The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1906-12-27

fully. "If do not act at once 1t will
be too late" he observed.
That evening when Mrs. Van Hous-
ton and her daughter, Mrs. Odell, re-
turned from the opera they found Mr..
Clarendon in the reception room.
al hope this visit Is not to tell us
that our funds are low" laughed Mrs.
Odell.
II have not come to scold, dear
madam, but to tell you bit Of news.
l have business of Il private nature 70
communicate TO you, Mrs. Odell. Pc
ser Van Houston was in my office to-
day"
Both women uttered sharp exclama-
tions; the younger shlvered. II hoped
he was dead," she said.
"Will he sue for his share in his ia
theirs esttteT cried Mrs. Van Hous
ton. "Oh, what blow! Elizabeth, we
will not receive himW
81 always expected itv' Mrs. Odell
said. "And now this awful news Is
brought to us! shall refuse to see
him.
The lawyer, instructing the ladies' TO
secrecy told them of Mr.. Van Hous-
toms will and the conditions imposed
and later took his departure.
"Peter evidently inherited his IA
theirs talent for money getting" Mrs.
Van Houston observed. THANK for
tune. he can live but year longer.
Peter as y young man was extremely
tiresome."
"Never mind, mother" Mrs. Odell
cried. 81 am going to get that money.
All. the front door! Marmaduke," she
called out, "newsw Her husband, q
fastidious looking man, entered the
room.
The next day Peter Van Houston
presented himself at his sisters house.
Mrs. Van Houston and her daughter
received him.
1--WE are SO surprisedw said the older
woman, extending her hand cordially.
"Only the bad penny turning up
again." her stepson answered I've
had hard life, mother. For years,
rather than return to my family pen
niless, have lived by doing odd jobs
here and there. but at last ill health
and poverty drove me home"
They asked him to remain to dinner,
and he accepted the invitation.
Later in the evening, as Mr.. Odell
was showing him to the door. Mr.. Van
Houston surprised him by asking for
the loan of $50.
II am a poor man, Marmaduke," he
said as he took it, II do not know
when l can return It,"
"Do not let that worry you, my good
fellow" Mr.. Odell replied. ANY time
will suit me" He shut the door.
"How the man tries to catch usw he
exclaimed. a.
A night week later Mr. and Mrs.
Odell were receiving their friends.
The house was abtaze with the glare
of many lights. Women in handsome
toilets and men immaculate in evening
clothes moved about exchanging greet
ings.
All the pleasure of anticipation of
this evenings enjoyment had been
spoiled for the hostess by the uncer-
tainty in her mind whether to invite
her brother or not. After much talk
ing she decided to run the risk OF his
accidental coming and resolved that II
she got over this night safely to ven
ture on no more public entertainments
until Mr.. Van Houston's heart trouble
had relieved them of his presence. But
now she could not keep her eyes from
glancing apprehensively toward the
doorway. Half past 10 and lie had not
arrived! She was certain now that he
would not come and began to talk
brightly until suddenly she felt the un-
welcome touch of Il cold, clammy hand
on her bare arm. Peter was at her
side, saying slowly: Good evening.
Elizabeth. Having a party! | am
just in time"
"Why, Peter! | am glad to see you."
Mrs. Odell smiled. but her voice trem-
bled.
Mrs. Van Houston instinctively cross
ed over TO her daughters side and ex-
tended her hand TO her stepson with
well feigned cordiality "Would YOU