Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1895-07-05


was aroused by an exclamation of dis
may. She looked up to see Content
staring at the letter with face Of alb
solute horror
My dear child, what is it?" she
cried
Read it," said Content, shivering
"From James q Jennings?" said
Mrs. Weston, taking the letter. rs
it really Uncle An.ony's lawyers, Con
tent? Why, is it possible? \ later
will discOvered-the property to be d.
vided between YOU and the dogs
home. My child, what is this?"
Il suppose it's just that came in
mufAed voice from Content. She was
crying bitterly, with her face buried
in the sofa cushion. "Oh, mother.
must | have it? Can't we write and
say that the dogs home may keep it?'
Content, are you mad? What do
you mean?'
ITS Tom" moaned Content. 81 am
sure he was going to say something to
me last night, but somehow he could
never manage it, and he will never
speak now. Mother, would 1t be very
wicked not to tell anybody about the
money at present? Surely it wouldn't t
be difficult to keep it secret about
this new will for a time?'
And deceive Tom? Ny dear Con-
tent! And what about the explana-
ton and confessing the truth? Would
he respect you, or could you respect
yourself? If Tom really loves you, he
won't let your money keep you and
him apart"
Another man might not, but Tom
will" persisted Content. You will
see, mother.
And Mrs. Weston did see. Edith
came in after breakfast and, after
learning the news, carried it home,
and Tom came no more.
Il don't want to hurry you, dear,
said Mrs Weston one day, but don't
YOU feel that we ought to be thinking
OF leaving this place? There is Uncle
Antony's house standing empty and
waiting for us. and your presence is
really needed in London while they
make these final arrangements. y
YES, suppose we must 60 said
Content, moving abruptly to the win
dow.
She stood for some minutes looking
out. and then turned and said. in
tone of strong resolution: Give me
this one afternoon, mother am go
ing to do something dreadful
'Nlv dear child" demonstrated her
mother.
you see" continued Content.
Fred wouldn't marry me because /
was poor, and now Tom won't marsy
me because ! am rich, SO l must do
something myself
DO be careful, dear
Yes. mother. ! will. have thought
it all over. and | don't think it would
he right to leave things like this /
love Tom. and l am sure he loves me
If it was some misfortune which
parted us, ] could bear it; but this
wretched money
Later in the afternoon, Tom Barn
ard. coming back through the fields
from long round, caught sight OF
some one on the wooden bridge that
crossed the stream. The Slight figure
leaned over the hand-rail and the
fluffy golden curls were unmistakable,
and Toms heart began 10 beat tumultu-
ouslv. lie had carefully kept out Of
Contents way since the news OF her
fortune had come, and he had hoped
desperately that she might depart
without his having to bid her farewell.
lie made a tremendous effort 10 ap-
pear cool and unconcerned, but his
voice shook when he began 20 speak.
How do you do, Miss Weston? It's
IA nice day for a walk, isn't it?'
1t was a damp, dismal afternoon.
and the observation was therefore
scarcely appropriate. Content who
had been dropping stones into the wa
ter. turned round suddenly with a
wildly beating heart and very white
face.
1T rained this morning" was the
only thing she could find to say; but
the sight of her face had changed the
current of Toms thoughts.
Il say, do hope you haven't been
ill.," he said, hurriedly. You ought to
have a change. But you are going
away, aren't your
Yes. we are going away" said Con-
tent. 81 don't care much for the vii
lage now. Everything is so different.
You mean that you find the people
behave differently to you because on
your money!" he asked.
Eyes, horribly different" said Con-
tent, energetically, throwing a stone
down the stream as far as it would 90.
Edith will be awfully lonely with
out YOU he said. 1T has always
been a joke in our house that she
cared less for any of US than for Sweet
Content"
"Oh, please don't use that name any
more" cried Content. II am going tC
change, and be called Gloriana The
other is not applicable. I'm not con
tented at all -
DuJ gOu hdNC CNNl az N"hN"b -
pursued Tom, awkwardly, his hungry
eyes fixed upon her averted face.
Il haven't" she flashed out. 81
wish l was living in the old times
when men were brave and things were
+ nice"
And men are not brave now?' h'
/ asked, as cheeriully as he could.
"Brave2 Mo- cried Content, turn
ing an indignant face upon him
"They are afraid of what people viii
say, and they let the thought Of tina
ruin girls life"
T-I don't think you are quite fail
to me, Content" he said, with diff
Guilty. II gave you up because o
your money, and it was very hard"
Did ever ask you to give me up?
cried Content "Was it my fault tina
the money came? Why should yol
punish me for it? Isn't it bad enough
to have a lot Of money thrust upoI
you that you don't want, without you
treating me as if it was some crime o
my own?"
Content, DON'T"
IIo 4ooly a stan forward but she he'll