Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1905-10-06
CHAPTER Ill Continued,

him. NJ. -Wrsfcnsen Jones i execute. q tnc
ScdgwIch Nj.
CHAPTER Ill lCon,nuel,.
Nonsense. Monty" she said How
could 1t make q difference? But you
must admit It Is rather startling. The
frieud Of our youth leaves bis humble
dwelling Saturday night with his sal
nry drawn for two weeks ahead. He
returns the following Thursday daz-
zIing millionaire"
I'm glad I've begun to dazzle any
way. l thought 1t might be hard to
look the part"
"Well. can't see that you are much
changed" There was suggestion of a
Quaver In her voice, and the shadows
did not prevent him from seeing the
quick mist that fitted across her deep
eyes.
After all it's easy work being mil
lionaire," he explained. when you've
always had million dollar inclinations"
And fifty cent possibilities" she
added.
Really. though, I'll never get as
much Joy out Of my abundant riches
as did out Of financial embarrass-
ments."
But think bow fine 1t Is, Monty, not
ever to wonder where your winters
overcoat is to come from and how
long the coal will last and all that"
'Oh, l never wondered about my
0vercoats. The tailor did the wonder
ing. But I wish could 60 ON living
here Just a. before. I'd heap rather
live here than at that gloomy place on
the avenue"
THAT sounded like the things you
used to say when we played In the
garnet. You'd a heap sooner do this
than that. don't you rememberf
That's just why I'd rather live here,
Peggy. Last night fell to thinking Of
that old garnet, and hanged If some
thing didn't come up and stick In my
throat so tight that l wanted to cry.
How long has 1t been since we played
up there? Yes. and how long has it
been since read Oliver Optic to you,
lying there In the garnet window while
you sat with your back against the
wall. your blue eyes as big as dollarsT'
''Oh. dear me. Monty, 1t was ages
ago-twelve or thirteen years, at
least" she cried, a soft light in her
eyes.
I'm going up there this afternoon to
see what the place Is like" he said ca
gerly. And, Peggy. you must come
too. Maybe I can find one Of those
Optic books and wen be young
again."
Just for old times sake" she said
impulsively. You'll stay for luncheon
too"
"I'll have to be at the-no, I won't
either. Do you know. I was thinking I
had to be at the bank at 1890 to let
Mr.. Perkins 60 out for something to
eat? The millionaire habit isn't 20
firmly fixed as I supposed" After a
moments pause, in which his growing
seriousness changed the atmosphere.
he went on haltinsly. uncertain Of his
position, 1.-The incest thing about hav-
ing all this money IL that-that-we
won't have to deny ourselves anything
after this" It did not sound very tact
full, now that 1t was out, and he was
compelled to scrutinize rather intently
q familiar portrait In order to maintain
an air Of careless assurance. She did
not respond to this venture, but he felt
that she was looking directly into his
sorely tried brain. We'll do any
amount Of decorating about the house,
and-and you know that furnace has
been giving US a lot Of trouble for two
or three years. He was pouring out
ruthlessly when her hand fell gently
on his own. and she stood straight and
tall before him, an odd look In her
eyes.
"Don't-please don't 60 on. Monty
she said very gently. bot without wa.
vering. Il know what You mean. You
are good and very thoughtful. Monty
but you really must not"
why, what's mine IL YOU'RE he be-
gan.
Il know you are generous, Monty
and I know you have a heart. You
want US toto take some Of your mon
ey." It was not easy to say II, and as
for Monty, he could only look at the
floor. I'VE cannot, Monty, dear. YOU
must never speak Of 1t again. Nam
ma and had feeling that you would
do 1t; but, don't you see. even from
you 1t is an offer Of help. and it hurts
Don't talk like that. Peggy" he i'm
plored.
1T would break her heart IL you Of
fered to give her money In that way
Shed hate 1t, Monty. 1t is foolish. per
haps. but you know we can't take you
money"
Il thought you-that you-oh. thil
knocks all the Joy out Of itr' he burs
out desperately.
Dear Montyy'
Lets talk 1t over. Peggy. You dom
understand" he began. dashing a
what he thought would be a break II
her resolve.
"Don'tw she commanded. And In he
blue eyes was the hot fash he had Eel
once or twice before.
He rose and walked across the floor
back and forth again and then stool