The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1901-05-10
CHAPTER XIV.

The major happened to be alone
when that telegram reached him. See
ing that it was foreign, he let it lie
unopened on his desk till the servant
had gone, then with many misgivings
as to it's import he opened it. That
single word conveyed more to his dis
turbed consciousness of impending dis
aster than a dozen bold threats could
have done. He told himself that
Jeanne had had just sufficient time to
have received his letter, and that she
was on her way home.
But what could she be coming back
for-running such great risks of detec-
ton? Perhaps it was that she might
confront Blanche suddenly and cause
the girls death from the shock of the
true situation. Perhaps-Goddard put
the telegram into the fire and watched
it burn. A big lump of despair was in
his throat. At that moment, if, by
death of long lingering torture, he
could have purchased Blanche's happi-
ness he would have submitted without
a murmur. The better side of his ma
ture was now uppermost and he had
become actually a strong man. Sud-
denly he wondered if he might not
w:.h round sum of money buy Jeanne
off from her evident murderous plans,
but Blanche's means were not to be
thought of. Hearing the clicking of
Talley's typewriting machine, and fired
with a certain resolve, he crossed the
hall and entered the study.
"Talley," said he, shave you still
faith in that stock?"
'More than ever. ajor," said Talley,
with a smile. 81 wish had more money,
to invest in it,
Goddard sat down near the young
man.
"Talley, I need money awfuliy. By
placing mortgage on all my effects
could raise hundred thousand. If
go into this deal it will. be to lose all
or win heavily. I am half mind to
plunge. What do you think?''
The young man raised his eyes
slowly.
''But surely you are not so far gone
as that" he ventured. 81 think you
said Mrs. Goddard's fortune was in
good shape"
cit is in the best condition." said
the major. firmly; 'but should never
draw one penny of it for my own use.
wouldn't touch it to save my life
"Oh, pardon me-" said Talley, admir-
ingly, 81 understand that, major. AS
to the G. N. & W., of course have
boundless faith in it, but don't want
to be the cause of your running such
a big risk as to put all you have in it. :"
oil A.
Goddard. ''And want you to go right
away into Wall street and see Thorn
ton & Wilde. Tell them agree to the
mortgage we were speaking about, get
their check and then go at once to Will
son & Burnham and secure the stock
they offered me yesterday"
Talley drew himself up and took a
deep breath.
Il am almost sorry that mentioned
it to you. major. For Gods sake don't
be hasty!"
81 am glad you called my attention to
it," returned the major. "It is lose all
or win all with me. am willing to
take the risk"
Half an hour later the major met
Blanche in the long glass-roofed con-
servatory. She held small watering
pot and was sprinkling some rare roses.
As he came in she put down the pot
and kissed him.
"Isn't the perfume in here delicious?"
she exclaimed. 81 feel as if 1 were eat
ing it like an impalpable ice made for
the delectation of the gods"
"Why did you not go to see DIR.
Fleming, as you promised?" Goddard
asked, as he strolsed her beautiful
hair. which hung loose down her back,
after the manner she had worn it dur
ing her school days.
because he won't be in New York
till Thursday" she laughed. 81 really
feel as if am going to survive till
then. I noticed in the Herald that
he has again been delayed a few
days. assure you shall go then"
They turned and walked from the
conservatory into the drawing-room.
There is one other matter I have
been wanting to speak to you about,
DEAR" he said.
"Well, what is it. guardian?" she
asked, with smile.
Human life is very uncertain, dear"
he said. The longer live the more