The Monticellonian., 1903-06-18

domitable spirit of her fathers race, had she only known it, the spirit his people had brought when they emi- grated from the land of the dykes. and which had sufliced to raise him from a poor lad to power in the business world before he WAS 90. By the time her guardian had finished his state ment she sas calm, sef-possessed and determined, and te her own great sur prise had lost all her fears. She faced him with an expression he lad never seen in her face be fore.
 Do you think. sir, that my mother ever intended that the powers you in- duced her [ O give you. should be used to force me into a marriage l IaEEor?" she said. quietly.
 He looked at her keenly. He had never heard her speak in that voice be- fore
 "The will speaks for itself" he re- piled. colGly; "and l must be permit ted to interpret my responsibilities for myself"
 And you want my answer now as re- gards Mir. TrumbulI?" she reioined.
 At once." he replied, decisievly.
 Then. sir. you may say to him." she said. her own voice as cold as his. that would not marry him were he the last man in the world-nor any other man who does his courting with money. And will further say for youf own en- iightenment that will marry no man who is dishonored with your mercenary favor"
 T | J,, leusly. He could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses. Before he could answer. the door bell rang, and in an instant the hall door was opened.
 Hush. not so loud, he said; that is frumbull now"
 'I have nothing 10 conceal from him, and will say nothing to you about him that l will not repeat to his face, she said. raising her voice.
 He strode to the door and closed it savagely. then turned to her with his face livid with passion.
 Then you leave this house this day" he said. "I will harbor no such impu- dent hussy for another night. l sup pose you still have some hope of turing back into your net that reckless young Hoyt Brisbane. who threw you over last winter" with a sheer.
 She flushed to the roots of her hair. An overpowering anger took posses sion of her She rose and walked close to where he sat and fairly shrieked:
 No. sir. have no hopes that he will return 10 me. because sent him from me most unjustlv. for which you may thank your lucky stars. because had not done so. l would have married him, and you would have had some ac- counting to do regarding the estate left in your hands. that might have made you some trouble"
 Martin had risen from his chair a $ though to lay hands on her, when the door suddenly opened. and q tall figure in the sarb of d captain in Uncle Sam s army stepped into the room
 Which is exactly what the gentle man will have to do," remarked the new arrival. lowing low
 "Hoyt" screamed the girl.
 "Brisbane." exclaimed Martin.
 "At your service" returned the cap tain. And now. if you will listen. I will tell you both why am here. Miss Hetty knows well why went away never expected 10 see her again. and hoped to end il all over there with the brownies we have taken TO raise. l left mv law office without SO much as try ing to straighten matters out Seme months ago my former partners sent me a statement winding up the affairs of the firm. and forwarded a package of personal papers I Lad left in the vault. In looking them over. I found one which had absolutely forgotten. Ii was a will mace Gy Mrs. Martin. of later date than he oHe under which You are acting. If was given me with the injunction to produce it only in case some injustice was done Hetty. She said she had absolute confidence in addressing Martin-"bUt also that she had a nameless fear lat you might die or something happen SO Hetty would not get her portion of he estate. Having known me since was born, and my father before me, and knowing also my love for Hetty. she did me the honor 10 ertrust this Geli- cate matter to me. The more thought of it the more I felt that I would be recreant to the trust if did rot return and place the paper in safe hands. So secured q furlough and returreG-ap- parently just in time. came straight ta he house to see how matters stood. and was shown 10 the draWine-roo where. owing to the eNcitement of both of you, could net fail 10 ote:s sear your conversation.
 And now, he resumed. smiling. with sparkle in his eye, "I will announce that intend 10 hold Miss lEetty to her statement, and claim her hand within 24 hours. And incidentally, the ac- counting of which she spoke, will be made under whichever will you prefer the one now in force, if you interpose no objections to our marriage; the one have in my possession. if you do.''
 While Martin stood staring at the speaker. dazed. the door bell rang again, al which Hctty laughed music ally.
 There is Mir. Trumbull. papa. Per haps you would best entertain him and don't forget 10 give him my mes sage"
 As Martin left the room he cast a