matter
drop. partly from timid fear of con-
sequences. partly from the thought
that even without this sum he was
sure OF a good income. But the I'M
expected condition proposed by Mr..
Manton again turned his thoughts
to the question OF Roberts death,
and its pecuniary advantage to him
self, and again our young hero was
menaced by a peril by no means in
significant.
But Cromwelrs timid nature
shrank from the audacity of the
crime which suggested itself to his
mind. Besides, though he was fas-
cinated by Clara Manton, he was not
clear about settling so large sum
as five thousand dollars upon her
He would have done it if in his pow
er, rather than lose her, but if he
could obtain her on any easier terms
he thought that it would be better.
He decided, therefore, to see Clara
herself, to communicate to her her
fathers answer, and prevail upon
her, if possible, to marry him with
out her fathers sanction.
Chance, as he thought, favored
him. for only short distance from
the house he met Clara. herself. She
had left the house considerably, in
order to allow him an opportunity to
call upon her father, and was now
returning.
"Mr. CROMWELL" she said, with
affected surprise. Il supposed you
were in your shop. fear you are
becoming inattentive to business"
81 can't attend to my business un-
til one matter is decided" said Crom-
well.
What is that?"
How can you ask? Clara, have
just called upon your father. ask
ed his permission to marry you"
What did he say?" inquired the
young lady.
"He told me he would consent, on
certain conditions"
Certain conditions, repeated
Clara, innocently. What could
they be?"
He said that l must prove to him
that was worth ten thousand dol
lars, and must consent to settle half
that amount upon you"
81 hope you;don't blame papa He
carries prudence to excess.
mo, | don't blame him. 1t is
natural that he should wish to make
sure of his daughters comfort"
"And what did you say in reply?"
asked Clara, considerably interested.
81 told him that at present my cir
cumstances would not permit me to
comply with his conditions"
That's pity"
but that was expecting a leg
acy from a near relative that may
possibly fall to me very soon, which
would remove every difficulty
What did he say them"
That when l received the legacy
ne would give me your hand. aro-
vided you were still willing"
The young lady cast her eyes upon
the ground. She did not think
much of waiting for dead mems
shoes, and doubted whether her
lover had any such relative as he
referred to In her own mind she
looked upon the matter as at an end:
and began to consider for whom she
had better angle next
what do you say to that, Clara"
asked Cromwell
Il suppose it is fair" she said.
NO; it is not fair" he said, "to
make me wait so long. l have a
good income; | am careful, and not
extravagant, and know | can sup
port you comfortably. Do not make
me wait. Tell me you will marry
me at once?"
81 cannot disobey my father"
said the young lady, who had all at
once become very dutiful.
But do you think he has a right
to interfere with your happiness?"
Perhaps not; but ! have always
been taught to obey my father |
suppose he knows better than ! what
| ought to do"
Surely, you are not afraid that |
should be unable to support you
comfortably" said Cromwell, re-
proachfully.
"Oh, no." answered Clara 81
never think of money. Ny father
often tells me that ought to think
more of it As far as lam concerned,
| should never think of asking