Milford chronicle., 1904-06-03
MILLY'S
>. FORTUNE
MARTHA RCULLOcH-WILLIAMS
Copyright, 1908,
bB Mdrthd McClllOch- Williams
ARTHA McULLOcH.WILLIAMs

Hardy proved the Tact when IN an eI
fort to escape the hustle Of prepara-
tlons for his aunt, Mrs. Grahams big
party, he took a tempting wood patl
and came all unAwares upon two very
pretty girls. One stood, the moral and
pattern of impatlence; the other, halt
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 fall
at her side while she stopped lower
peering at some small, bare space.
q can't come, Bettyw he heard the
searcher say plaindvely. "You know
the bracelets my mascot. Aunt Helen
said so when she gave it to me-"
"a mighty poor mascot" Betty re-
Eorted. I'D throw it away rather than
wear it-rubbish thing. It's ten years
since you got it, and we are just the
same-poor as church mice, yet bound
10 live up to the Morris name. Besides,
nothing but bad luck could hang about
that little old ugly cameo"
Hardy drew back embarrassed. Evi-
IDENTIFY 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 terror,
arrested him. Instantly he darted for
ward, to see the mascot's owner up
right and rigid staring at a twig where
her bracelet hung just above the head
of coiled and kissing snake.
How ever shall I get it?" the girl
demanded, laying her hand appealingly
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 writhing reptile,
then picked the bracelet out of its
green ambush and held it toward its
owner, saying easily: "There, Miss
Morris. Now I claim a reward. You
are to give me the first three waltzes
tonight"
A"W1y? How do you know?" Mill
cent Morris began, amazed.
Hardy looked at her with twinkling
eyes. "You forget there is a speaking
likeness Of you over Billy Graham's
mantel at Yale" he said. THAT re
minds 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 him.
Betty. Betty's head of the house."
Milly returned promptly. Hardy look
ed entreaty at Betty, who answered
# Hospitality enough. Thus five min
utes later he found himself walking
between the two into an adorable old
garden and on to a big, white, silent
house, the very picture Of restfulness.
YES, it is nice. ! love it all-every
stick and stone and blade of grass"
Milly said when he exclaimed over the
charm Of everything. That's the
trouble" she went on. Il want to
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 l 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 flow
ers out of countenance"
Don't talk so, Milly. Mr.. Hardy
-.Till 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 apologetically, the
last words of course to Hardy. For a
minute he did not answer. He was
staring intently at the cameo in the
that, please" he said. holding out his
hand for it. "The carving is peculiar;
still seem to have seen it before"
No, you haven't" Milly said con-
fdently. but handing over the bauble.
''There is just one more like it, 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 for poor .
Cousin Milly. She made the design |
herself. See, It's a star and a new
AAAOOAAf VIII a lOnNA AAbIiBAAA5 WV H. ]
To think OF having everything you
want and dying at twentyw
1T is rather tragic" Hardy admit
ted. Then for five minutes he studied
the cameo closely and at last gave it
back, with a face pale and preoccupied.
Rallying gallantly, he talked brightly
through half an hour. But once again
in the woodpath he sat down for a
sturdy wrestle with his own soul. He
lived over again the day when the sea
had cast up treasure at his feet He
was alone-it was seven years back.
after a phenomenal storm. He had
stood at the very edge Of the hungry
watching them rave and roar
when it swept tumbling in-the brass
pound oaken chest, full of gold and
)ank notes and precious stones, unset.
many uncut. There had been no name,
10 mark, anywhere. Only at the very
POTION Of all, wrapped in silk, brace
ct, a slender hoop of gold set with a
anciful cameo. He had half smiled
ver the pattern of It, even though he