Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-22

take it so very hard. As far as am concerned, I had made up my mind that matters were not so bad, after all. but she is ambitious you see, and never was. I have grown tired trying to get rich. I would like to rest, but"
 They heard Mrs. GoGdardis cup and saucer rattling as she advanced to the tea table. Then she turned to the uoor suddenly and her heavy silk skirts gave forth a rustling sound as she passed hau9htily out into the hall.
 70, I say, Jeanne." exclaimed her husban q, rising and going to the door, but she had gone out on the lawn, and when he came back to the fire he and his ward saw her walking to and fro on the asphalt drive. A moment later she turned and gave an inaudible order to James, the footman, and he came out to her shortly with a revolver and box of cartridges.
 Goddard went to the window and Blanche followed.
 She's going to practice shooting," he said. When she is full of anger she seems to find a vent for it in target practice. Watch her; she certainly has the most wonderful craftsmanship of any woman alive"
 The major could not hep this exhi- bition of pride in his wife, and he seemed to hold his breath in boyish expectation as Mrs. Goddard took de- liberate aim at a white envelope which James had pinned against the trunk Of tree about 50 feet from where she stGoGL
 Five reports followed one another in rapid succession.
 Good. WonderfuI." ejaculated the ma jor, she hit it four times out of five. 1 have no iGea,'' and as he said this ioddard's tone lost part of it's en- thusfasm, II have no idea where she acquired her skill. She always la ughs myst eriously when I ask her. It was while she lived in the west. however, l am sure. Often she lets slip little allu- sions to ranch life and hunting on the | plains.'
 Blanche made no response; there was a confidential note in her guardi ans voice which strongly appealed to her sympathy. It shocked her sensi- tive idealistic nature to have him ad init that there were pages in his wife's | history which even he had not been al | lowed to read. They saw Mrs. G oddard 
 the attendant and turn into the house. A moment later she passed through the hall and went up the stairway to her own apartment.
 "There is one thing I can not quite | forgive in her. dear Blanche." And the m a ior caught the soft tapering hand Of l his ward and led her back to the fire. ''She married me. She must have been | q L | fortune she knew 1 possessed. She be- trays that in a good many ways. She was ambitious: but persons born with craving desires are not to blame for having them, and so I try to overlook this fault in her. Being poor millner, who came in contact with the rich just ! far enough to want to have means. it must have been a temptation 10 her to marry man with money. l cont say that she does not love me, for I really think she does. I should be very mis- erable if she did not"
 My poor guardian" said Blanche, teuGerly. 'Gou deserve so much. You I ought to have all things that belong to good men. I have been very unhappy ever since you told me of your financial loss. You said I think, that my money was safe?"
 Perfectly. I saw to that. remem- bered your fathers Last words of con- fdence in me. and l never have taken he slightest risk with your interests Your fortune is as secure as if it were in the Bank of England, and the en- tire amount is earning a good rate oi interest,"
 But I have no use for so much rnoney,' said the girl, almost pleading ly, and 1 would be so glad if you would take what you need of it.''
 The major flushed. It would be g cowardly thing to do, and it would cal forth much criticism; no, your money is yours; your father saw that 1 wa: sufficiently repaid for my services, be sides, nothing less than your entire fortune would give Jeanne all sh' craves. She did not sleep wink las night. I heard her walking constant. from the moment she retired till dawn I went to her door twice and rapped but she would not admit me. Some times I am afraid,' and the majo
 touched his broad forehead signifi cantly.
 Poor guardian," There was a sug gestion of tears in Blanche's eyes ant her voice quivered. If you won't le
 me help you with my useless money
 what can I do? Do you fancy this
 this trouble has not made me unhappy too? Your face is my barometer. Nhel it indicates that your spirits are de pressed my sky becomes clouded, ant
 then 1 don't care for anything else. l
 used to be so while l was at schcol
 Your visit on Friday was the sole even
 of the week, and 1 studied hard accord
 ing to my promise, that l might b
 worthy of it. ] was so proud of you
 The girls used to watch for you to driv up and they actually raved over yor
 They all thought you were so hand
 some"
 But Maj. Goddard was not followin
 her with attention.
 Il have been wanting all this week t . put candid question to you, Blanche,
 he remarked, irrelevautly. II am lii
 tie afraid you will not fully under
 stand my motive, but I do want you opinion--a woman can judge anothe
 woman's heart better than a man car