The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-11-12
dreaded subject. Philip skiIlfulry In

''Why, of course" she said; II don't
see why we hadn't thought of that be-
fore. We can find some quiet place
down south where we can be comfort
able, and we can take Helen with u.s."
Philips heart smote him when he set
himself to demolish this cheerful plaG.
Having had time to think about it. he
had demonstrated to his own satisfac-
tion the uselessness of trying to dodge
his fate. He had succeeded in twisting
DIR. Perevin's warning into a formal
sentence Of death; and he had made up
his mind to take the physicians ad-
vice, not for recuperative purposes. but
for reasons which were purely senti-
mental. He would go away into the will
drrness where he could find quiet
place to die, and would SO save his moth
er and Helen the day-to-day sorrow of
the intermediary period. 1t was all
very foolish and boyish, doubtless; but
Philip was only an overgrown boy at
hest, SO far as individuality was con-
cerned, and Mrs. Thorndyke had her
self to thank for it. And so he pro-
ceeded to put his theory into practice.
THAT would all be very pleasant; but
don't you see that l must go alone if |
mean to live out of doors and rough it?
I'm not sure but it would be better for
me to go into the woods with the tur-
pentine gatherers, or in logging camp.
don't know that especially yearn for
such an experience, but I'd do that or
anything else to please you and Helen"
Don't be impatient, Philip, dear; l
know we're pair of foolish women,
but there is always the look of your
uncle Granville in your eyes, and
Mrs. Thorndyke sat down and began to
cry softly into her handkerchief.
Philip was beside her in a moment.
There, there, little mother, you've let
this thing worry you till you're all I'M
strung. You mustn't, you know; Pere-
vim says that I'm-that all need is a
change of climate. You won't know me
wien 1 get back"
When one is habitually truthful the
| lips lie clumsily and the face usually re-
| fuses to corroborate the falschood; it
was therefore fortunate for Philips
plan that his mothers emotion pre-
vented her from seeing the untruth.
And see now how great a matter so
small a thing may turn aside. If Mrs.
| Thorndyke had looked up she would
have believed Philips face against his
words, and there would have been no
solitary migration and no case in
equity-no moral upheaval and no
strangling of carefully educated con-
science. And. besides, Philip might
have died comfortably at home. with all
| the accessories of civilization to make
it easier.
Preparations fer the journey, and the
arranging of matters connected with
the estate. kept Philip SO busy for the
next few days that there was no time
to indulge in painful rehearsals of the
approaching leavetaiiings. AS conf
d;nt in the business affair was neces-
sary, he told his solicitor. not the exact
truth, but what he had made himself
believe to be the truth, and was thus
enabled to keep his mother in Ignorance
of his careful provision for her future
When it came to making the will, Col
Van Cott.who was family friend of tn.
Thorndykes, and of the Morrissons as
well, put in a word.
"You say you want to leave it all to
your mother; does that include the sum
set apart for n marriage settlement on
Helcn?'"
Yes" Philip ran his hand through
his hair and then tugged at his nous
tache. You see. it's this way" he eX
planned: Il know that's what Heleu
would wish if she could be consulted
She has always objected to the settle.
,nent. and she says she will insist upon
turning it over to my mother when it
comes into her hands. thought il
would simplify matters to include il
with the rest"
II knew about that" replied the law
yer. taking up his pen again; land sc
I thought perhaps you might want te
leave it as an anchor to windward in
case your mothers property ever be-
came involved. l don't like your obsti
macy in the matter of investments;
mean the way you both keep all youl
money tied up in Hallam's bank stock. ,
81 know that's always been an eye
sore to you, colonel. and l could never
understand just why it should be. Hal
lam is as safe as the subtreasury. ant
he always pays good dividends"
THAT may all be-" replied Van Colt
testify: II don't know anything to thu
contrary: but it cuts no figure with the
principle of the thing. It's plain case
of putting all your eggs in one basket
and that's never n good thing to do"
Philip wrestled Il moment with new
sense of responsibility. Il guess your,
right; though l never thought much
about it before. It's hardly worth
| while for me to make transfers now
but I'd be glad if you could get mother
10 do it." And the making of the vii
went on without further interruption
During these days of preparation
Philip found it convenient to avoid be
ing much alone with Helen. Since tell
ing her of his intention. he had beer
beset by fear that she suspected more
serious reason for the journey than thu
one he had given her. The fear was no
wholly unfounded. for. on the following
day. Miss Morrison had gone straight
TO DR.. Perevin. Fortunately for tina
gentleman's reputation as keeper o.
family secrets. he happened to be en-
gagged when she called. and so had time
to reinforce his caution. Helen waited
quaking. in the reception-room, losing
the vantage ground of attack in tho