The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-23
THE NEWS DEMOCRATS DAILY STORY
The House of a
Thousand Candles
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
Copyright by
The Bobbs Merrill Company

staff, and said puzzling things at which
everybody was afraid either 10 laugh or
TO cry. He refused 10 be thanked for ia
vors. though he was generous and help
ful and constantly performing kind deeds.
His whimsical philanthroples were Of
ten described In the newspapers. lie had
once given a considerable sum OF money
10 a fashionable church I'm Boston with
the express stipulation. which he safe
guarded legally. that II the congrega tion
ever intrusted It's spiritual welfare to a
minister named Reginald Harold or
Claude, an amount equal 10 his gift. with
interest should be paid to the Massachu-
setts Humane society.
The thought Of him touched me now.
l was glad TO feel that his money had
never been a lure TO me; II did not mat
ter whether his estate was great or small
| could, at least. ease my conscience by
obeying the behest OF the old man whose
name l bore. and whose interest In the
finer things of life and art had given him
an undeniable distinction.
IL should like TO know something Of
Mr.. Glenarm's last days,'l said abruptly.
He wished to visit the village where
he was born, and Bates, his companion
and servant, went TO Vermont with him.
He died quite suddenly, and was buried
beside his father In the old village ceme-
terry. | saw him last early In the sum
iner. was away from home and did not
know Of his death until II was all over.
Pates came to report II TO me. and 10
sign the necessary papers in probating
the will. IL had TO be done in the place
OF the decedents residence. and We went
together TO Wabana, the seat OF the
county In which Annandale lies"
was silent after this. looking out to-
ward the sea that had lured me since my
earliest dreams of the world that lay be-
yond II.
Its poor stake. Glenarm." remarked
Pickering consolingly. and ] wheeled upon
him.
Il suppose you think it's a poor stake!
| suppose .ou can't see anything in that
old mans l:fe beyond his money; but !
don't cat, curse what my inheritance
is. ! never obeyed any OF my grand
fathers wishes In his lifetime but now
that he's dead his last wish Is manda-
tory. I'm going out there TO spend a
year II die for II. Do you get my ideaY'
"Humph! You always were a stormy
petrel." he sneered. Il fancy Il will be
safer 10 keep our most agreeable ac-
quaintance on a strictly business basis.
II YOU accept the terms Of the will"
"of course ! accept theml Do you
think l am going to make row, refuse
10 fulfil that old mans last wish! i
gave him enough trouble In his life with
out disappointing him In his grave. !
suppose you'd like TO have me fight the
will; hut I'm going TO disappoint you
He said nothing. but played with his
pencil. had never disliked him so
heartily; he was 80 SNUG and comfort
able. His office hreathed the very spirit
OF prosperity. I wished TO finish my
business and get away.
Il suppose the region out there has a
high death-rate. Hows the malaria p
mot alarmlngly prevalent / under
stand. There's summer resort over on
one side OF Lake Annandale. The place
Is really supposed 20 be wholesome. I
don't believe your grandfather had homi-
eide in mind I'm sending you there"
mo. he probably thought the rustica-
uon would make a man OF me Must i
do my own victualing? / suppose I'll be
allowed TO eat"
Bates can cook for you. He'll supply
the necessities. I'll instruct him TO obey
your orders. I assume you'll not have
many guests--in fact"-he studied the
back Of his hand intently-"while that
isn't stipulated. I doubt whether II was
your grandfather's intention that you
should surround yourself"
with bolsterous companions I sup
piled the words I'm my cheerfullest tone
mo; my conduct shall be exemplary.
Mr. Pickering" added. with affable
CTo DO Continued Tomorrow