Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1897-08-05

posure. 1t was necessary, Of course,
to prepare a very elaborate-and fc-
titious-series of accounts to conceal
the real facts, but at least the money
was there to he handed over and re-
cipients are usually satisfied to receive
their own, without indulging in too
close scrutiny as to how it has been
dealt with before it arrives in their
hand. Mr.. Marchmont WINGED, how
ever, as he saw that Harold Williams,
when he kept the long deferred ap-
pointment at the merchants Office TO
90 into the accounts, had brought his
solicitor with him, a shrewd, keen
eyed, middle-aged man of well-known
ability in the profession. Nothing,
however, could be more courteous than
this gentleman's demeanor as he ex-
planned that his young client, being
somewhat ignorant of business, had
suggested that he should accompany
him, and check over the trust accounts.
At least the money was forthcoming,
as Marchmont thought with infinite
sense of relief, but as the quiet lawyer
examined the accounts in silence, the
miserable trustee felt well aware that
the shrewd solicitor had accurately
gauged the real condition of affairs
and could penetrate all the ingenious
devices whereby figures had been ma
nipulated to conceal facts.
Indeed as Mr.. Vivian, the lawyer,
turned over the accounts, he was say
ing to himself Exactly as | expect
ed these trust funds have been made
away with and replaced. Well, it's
no business OF mine to point this out,
and, anyhow, my client has got back
his own in the end. "
But there was a decided coldness in !
the tones in which Mr.. Vivian thanked |
Mr.. Marchmont for the opportunity
he had given them for inspecting his |
trust accounts, which were all in due
order.
"And now we have only to arrange |
for the formal transference Of the |
property to Mr.. Williams and his sis
ter, remarked the lawyer, as he laid
down the last paper.
"No," exclaimed Harold, who, like
Mr.. Marchmont, had noted the cold
ness of his lawyers manner to the
trustee mo, I've something else to
do first. D."
Both the other men looked at the
speaker in some surprise.
u have to ask your forgiveness,
sir, said the youth, ingenuously, adj
vancing toward Mr.. Marchmont and
holding out his hand 81 am utterly
ashamed to confess that for some while,
I have wronged you, my fathers old
est friend, and the kind and faithful
guardian of my own and my sisters
interests, by wicked and unjust sus-
picions. Circumstances-not worth re-
calling now-had led Inc to fancy that
well, I'm fairly ashamed to say the
wordg-that our money was not quite
safe in your keeping. see now how
wrong was"-here Mr.. Vivian men
tally ejacuated "Was he e?"-"and
ask your pardon for the wrong l did
you in my thoughts. feel it only
due to you, sir, to make this confession.
ashamed as l am to have to do it ; but
you will forgive me, will you not? p
There was a pause. Mr. March
mont did not take the offered hand,
but sat still, with strange, fixed look
upon his face.
Il was so anxious about Ellie, my
little sister" went on the young man
1--WE are all alone in the world, as you
know. But if l cruelty migudged you,
sir, am at least ready to acknowledge
myself utterly in the wrong and to ask
your forgiveness. Were my dear IA
ther here, added the young man,
with some emotion, II am sure he
would fully appreciate your kindness
to his orphan children and thank you
as sincerely as do for your noble and
conscientious fulfllment of the trust
he reposed in you.
Mr.. Marchmont slowly staggered to
feet; an awful graveness was over
spreading his face.
at is very - touching - and
gratifying" he began, in strangely
altered voice
Then he suddenly collapsed and
fell on the foor-dead.
"The fellow had some conscience
after all, thought Mr.. Vivian to him
self, whenever he looked back on the
awful occurrence; but lawyer-like.
kept his own counsel.
Failure of the hearts action. was
the medical verdict with the adden-
dum that Mr.. Marchmont had long