The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-01
THE NEWS DEMOCRATS DAILY STORY
To be published in daily installments on this page
The House of a.
Thousand Candles
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
Copyright by
The Bobbs Merrill Company

That Is undoubtedly true. as a general
proposition. He told me in New York
that he had claim against you for
$4,000"
Yes; that is the amount. wish 10
say 10 you, Mr.. Glenarm. that II IL is
necessary Lean f'ay-that amount"
Pray do not trouble about II. Sister
Theresa. There are a good many things
about my grandfather's affairs that / don't
understand, but I'm not going to see an
old friend Of his swindled. There's more
In this than appears My grandfather
seems TO have mislaid or lost most of his
assets before he died. And yet he had
the reputation OF being a pretty cautious
business man"
THE impression is abroad. as YOU must
know, that your grandfather concealed his
fortune before his death. The people
hereabouts believe so: and Mr. Pickering.
the executor, has been unable 10 trace
it."
'Yes, / believe Mr.. Pickering has not
been able TO solve the problem" / said
and laughed
But OF course. you and he will CO.
operate In an effort to find the lost prop
erty2"
She bent forward slightly; her eyes, as
they met mine. examined me with a keen
interest.
"why shouldn't / be frank with you.
Sister Theresa. I have every reason for
believing Arthur Pickering a scoundrel.
He does not care to cooperate with me
as a factor in the settlement Of the es-
tate. l speak carefully; | know exactly
what l am saying"
She bowed her head slightly ard was
silent for a moment. The silence was the
more marked from the fact that the hood
OF her habit concealed her face.
What you say Is very serious"
"Yes. and his offense is equally seri-
GUS II may seem odd for me TO be say
ing this TO you when l am a stranger;
when you may be pardoned for having no
very high opinion OF me-
She turned her face to melt was sin
gularly gentle and renned-not a face 10
associate with an idea Of self seeking or
duplcity.
"I sent for you, Mr.. Glenarm, because
I had very good opinion Of YOU be-
cause for one reason, you are the grand
son OF your grandfather. and the
friendly light in her gray eyes drove
away any lingering doubt may have had
as 10 her sincerity, Il wished 10 warn
you TO have a care for your own safety
/ don't warn you against Arthur Picker
The idea OF n hidden fortune is alluring'
a mysterious house and a lost treasure
make a very entelng combination.
II fancy Mr.. Glenarm did not realize
that he was creating dangers for the peo-
pie he wished TO help"
She was silent again. her eyes bent med-
itatively upon me; then she spoke abrupt
ly..
''Mr. Pickering wishes to marry my
niece"
"Ahi / have been waiting 10 hear that.
] am exceedingly glad TO know that he
has so noble an ambition. But Miss Dew
ercux Isn't encouraging him, as near as
/ can make out. She refused 10 go TO
California with his party-I happen to
know that"
THAT whole California episode would
have been amusing II Il had not been nd
iculous. Marian never had the slightest
- fdea Of going with him; but she II some
times little-shall / say perverse2-'
please do! / like the woodland the
quality"
and Mr.. Pickering's rather elaborate
methods OF wooing-"
Hes as heavy az leadi" I declared.
''-amuse Marian up TO a certain point;
then they annoy her He has Implied
could be easily adjusted N Marian marries
whether she benefits by your grand
ather's will or however that may be-
II should say not" I declared with n
warmth that caused Sister Theresa 90
sweep me warily with those wonderful