The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-09-04

after a stormy interview with them,
had been informed that unless the
amount was paid by Saturday, house,
lands, and everything would be at
once advertised for sale-and today
was Wednesday.
| knew nothing of law; but, even
to my ignorance, this sudden demand
and swift procedure seemed unusual.
But can they do it7" / asked.
"ves, am afraid they can. Months
ago, when they made me large ad-
vance, they gave me notice to pay the
mortgage off. 1t was mere matter
of form, they said; but now they will
act upon it. They are thorough 60
ing rogues, and l believe have some
scheme in their heads by which they
fancy it possible to get absolute pos
session of the whole estate"
But, Walter dear, the estate must
be worth thousands more than that
amount"
"Oh yes, I can get the money easily
enough. But not in three days. 1t
will cut me to the heart even to see it
all advertised, although doubtless
the sale may be stopped"
why not go to that nice old
gentleman, Mr.. Mainwaring9" sug
gested. "You always call him your
family solicitor. He will help you,
am sure"
"That is just what I intend doing.
I shall go to London tomorrow, and
show him exactly how | stand, and
beg as great favor that | may have
the money at once. When | return
| gill give orders for all the men to
be discharged and the machinery
sold. There shall be an end of it be-
fore it makes an end of me-"
was almost hysterical with JOY as
heard his last words.
"Oh, my loveI" | cried at will all
come right with us yet. We are,
after all, only half ruined. We can
let the Hall and go abroad for several
years. Don't trouble about it any
more. If you could only know how
happy | am to think | shall haveyou
back once again, all to myself as of
old, you would be happy too. We
will live in some quiet French or
Swiss town, and be everything to one
another again"
So l talked to him and comforted
him, until he grew more composed,
and, kissing me, owned that life was
still worth having, even if shorn of
half its wealth.
That night | slept more happily
than l had slept for months.
The mornings post brought let
ter from Leach and Vincent. 1t was
couched in legal terms, and stated
that unless the amount due was paid
in notes or gold by Saturday at noon,
they would take the threatened steps.
Walter at once dispatched a teIe-
gram, saying the money would be
paid, and requesting that the neces-
sary release might be prepared in
order to avoid any delay. Then he
started for London, in quest of ten
thousand pounds.
[ had little fear as to the result of
his expedition. can read faces; and
long ago / had read in Mr. Main
warnings face the kindness of his
disposition. l knew he was rich, and
that his clients were also rich men;
moreover, he had high opinion of
Walter, and held him in what might
almost be termed affection. When
he congratulated me upon my mar
riage, he told me, in unmistakable
words, what he thought of my hus-
band. So l was not surprised when,
on the Friday evening, Walter re-
turned with semblance of the old
joyous smile on his face; and, after
locking pocketful of bank notes in
the safe, sat down by me, and for the
rest of the evening built airy castles,
or rather cottages, full of peaceful
ness and love.
CONTINUED NEXT WEEK