The Washington times., 1901-09-01
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HI A LOST FORTUNE H
Ms NJ IILI1 [IIIl gAIn IL

ndNlnS a real ROOQ time, was BOD.
Then he makes a speech to the servants
and thanks them all for their welcome
That evening ! waited on them at din
ner. / always knew Bob was a bit Of an
conversation at that meal was an eye
opener He told her OF his travels all
over the world; his luck at the gold-dig-
gings in California: the tremendous es-
beautiful palace he had built A wonder
full place 1t seemed to be complete In
every particular save one.
And what Is this one thing that Is
missing. RupeTtr she asks-innoceEt like.
"A queen. my darling" he answers,
and as soon as my palace was ready
set out for England in the hope that
could bring you back with me TO share
my throne"
"Oh. Rupert. do you-do you mean US
to leave Engiand?"
why not. my darling? We two ara
alone In the world, and with you by my
disc. / propose to sell Sandilands and get
away as soon as we can.
Well, / was so flabbergasted that drop
ped bottle of fizz | was always under
the impression that Bob would come to
me some fine right. and we would loot the
place comfortably. but when heard him
talking of selling the place so audaciously,
well, my breath seemed bit tight on my
chest.
Dinner was over and they strolled into
the drawing room, and l didn't see Bob
again that night. but Just after break
fast the next morning Miss Curzon tells
me to send a man over to Richmond to
ask Mr.. Woodrow to come to Sandilands
at once.
Who's Woodrow" I asked BIoxam
Woodrow. He's the family lawyer"
/ thought Bob was playing very risky
game, and I began to get nervous. The
lawyer turned up about midday. and
after the three had had long converse
tion they started on lunch.
I was waiting, Of course and the law
yer did most of the talking.
Couldn't have happened more con-
yenient. he said. Lord Sandptpe came
to me yesterday and asked me II Sandi-
that 1 was aware of He replied that II
1t was he would buy 1t as it stands. lock,
stock, and barrel. all except the horses" :"
Well. he can have It. and the horses
can be sent to Tattersalls.''
And you will send my jewels over to-
morrow. Rupert is SO anxious to see me
decked in the family diamonds
Il shah bring them over myself
I had heard a lot about those diamonds.
and l smiled broadly as l thought of
Bob'S smartneSS.
tried to have a word or two with Bob.
but he always seemed to trown when 1
instructions not to speak to him until
was spoken to.
But to tell the truth I began TO get a
bit troubled about Miss Nelly. I thought
well making up to servant when you
want a bit of informa ton. but to make
love to beautiful girl like Miss Nelly
and even fix up the wedding day was, to
my mind. only compIicating things.
The next day the lawyer turned up in
time for dinner. bringing with him o
heavy brass-bound box. which was sent
straight up to Miss NelIy's room.
Bob was ready to receive Mr.. Woodrow,
and as they discussed a preliminary sher-
ry and bitters 1 tell you my chum did
look a regular dook. with his evening
togs and his diamond stud Goodness
Just then the door opens and in sails
Miss Nelly. Lord. The blaze of twink
ling light. Oh! The diamonds. the rubies.
away and gasped- And these were to
be ours-mine and Bobs.
However, / Learned something at the
dinner. Lord Sandpipe had agreed to pur-
chase and called f2000O dirt cheap The
deeds were to be prepared at once. This
was f1O0O0 each for Bob and me.
Then after dinner Bloxam was asked to
assemble the servants in the hall WON
dered what was up, but I was soon to
know.
And tken Bob made a speech. 1t COM
pletely knocked me into silence The ser
wants all listened and cheered, until Bob
came near the end; then they got a stag
gerer.
And SO Miss caf zon and myself are to
be quietly married next Saturday and
when we leave Sandilands Hall it win be
to return to it no more. as we will sail to
our new home across the sea in far-oR
California This will be a great blow to
many of you, as it will mean the loss OF
lifelong situation But IN order that
the circumstances will not fall so hardly
upon you I have arranged that those Of
you who have been In the service of the
family for ten years shall receive a check
for five years wages. in fact. you Will all
be paid for half the term you have
served"
There was a lot more but this was the
stuffing of the goose. and when he fin
ished they cheers for both of them
Things We're going splendidIy for US,
cessity for the wedding. and 1 determined
to risk 1t and speak to Bob.
II was not until Tattersalfs men came
that thought I, had an opportunity. Bob
and Miss Nelly had gone to the stables to
say gooJ-by to the horses. and followed
them out. / found Bob standing by him
self lighting a cigar.
He looked up as I approached him.
We'll, my man. what IS it7"
II say. don't run 1t too hard. Guv'nor-" /"
Just then Miss Nelly comes out anA
hears my words. s5,
What's the matter. Rupert?"
II don't know. This man says some
thing about being too hard"
oh. know. of course" says she; "you
see. dear. he has only been here a few
days, and, of course. the checks you
promised the servants will not include
him.
What hard luck: anyway. we must al
ter it. You look a likely young fellow
how would you care to come to Cali
Il would follow Miss Nelly anywhere"
I answers
Good judge" he laughed. well. you
shall have a check for f100 and our ad-
dress in California II you find your way
out there. well and good; If not, that IS
your own lookout"
l thanked him, of course, and deter
mined to let things take their way. Bob
Knew what he was about and | must not
spoil the game.
When Saturday came Mr.. Woodrow ar
rived at Sandilands. and at 10 o'clock we
all drove TO the chui ch ard Rupert Enrol
was quietly married to Miss Nelly.
Then when the time came we all went
up to say good-by to the happy pair. and
as we passed by with a handshake the
bride handed each Of us a check.
When my turn came went up and re-
,eived check for s108. and as Bob shook
hands with me he. saws: I'VE shall be
seeing you again shortly md Thought
ne gave wink, which I returned
L came to London that night, and Bob
vent on his honeymoon. Ali through the
days 1 kept repeating my
.hum'S word:
A week after Rupert Enrol disappears
rom Sandilands Hall Beautiful Bob VIII
'e awaiting you here with your share Of
fortune"
Trembling with excitement waited for
Sob at the place appointed. He was not
ong IN making his appearance. nut a
more forlorn, woebegone looking object I
ave seldom seen.
why. Bob l says. what on earth has
appened? Wherever have you been?"
''Quod,' he answers
"ouodr, | says, surprised. ''why-and
where's Nelly?'
Nelly. Who's she? Have you gone
aft?"
Nelly Curzon. the girl whom you mar
led at Egham Church last week"
You are mad l was in auod last