Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-06-03
The STORY Teller.
MILLY'S
.. FORTUNE
Bly,.
MARTHA MCULLOCH.WILLIAMS
Copyright, 1905,
by Martha McCullOcl- WlltGms
MARTHA M'CULLOCH.WILLIAMS

fort oftentimes runs into danger. John
Hardy proved the fact when in an ef-
fort to escape the hustle Of prepara-
lions for his aunt, Mrs. Graham's big
party, he took a tempting wood path
and came all unawares upon two very
pretty girls. One stood, the moral and
pattern of impatience; 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 fall
at her side. while she stopped lower.
peering at some small, bare space.
81 can't come, Betty!" he heard the
searcher say plaintively. "You know
the bracelets ly mascot. Aunt Helen
said so when she gave it to me-"
"a mighty poor mascot" Betty re-
torted. "I'd throw it away rather than
wear it-rubbish thing. It's ten years
since you got 1t, and we are just the
same-poor as church mice, yet bound
to live up to the Morris name. Besides,
nothing but bad luck could hang about
that little old ugly cameo"
Hardy drew back embarrassed. Evi-
dently 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 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 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 1t toward its
owner. saying easily: There, Miss
Morris. Now l claim 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 speaking
likeness of you over Bill Graham's
mantel at YALE" he said. THAT re-
minds me-Billy's my cousin-Pm 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
It Hospitality enough. Thus five min
utes later be- found himself walking
between the two into an adorable old
garden and on to big, white. silent
house. the very picture Of restfuiness.
Eyes. 1t is nice. l love 1t 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. 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. If | had my fortune l wouldn't
change much here-only put sound
posts to the gates and plant orchards
and-yes, and have brand new rose
garden that shouldn't put our old flow
ers out Of countenance."
"Don't talk so, 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 apologetically, 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 out his
hand for it. 1.-THE carving is peculiar;
still I seem to have seen it before"
mo, you haven't" Milly said con-
fidently, but handing over the bauble:
There is just one more like 1t, and
Aunt Helen had that. Her ship went
down with all on board. That's why l
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 star and a 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 1t
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 q
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
breakers watching them rave and roar
when it swept tumbling in-the brass
bound oaken chest, full OF gold and
bank notes and precious stones, unset.
many uncut. There had been no name,
no mark, anywhere. Only at the very
bottom Of all. wrapped in silk. brace.
Iet a slender hoop Of gold set with a
fanciful cameo. He had half smiled
over the pattern of 1t, even though he
knew some heart tragedy lay back OF
1t. He had not told of his f1nd-search
for owners Of such treasure trove seem.