The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-10-05

CA4N AO 5U41 .
THAT will must be foundr'
There was a thorough search made
for it," Mrs. Stone said, coldIy.
Yes, by interested parties" was
the sneering reply. ''The house is
yours, Marion, not Wizards. / ask
your permission to look for the will. :"
Igave it and then escaped to my
own room. He would look for the will,
perhaps find it, and Willard would
lose his inheritance. And I was not
glad! A horrible weight oppressed me
as I thought of Jack master in Well
ford Place-master of the factory
my husbandI
At the last thought the scales fell at
last from my girlish eyes and I knew
that my love for Jack was but the
natural affection of a child for a life
companion, exalted to an ideal perfec
tiOn by a youthful imagination. And
when the idol had fallen there rose in
it's place a grave face with large, soft,
black eyes, and I covered my own face
to hide hot bushes; for never had
Willard spoken one word of love to
Jacks Observation-Disclosures given me
other than the gentle courtesy due to
his sCepfatLer's niece and his short,
time werd.
He was a king amongst men, and
knew it. For years 1 had known of
Uncle Walters affection and trust in
his Paris agent and since he had been
at home l had not wondered at either.
The factory hands fairly w%orshiped
him, for he was strict in rule, just in
every dealing, stern to rebuke fault,
and yet in trouble or Illness he was as
generous as a prince and gentle as a
woman.
And while 1 thought of all this l
could hear Jack in the room so lately
solemnized by the presence IF death,
tossing about the furniture, rummag-
ing everywhere, to disinherit Willard.
/ could not bear it. At least he should
know the danger menacing himI
I slipped down stairs and over to the
village, nearly two miles away, send
ing from there a telegram to New York
only a few words calling Willard
home at once.
Then sped back, already relieved .
At least he would return and know of
Jacks arrival. 1t was evening when
we heard him in the hall. l had been
reading and Jack lingering the keys of
the piano when Willard came in.
His face was very grave, but he
spoke cordially to Jack, who answered
briefly and neutrality-suspicious. accus-
ing him of ~concealing the will. For
one second the dark eyes flashed
angriIy, but before he spoke Viii
lard wore his calm, self possessed
face again.
"You are III just, Jack" he said; ''all
my influence was exerted in your be-
half"
"It looks sol" was the sneering
reply.
Your uncle thought his business
should be left in competent and ex
perienced hands. Have yours proved
to be so2'
mo. 1 am not a bargaining trades
man. Uncle Walter trained me for a
gentleman"
The sneering emphasis brought a
dueky red for a moment on Wizards
dark cheek. He spoke with stern en-,
phRsis.
BE content, then, to leave the cares
of trade to me. Your income and pros
poets will give you sufficient little
for idle ease"
His prospec5sl 1 looked up then, so
puzzled that Willard said:
rs it possible you have not told
Mariau9"
You have doubtless done co."
mo, it was not my duty certainly
not my pleasure.
Told me what9" I cried, with a dizzy
feeling and a choking of my breath.
Mrs. Stone answered:
Your uncle's letter from Mr.. Hay
announced Mr.. Jack Wellford's en-
gagement to Miss Rose Hay"
You might as we'll add" said Jack,
that we were privately married the
day I left. No one knows that as yet,
but I shall claim my bride when I q
turn to Florida"
I staggered toward the door, but
would have fallen had not a strong arm
held me up as 1 reeled forward. The
same kind support led me to the library
aud placed me in a deep arm chair. I
must have been white and looked faint
for a moment later a glass of water