Middletown transcript., 1903-10-03
lies in my power to help you, MIR. Ches
teron replied stiff1y.

lies in my power to help you, MIR. Ches-
teron replied stiffiy.
Thank youl
1t had been pleasure to Addie to
show him unmistakably that howave-
unwilling he had been to find himself
married to her, she was at least equally
undeslrous of having anything to do
with him. She could not divest herself
OF the idea that he had at first thought
that she would be glad of the chance
OF becoming the wife OF a millionaire.
Well-she fancied she had quite shown
him his mistake! Other girls might
have run after him, as Charlie had told
her; but she had at least shown him
that she did not intend to join their
ranks. Pride comes before fall, and
Chesteron's next remark struck at the
root of Adde'S self-esteem.
As my wife, he said coldly, you are
of course entitled to an allowance; and
| shall be glad to settle upon you any
sum you may consider sufficient.
The girl was prepared to refuse the
offer Indignantly, when suddenly the
thought of her mother came to her.
She was dying; there was little money
in the house, and no chance of getting
more. What right had she, to crafty
her own feelings, to fling away any
chance of giving her mother what she
needed? No matter how hateful it was
to herself, had she the right to refuse
the offer?
Mr.. Chesteron fidgeted impatiently as
he waited for her answer which, when
it came, surprised him.
Is it my right? she asked, in low
tone.
Your right? he repeated, looking star
tied; he had confidently expected an
indignant refusal. As my wife-of
course.
| Then-it was an effort to utter the
words, but with downcast eyes, crimson
face, and tightly-clenched hands, Addie
answered-then-Iw will something
| Mr.. Chesteron was greatly surprised.
Although he had been annoyed by her
Indifference and haughtiness, possibly
they had piqued him into something
like admiration for her. But now he
thought although she did not want him,
she was as greedy as the rest for his
money.
Shall we leave the amount to be de-
cided by my solicitors? he inquired freez-
ingy. Or have you already thought of
a sum?
will take one hundred pounds year
If that would be considered just, she
said neryousy.
Yes-she would accept that for her
mothers and Monica's sake. Mr.. Ches-
teron might dispise her if he chose; but
to him, that sum could be nothing,
while to them a hundred year would
mean everything. But how hard it
was to sacrifice her pride!
One hundred pounds year! lie
looked puzzled and scornful. What an
absurd sum! You must know that |
am rich, and your allowance must be
in accordance with my position.
will not take more! she declared.
Addie required necessities, not lux
uries, and she did not wish for sum
which, by its magnitude, would make
it impossible for her ever to repay it.
No-she would accept a hundred pounds,
and then, when she had secured her |
loved ones from want, she would work |
to give it back az soon as possible.
l think you will ste Ii; to alter Your
determination. shall instruct my So
licitors to communicate with you. Will
you kindly give me your address?
If you will give me theirs. Addie an
swered, l will write to them. They
must not send to me direct.
As you will. Mr.. Chesteron looked
thoroughly annoyed and disgusted, and
the girl felt sure that he dispised her
much more since she had agreed to
accept the money.
may 60 then?
think there is nothing more to be
said. If necessary, We can communi-
cate through the solicitors.
Good morning! She bowed slightly
and turned to leave the room, the light
falling full on her flushed shamed face,
and on the eyes which refused to meet
his.
Mr.. Chesteron looked at her with sur
prised curiosity. He could not under
stand her. If she wanted his money,
why had she named this miserable sum?
If not, why did she take anything? 1t
had been painful to her to accept it
Of that he felt sure. What was the
meaning of it? The thought of poverty
never crossed his mind. A friend OF
the Dellwyns' was hardly likely to be
in desperate need Of money. She was
a strange girl, and he bitterly regretted
the foolish jest which had bound him
to her. Her wish for silence must be
respected. Juliet must know OF his mar
riage-what would she say?-but Ade-
ladies name need not be divulged.
TO BE CONTINUED