Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-06-21
MILLYS FORTUNE.

WNW comfort oftentimes runs into
danger John Hardy proved
the fact when, in an effort to escape
the hustle of preparations. fc ais
aunt's Mrs. 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
impotence; the other. half bent, was
eagerly searching through the grass
and tangle OF the pathside, now parting
its greenery with two slim white
hands, now letting the hands fell at
her side. while she stopped lower, peer
ing at some small, bare space.
Il can't come. BettyF he hssrd Gre
searcher say platntively. You know
the bracelets my mascot-Aunt Helen
said 80 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
Slucs nOlulllS Dul LUCK COulu HdHS
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 mascot's owner
upright and rigid, staring at a twig
where her bracelet hung just above the
head of coiled and kissing snake.
How ever shall l get it?' the girl
demanded, laying her hand appealing
ly on his arm, while Betty looked on
aghaSt. Hardy smiled down at her,
made a stroke or two with his stout
cane, flung away the writing reptile
then picked the bracelet out of it's
green ambush and held it towards its
owner, saying easily. There Miss
Morris Now l claim a reward. You
are TO give me the first 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 service-and just
now seeking asylum from my natural
or unnatural protectors"
Then come home with us. Ask
his Betty-Betty' head of the house"
Muly returned promptly Hardy looked
entreaty at Betty. who answered it
Hospitality enough. Thus five minutes
later he found himself walking be-
tween the two into an adorable old
garden. and on 10 a big. white silent
house, the very picture of restfuiness.
YES, it is nice. l love it all-every
stick and stone and blade of grass"
AIilly said when he exclaimed over
the charm of everything. That's the
trouble" she went on. Il want 10 live
here always. and Billy says when We
are married and settled down it will
have to be over there. He ought to
have Betty. not me. She likes things
new and gorgeous and well kept. If
1 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 so. Milly. Mr.. Hardy
will think you're out of your head.
She does get a little that way when
YOU start her on her fortune" Betty
said, half severely, half ALPHABETICALLY,
the last words, OF course. to Hardy.
For & minute he did not snswer-he
was staring intently at the cameo in
the recovered bracelet Let me look
at that. please" he said. holding out
his hand for it. THE carving is
peculiar-still seem to have seen it
before"
'.Nc. You haven't" Alilly said con-
adently. but handing over the bauble-
ssThere is Just one more like ii, and
Aunt Helen had that. Her ship went
down, with all on board-that's why
haven't got my fortune. It's some
where, all in gold and jewels. but just
where nobody knows or can find out
I'm named for her daughter that died
The bracelets were carved Tor poor
Cousin Mily. She made the design
herself. See, it's star. and new
moon. with a flower dropping down
To think OF having everything you
want and dying at twenty"
1T Is rather tragic" Hardy admit
ted. Then for five minutes he studied
the cameo closely. and at last gave +
back with face pale and preoccupied
Rallying. gaIlantIy. he talked brightly
Trough half an hour. But once agar
il. the woodpath he sat down for {
sturdy wrestle with his own soul HI
lived over again the day when the ses
had cast UP treasures at his feet. III,
was alone-it was seven years back
after a phenomenal storm. He ha(
stood at the very edge OF the hungT.
brea kers, watching them rave and roar
Il IN it swept tumbling in-the brass
hound oaken chest. full of gold and
bank notes and precioEs stones. unset
many uncut. There had been no name
10 mark anywhera--only at the yer.
bottom OF az. wrapped in silk. brace
lot a slender hoop of gold set with
fanaful cameo He had ha;i smiles
over zoe pattern Of 4 even though b