The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-05-30

Carr1ngtOn nOpeu III tulS way 'not hoA
duty toward her own family and to-
ward that of her husband. and, Incl
dentally. to herself, would be perform
ed IN manner suitable and advanta-
geous to all concerned.
In the event of the Earl of Caring
ten declining such union. the fortune
Of the testatrix was to go entirely to
her niece. Florence Rodney
MIS-. Rodney was in feverish glow
By the time she had grasped the pur-
port of this sisterly letter. 1t was 80
evident that the Countess Of Caring
ton was striving to perpetuate her own
tough personality as far as possible for
her condition when she became a dis
embodied lady of title that the benefit
which would accrue to the Rodneys
did not stir any very sisterly gratitude
in Mrs. Rodney. But the benefit was
obvious She would be the mother OF
countess, che would have an income of
$4,000 and Rose would have a pretty
prospect for girl as attractive as her
self. Mrs. Rodney's s wild fancy set her
at once to murmuring such phrases in
her small mind as ''My daughter, the
Countess of Darlington, expect to
come over this summer. She even
went so far as to picture herself as the
grandmother of little Lord This and
little Lady That It was Intoxicating
reverie. But as the young Arabian
gentleman upset the splendid fortune
he had won, in his minds eye. from
the sale of his glassware by kicking the
glass to smithereens in an imperious
moment of opulent disdain. so Mrs.
Rodney's large balloon of pride was
pricked when the thought arose that all
this glory was contingent on her
daughters consent to the proposed mar
rage. That she would not be too docile
in the matter she lad sure premoni-
ticn. But since the astute old countess
had made the peace and comfort and
respectability of herself and Rose de-
pendent on the decision of Florence,
there was hope she might be "reason-
able. Florence was not sentimental
girl and was clear headed enough. Even
Mrs. Rodney could not charge her eld-
est daughter with selfshness. Here was
room for heroic self sacrifice.
When her daughter returned from a
good spin on her wheel, Mrs. Rodney
had had time to think it out. After
luncheon she said impressively: 81
have received letter which will CUR
prise you all The Countess of Caring
ten is deadl''
The family received the news with
different degrees of calm. Rose, as the
youngest, was the most impressed.
Miss Rodney was not impressed at all
and Uncle Josiah only gave grunt.
..Awful blow to lose our titled rela-
tive!'' he sneered. $50 sudden and such
q warm hearted womanl''
'Josiah, we must not forget that she
was our sister," said Mrs Rodney, with
an air of propriety-
..It's only due to good memories that
we know it. observed the old man
brusquely.
sshe may have been little worldly
and certainly did not show much
thought of us, assented Mrs Rodney.
'sBut she has done very we'll by US IN
her Will.
Uncle Josiah looked up incredulously.
It irritated the old man to see Mrs,
Rodney swelling with the importance
of something to communicate, especially
when he was keen to know it.
''Umphl What has she done?'
..She has left her money to Florence,
and an income for life to me. replied
his sister.
Miss Rodney did look somewhat
moved at this. 1t meant freedom and
living her own life Despite herself,
she beamed joyous]y.
.sRose and are disinberited. are
we?' chuckled Uncle Josiah sarcas-
tically
Il suppose she knew l would look
after Rose, and probably she felt that
her sister would be in position to be
of great help to her. said Mrs Rodney
automatically.
.sWhen do we get it, mamma?" ask.
ed Miss Rodney, with fat directness.
Poor Mrs Rodney's heart failed her
at what she had to say. But it must
be said and now was as good time as
any, when her daughter seemed pleased
at the prospect of such independent
means. Josiah Gardner looked at her
with his sharp. twinkling brown eyes
He was we'll preserved man for his
years and took the most active interest
in things
The countess. Mrs Rodney began.
with a sigh.
.sOh. bother calculated Uncle
Josiah.
Josiah exclaimed Mrs Rodney
with weak qreru!eusness OF &c.
turning little. like the soadtd wosH
.'Have some respect for yoa- sister
Which sister was not specified Is.
old man stuck out his chin ani leo -
inpatient He refrained FROM sly y:
anything. as be really wanted t' ="
quickly what had keen done iie sn~