Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1900-01-18

the late Lord Mountatnol 20 leave
ten thousand q year TO his secretary,
Ralph Trevelyan, and his typewriter.
Eva Withers, on the sole condition
that they became man and wife within
six months Of the testator's decease.
Mr.. Denton held brief consulta-
ton with Ralph Trevelyan and then
he sent message by servant ask
ing Miss Withers II she was able to
see him. She received him In the
pretty sitting-room that had been hers
since she entered the service OF her
late employer.
Dear Mr.. Denton, this is terriblel"
Eva said, as she rose TO meet the law
yer. Lord Mountathol was always
like father to me. I'm sure he loved
me as daughter! What could have
induced him to lay this-this humili-
alton on meY'
81 don't quite see where the humilia-
ton comes in, my dear young lady,"
responded the lawyer, with a kindly
twinkle in his eyes. 1T Lord Noun
tathol loved you as daughter-and
he did-he loved Ralph Trevelyan as
son. Latterly 1t was the dearest
wish of his life that you two might
be married. Now, come, my dear Miss
Withers, think 1t over quietly. I have
known Ralph Trevelyan since he was
boy, and know MIN for true gen.
tleman in every sense Of the word.
worthy descendant of an ancient and
honorable line, husband any .wom-
an might be proud of while, on the
other hand-~ell, can only say that
IL 1 had been Rslph's age I should
have envied his good fortune-the per-
sonal, not the financial part Of It,"
he concluded, with gallant little bow.
The ghost of a smile fitted over
Eva's wan face
"Ah, you would have been different,
Mr.. Denton" she said, graciously.
"But my mind Is made up, will have
nothing 70 do with this Scheme-4t Ia
hateful TO me-"
well, we'll" rejoined Denton, good
humoredly, I'm not going to try and
influence you in any way; after all, 1t
rests between the two Of you, But 7
think you ought to give Mr.. Ire
velyan an opportunity of-shall we
say, stating his view Of the caseP"
Eva hesitatel for g moment, and
then answered. "You are right. !
will see him now, II you will send
him TO me. The sooner IL Is over the
better"
Left alone. Eva paced tho room rest
lessly.
~ will not be bought and sold like
o bale Of goods" she murmured, pas
sionstely. III he had cared for me II
would have been 20 dihferent-but
now"
She paused by the window and stood
looking out with affected nonchalance
as Ralph Trevelysn entered the room.
He advanced as far as the table and
then stopped, looking at the slight fig,
ure standing 80 hsughtily sloof, and
the defiant poise Of the shapely head
This is very ridiculous and EN-
bsrrasslng affair."" Eva said, coidly
finding that she WAS expected to speak
first; but she did NOT turn her head
and the remark really might have
been addressed to the birds outside.
Embarrassing? Yes" he assented
lamely.
"You heard my decision In the library
. Just now?" Eva continued, still address
Ing herself to the window pane. 1T IL
impossible that the condition can bt
fulfilled"
A spasm Of pain crossed his handsome
face, but his voice was calm and steady
as he REPLIED
Eyes, 1t seems rather impossible, bu
. Is It not a pity that Lord Mountathor'
generous intention should be frus
trated-that practically no one should
benefit by his magnificent bequest|"
Eva turned at last and faced him Will
flashing eyes.
what do you mean?" she demanded
haughtily.
= He drew step nearer'to her an'
spoke earnestly and impressively.
Miss Withers, you, Hike myself, know
what poverty is. You have told m
what your life was before you obtained
the position your late benefactor OF
} fered you. Are you willing to return
10 that life? 10 sit at desk all day
g and 90 home 1T night to lonely, cheer
8 less room p erhaps to want work an
q not know where your next meal was
: come from? Forgive' me II 1 spea
A plainly; you know I speak truth"
: ayes, I know; but say again woul
rather-a thousand times rather-g
: back TO that wretched life; / woul
Y rather starve than fulfill the conditaoh
9 Of this hateful Will"
e "But you forget" he persisted. "Yo
: are not the only person concerned
am equally interested IN the matter
D "You!"
- Most men would have WINGED unde
i the scorn, the utter contempt conveye
i In the monosyllable; but Ralph Tr'
5 yelyan met her glance steadily. ID
t face was pale and sad, but 1t espresso
e 40 shame.
" n propose that we shall fulfill tn
: terms Of the will-no, pray hear me OF
i as a mere business arrangement
: you will honor me by going throug
" the marriage ceremony with me
swear TO relieve you Of my hatef'
n presence that same hour. Instead
: earning q precarious pound a week, 20
5 will be absolute mistress OF 5000
il year. Think what that means, Mi
IS Withers, ere you give your decision
e Think of the good you can do to othel
a with such means at your disposal, b
~ | -----. A.. a hnnA,r dnnirinn