The Holly chieftain., 1897-11-12
dreaded .ubject. Phillip ,1lll.uly g


"Why, Of course" she said; II don't
zee why We hadn't thought of that be-
fore. We can find sons quiet place
down south where we can be comfort
able. and we can take Helen with ns."
Philips heart smotc him when he set
himself to demolish this cheerful plan.
Having hnd time to think about II. he
had demonstrated to his own satisfac-
tion the uselessness of trying TO dodge
his fnte. He had succeeded In twisting
DR.. Perevin's warning into formal
sentence Of death; and be had made up
his mind 70 take the physicians nd
vice, not for recuperative purposes. but
for reasons which were purely senti-
mental. He would 60 away into the viii.
dcrness where he could find q quiet
place to die. and would so saye his moth
er and Helen the day-to-lay sorrow of
the intermediary period. 1t was all
very foolish and boyish, doubtless; but
Philip was only an oyergrown boy at
best, so far ~ individuality WINS con-
cerned, and Mrs. Thorndyke had her
self to think for II. And so he pro-
cccded to put his theory into practice
THAT would all be very pleasant; but
don't you see that l must go alone IL I
mean to live out OF doors and rough II?
Tn not sure but il would be better for
me to 60 into the woods with the tur-
pentine gatherera, or in a logging camp.
don't know that,l 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;
know we're a pair Of foolish women.
but there is always the look Of your
uncle Granville in your eyes, and"
Mrs. Thorndyke snt down and begnn to
cry softly into her handkerchief.
Philip was beside her In moment.
There, there, little mother, you've let
this thing worry you till you're all un-
strung. You mustn't, you know; Pcre-
win says that rm-that all need is a
change OF climate. You won't know me
when get back"
When one is hnbitually 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 sec now how. great matter 30
small thing may turn aside. II Mrs.
1'horndyke had looked up she would
lave 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 a carefully educated con-
science. And, besides. Philip might
have died comfortably at home. with all
the accessories OF civilization to make
II easier.
Preparations for 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 rehcarsals Of the
approaching ieavetakings. AS conf
dnnt 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 the
Thorndykes, and Of the Morrissons az
well. put In word.
"You say you want to leave it all TO
your mother; does TINT include the sum
set apart for marriage settlement on
Helen?"
"Yes." Philip ran his hand through
his hair and then tugged at his nous
tache. "You see. it's this way" he ex-
plained: II know that's what Helen
would wish II she could be consulted.
She has always objected to the settle
ment, and she says she will insist upon
turning It over to my mother when 1t
comes into her hands. thought II
would simplify matters to include it
with the rest"
II knew about that" replied the law
yer. taking up his pen again; land so
thought perhaps you might want to
leave It as an anchor to windwnrd In
case your mothers property ever be-
came involved. don't like your obsti-
macy in the matter Of investments; 1
mean the way you both keep all your
money tied up in Hallam's bank stock. !"
II know that's always been an eye
core to you, colonel, and j could never
understand just why II should be. Hal
lam is as safe as the subtrensury. and
he always pays good dividends"
THAT may all be-" replied Van Cott.
testify; II doa't know anything to the
contrary; but It cuts no figure with the
principle Of the thing. It's a plain case
Of putting all your eggs in one basket;
and that's never good thing to do"
Philip wrestled a moment with new
sense Of responsibility. II guess you're
right; though never thought much
about it before. It's hardly worth
while for me TO make transfers now,
but I'd be glad II you could get mother
10 do it." And the making Of the will
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 been
beset by q fear that she suspected more
serious reason for the journey than the
one he had given her. The fear was not
wholly unfounded, for, on the following
day. Miss Morrison hnd gone straight
to DR.. Perevin. Fortunately Tor that
gentleman's reputation a. keeper Of
family secrets. he Unopened to be en-.
gagged when she called. and 80 had time
TO reinforce his caution. Helen waited,
qunking. in the reception-room. losing
the vantage ground Of attack In tho
same proportion that the physician
strengthened his defensea by delay.