Morris tribune., 1902-09-06

little clearer. But the temptation was
great-so great, in fact, that he was
4 afraid Of himself. She would accept
$500 on his advice. 1t was small for
tune to her and the children. All, the
children! What difference might it not
make in their lives! Fate offered him
@ large bride for his honor-personal
and professionalism the future Of
these children, who would never know
what they had lost and he had gained
"What will be your fee?" she asked
doubtfully. "I'll have to pay that out
of the $500, won't 1? And know law
yers charge a lot"
''There will be no fee for me-" he re-
piled, with sudden decision, and then
he returned to his desk and wrote a
name and address on the back of one
of his cards, which he handed to her.
''Take your papers to that man." he
said, speaking rapidly, as if afraid he
would reconsider what he wished to
say. Gle is an honest and successful
lawyer and will tell you what to do"
aren't you an honest lawyerw she
dSheu, UeWlluGEcO.
IF were not" he answered bitterly,
81 would not be sending you to any one
else"
eff you are" she said, with her first
display of spirit during the interview,
for the sharpness Of his tone reused
her, II don't want to go to any one
else"
II tell you to go to him." he said, al
most angrily. "You asked for my ad-
vice: and am giving it to you. l don't
want those papers left here"
She rose, took the papers and moved
slowly toward the door.
II don't See why everybody sends me
away" she said, with touch of pathos
In her voice. won't you please look
after 1t for me? 1 don't want to see
more lawyers" For a moment he SEEM
ed undecided, and she hesitatingly put
the papers back on the desk. "Please
do it." she urged, "and I'll accept what
ever you say is right. How long will
1t take to get the money!? she added
as she saw him waver1ng.
Il don't know" he replied. 81 will
write you later"
After she had gone he sat for some
time looking at the papers.
What a foolw he said at last "I
can still buy her out for any sum that
suits me, and Mabel and p He
stopped and picked up the unfinished |
letter. He read as far as he had writ |
ten, put it down and buried his face In
his hands. Presently he got up and |
walked nervously up and down the lit
tie Office, occasionally making move
ment toward his desk and then resum-
ing his walk. Once he went to the
desk and picked up the papers the wo-
man had left as if to tear them. but
his eyes rested on a portrait that stood
just behind his inkwell, and he stop
ped. He picked up the portrait and
gently, almost reverently. put it to his
lips.
Dear little woman" be muttered,
its for you that would do it, and it's
because of you that can't"
A little later he dropped two letters
into the mail shoot in the hall. One of
them read as follows:
Dearest One-I have lost the land claim
IN which we built such hopes. but have
won that which Is worth more. I have
lust written to woman, who left certain
papers with me, that she has valid
orior claim to that twenty thousand dol
ar tract and that will perfect the title
or her. But be Of good cheer, sweetheart.
When 1 come to claim you, 1 will bring
you that which you will prize more highly
han money-a self respecting man.
ut is enough" was the comment Of
he girl when she reached this part Of
he letter, and with the rest those two
lone are concerned.