The St. Louis Republic., 1901-09-08

tHs poSSioAe Ao1hS ~
the house In Belgravia.
But 1t was useless to attempt to talk to
his mother in her present condition And.
after promising the girls to return that
night he took leave Of them, intending to
60 back to the Office in Lombard street TO
see Mr. Wilders. the head clerk, whom he
| had again just missed: but as the door Of
the great stately mansion closed upon him
he came face to face with NaUde Hing
worth.
For a moment or two neither Of them
spoke; then he said as he took her hand
in his:
You have heard the terrible news.
MaudeT"
She nodded silently, and tears filed her
eyes.
ut seems Incredible: and yet-and yet it
does not altogether surprise me-" Richard
continued. II have thought Philips manner
very strange at times when We have talked
of money matters. hear that my mother
and the girls will be penniless. but / don't
know how that Is possible. as my father
was too wise a man not to make provision
for them"
Everything was left in Philips hands
Maude answered. Father has often told me
Mr.. Hanbury trusted Philip 30 absolutely"
"Can you spare me a few moments,
Maude? There Is another matter must
talk to you about" And Richards face
grew white as death.
She looked at him quickly. ana her heart
died within her.
IT know what you want to say" she fall
tered. You are going to tell me your money
has gone with the rest"
NO." he answered, as they turned and
walked slowly down the broad pavement.
Mother has told me this morning that IT
has not been touched Philip had evidently
no power to meddle with the capital. though
I know he often kept back the interest until
he was compelled to give It to me. 1 am
not yet sure that the information is cor
rect; but WiIders evidently knows more
than any one else. and It was he who told
my mother"
Maude could not hide the feeling Of thank
tulness and relief that filed her heart al
his words.
"Oh. Dick!" she whispered. while the
crimson color suffused her sweet shy face.
II am glad-so glad! Do you know. dear. I
told father all that you said to me, and
and he has given his consent once more
that is, tf-if for one year you are true to
your word. and-and you have kept from
the old SIM
'Maude.' he cried. with white, trembling
lips.
But he could get no further. while she
continued in the sweet. low tones that
thrilled his heart with passionate yearning:
Father was so glad, Dick! have never
seen him SO touched before. told him how
you had said that Christ had done 1t all.
and-and that you wanted me to seek him
as my savior. as you had done. And. oh.
Dick. I have! I came to him just as you
told me to do; and think know now-but
only Just a little bit-what it means to have
found him. know how glad you are"
Still, he did not answer, and, looking up
into his face, she saw a strained and ag-
onized look upon It she had never seen there
before.
'It is very thoughtless Of me to talk of
this now, Dick she said. "when-when you
are in such trouble about Philip and your
poor mother and sisters. but thought you
would like to know"
"My darling" he groaned-'.my own true
love! what must do? Tell me. what must
1 do? Maude. 1t is you who have always
advised me and helped me. and you must
do so now
She looked at him with eyes full of ten
derest sympathy.
''You mean with regard to your mother
and sistersf' she said. gently. They will
need you now. Of course, Dick
Cnconsciously she had made the way
easier for him. but she herself was totally
unprepared for what he had to say.
If 1t il true that they are penniless.
Maude. and-and 1 have 100 year still left
to me. what must do?''
Then in a moment the whole situation
burst upon her.
There Is only one thing you can do.
Dick" she said. family. "You must take
them to live with you"