Audubon Republican., 1900-12-13

tive"
The smile left Gladys face.
"Oh! Then you camo here because
Helen sent you?" she asked.
We'll, not exactly; knew word
from me would set matters straight,
SO l thought I'd better come. Where
are you going?"
only to an easy chair; this otto
man isn't comfortable" There were
tears in her eyes but Harvey did not
see them. IF we are to have con-
sultation. I may as well sit at my
ease"
She said no more, and after waiting
a minute, he asked
Well, aren't you going to tell me
all about it?"
Hasn't Helen already told your"
Yes, but l prefer to hear your own
version of the matter"
There really is no need OF 1t. am
sure your wife Is truthful; what sho
said occurred no doubt did occur
Then ! can't understand why you
refuse to accept her sensible sugges-
tion and look into things little, with
her aid. Nell's a first rate business
woman, and don't believe you realize
how much money is spent in the
house."
"You have your full share Of all that
comes into it, Harvey"
Why, of course" he responded,
with half wondering look. as If sur
prised at the reminder. What is yours
is also mine in sense; we enjoy a
common inheritance. 1t Is because cur
interests are identical that Helen and
l wish to protect them. You surely
see that, little woman? 1t would please
the dear girl very much If you'd take
her into your confidence-treat her
more like daughter in truth as she
is in spirit"
Gladys did not answer for a few mo-
ments; she moved her chair so that
her face was partly in shadow, while
she could note every expression of his.
"Before we talk any further" she
presently said, 81 should like to know
Just what it is Helen desires. l COM
prehend that she wishes to reduce the
general expenses of the establishment;
but how? Does she want to take
Phebe's placer"
Hardly that" returned Harvey,
flushing. "She thinks. however, now
she is here. you no longer need the
services of housekeeper."
"And do you think l ought to turn
out an old and faithful servant after
a lifetime of devotion to me and
mine"
Certainly not; she would remain as
your maid"
so that Is it," exclaimed Gladys.
with half laugh. II thought some
great idea was agitating Heien's mind.
Dear, clumsy Tomlnson my maid!
And suppose there are other servants
she thinks might be dispensed with.
Well, perhaps they could; but / Ike
to have plenty of people about the
place"-her voice grew firmer here
"and I intand to have them. You nsed
no assurance that l am glad to share
my house and its luxuries with you
and your wife. But you must accept
things as they are. l will brook no
further interference"
''1nterference! Surely you cannot
regard my dear wife's suggestion as
What else is It? have never COM
planned to you Of Helen. but from the
day she entered the house she has
shown disposition to take control OF
it; l have submitted patiently to one
small encroachment after another,
hoping to content her, but her de-
mands increase instead of Lessen. She
seems to forget that the estate is mine,
not hers"
Harvey arose and walked across the
room several times, at last coming to
a standstill before her chair.
mo, little woman" he said in kind
yet cold tone, 1--WE do not forget it
we merely question it"
How that I'VE" stung Gladys only a
woman In her position can understand.
But it hardened her, too. She did not
answer, waiting for his next words.
Legally, the estate is yours. l ad-
nit; but as my fathers son / am sure
ly entitled to my share of his prop
erty. Money you have never grudged
me; you We're always most generous.
l am only a sort of
hanger on-a dependent on your
bounty. This doesn't seem fair. Now
that / am of age, ana with a married
mans responsibilities. we should
come to some regular business under
standing. God forbid that should in
herit your money. Yet in common
justice | ought to share it."
Are you not sharing 1t now, Har-
vey?"
Yes, in sense; but can't you un-
derstand that l am boy no longer,
and want my legal rights?"
"Or rather your wife,
LET US keep her name out of the
I will not hear another
word against her even from you." said
Harvey, haughtily.
Gladys lips quivered.
you must admit that she Is your
adviser-a wise one, perhaps, from her
point Of view," she said gently. But
you are both reasoning in the dark.
Harvey, you have no legal claim on
my property"
mo claim on my own fathers
money!"
1t was not his money. He was
poor man. My father was very angry
when he married one of his daugh-
-ers." Gladys spoke in short senten es,
carefully. as if fearing she might say
too much. "lt was runaway match,
and papa would not forgive It,"
why d. you never tell me this be-