Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-15
MILLY's FORTUNE.
70n HOSO cravenly flies mere dis
NAV comfort oftentimes runs into

W comfort oftentimes runs into
danger. John Hardy proved
the fact when. in an effort to escape
the hustle OF preparations for his
aunt's (Airs. Graham'S big party. he
took tempting wood path and came
all unaware upon two very pretty girls.
One stood. the moral and pattern Of
impahence; the other, half bent, was
eagerly searching through the grass
and tangle of the pathside, now parting
IS greenery with two slim white
hands. now letting the hands fall at
her side. while she stopped lower, peer
ang at some small. bare space.
II can't come. Betty" he heard the
searcher say plaindvely. "You know
the bracelets my mascot-Aunt Helen
said % when she gave It to me-"
"a mighty poor mascot" Betty re-
torted. I'D throw it away rather than
wear it-rubbishy thing. It's ten years
since you got it, and we are Just the
same poor as church mice-yet bound
to live up to the Morris name. Be-
sides nothing but bad luck could hang
about this little old ugly cameo"
Hardy drew back embarrassed.
Evidently he was hearing things not
meant for stranger ears. He was on
the point of running away when a
cry Of triumph. turning quickly to ter
ror. arrested him. Instantly he darted
forward-to see the mascots owner
upright and rigid. staring Mt twig
where her bracelet hung Just above the
head OF coiled and kissing snake.
How ever shall get IT." the girl
demanded, laying her hand appealing
~ on MS arm whHe Betty looked on
sshast. Hardy smiled down at her.
ade stroke CO two with his stout
ne. n1ng away me wrathing reptile,
Pied the bracelet out OF It's
cen ambushs ana held II towards It's
sner. saying easily. There Miss
re TO give me the hrst three waltzes
Tonight.
'Why! How do you know?" Mill
cent Morris began, amazed.
Hardy looked at her with twinkling
eyes. "You forget there is a speak
Ing likeness of you over Billy Ora
hams mantel at Yale" he said. THAT
reminds me-Billy's my cousin-I'm
John Hardy at your seryice-and lust
now seeking asylum from my natural
or unnatural protectors"
"Then come home with us. Ask
his Betty-Betty's head Of the house. !"
Muly returned promptly. Hardy looked
enreaty at Betty, who answered II
HOSPITALITY enough. Thus five minutes
later he found himself walking he
tween the two into an adorable old
earden. and Oh to big. white silent
house. the very picture Of restfulness
ayes. It ia nice. / love IT oll-evarv
stick and stone and blade Of grass "
Milly said when he exclaimed over
the charm Of everything. THAT'S the
trouble" she went on. II want to live
here always, and Billy says when We
are married and settled down 1t will
have to be over there. He ought to
have Betty. not me. She likes things
new and gorgeous and well kept II
I had my fortune l wouldn't change
much here-only put sound posts to the
gates and plant orchards and-yes, and
have a brand-new rose garden that
shouldn't put our old flowers out of
countenance-"
"Don.t talk 40. Milly. Mr.. Hardy
will think you're out of your head
She does get little that way when
you start her on her fortune" Betty
said, half severely. half apologetlcally.
the last words, of course. to Hardy.
For minute he did not answer-he
was staring intently at the cameo In
The recovered bracelet. LET me look
at that, please" he said, holding ont
his hand for 1t. 1.-The carving is
peculiar still seem to have seen It
before"
.No. Won haven't" Nf,uv sa,d con.
ndantlv but handing over the hanhla
.OThere Ia inst one more like n and
Aunt Helen had that. Her shin went
down win, all on board-that's whv 7
haven't got nv fortune. ira come.
where nil in cold and Jewels Int iua+
where nobody knows or can And ont,
I'm named for her daughter that died
The bracele&s were carved for moor
Cousin Milly. She made the design
herself. See. it's a star, and new