Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1901-01-24
HIS COUSINS WIDOW.

lie had been very much preju-
diced against her; he had been told
that she was cold, selfish and mer-
cenary, and be had been prepared
to dislike her. But as he met her
now for the first time Godfrey Fair
fax thought that he had never seen
more beautiful woman than his
cousin Harry's widow. She receiy-
ed him more graciously than he an
ticipated; for he imagined that she
could not but feel bitterly toward
him since he was heir to her dead
husbands fortune, and she had
been left only her widows third"
She had risen at his entrance,
and. after resting her slender white
hand in his for a moment, as, in
rather an EN- barrassed manner, he
introduced himself, stood waiting
quietly for him to speak. But for
the first time perhaps since he had
entered society, Godfrey Fairfax
was at a loss how to begin CONVEX
sation. The consciousness OF the
peculiar position in which he stood
toward his cousins widow, embar-
raised him. Must she not look
upon him as an enemy? For had
he not received what she might
Justly consider should have been
hers? And then her appearance had
taken him entirely by surprise. He
had been unprepared for such beau
ty and grace, and did not wonder
that for her sake Harry had Tilted
Emily Schroeder. This womsn's
dazzling fair competition, violet hu-
ed eyes, and golden hair were enough
to turn any mans head, he thought,
and make him forget that honor
bound him to another.
Laura Fairfax smiled slightly az
she saw GeofTrey's embarrassment,
understanding its cause 80 we'll,
and her kind heart called her to
his relief,
"Won't you cit down she ask.
ed, in a low. sweet voice, which
thrilled Godfrey with pleasure, tas.
tidious as he was about women's
voices. alt is kind Of you 10 call. "
che continued. az be seated himeelf.
81 did not expect it,"
81 thoughtit only right to come. "
said Godfrey, frankly. ~ did
not want you to think that took
no interest whatever in one whom
Harry loved so WE'LL"
A spasm Of pain crossed the wid-
owls face as he mentioned her dead
husbands name. Godfrey noticed
it, and wondered il she thought
as she did--that Harry had taken q
strange way to show his love in
making a will which left her poor,
and made his cousin rich.
"His friends, as you know, we're
never mine,7 Laura said quietly,
therefore did not expect you to
come. ! thought, however, you
would send your lawyer to me,
though even that was not at all
necessary"
Il wished to come myself that |
might express to you my surprise
and regret that you we're left so
little. and / so much said Geof-
frey. hastily. 4 cannot reconcile
it with Harry's love for you, and
think there must have been a mis-
take made somewhere that you can
explain
No, there was no mistake made,
said Laura, 10 decided tone, which
admitted OF no dispute. Harry
did just what was right, and | do
not regret his course. Believe me
when say, Mr.. Fairfax, that ! am
glad you have the fortune. | am
able and willing to support myself.
You know | was accustomed TO
work before Harry married me.
Her voice faltered over her hus-
bands name, and sigh escaped
her lipe as she finished speaking.
Godfrey felt strangely drawn to-
ward her, and angry with him
self that he had ever believed evil
OF her.
But what will you do 2 he asked.
Surely you will not-not'- lie
hesitated.