The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-08-02

n.y."
When Van Houston had gone Mr.,
Clarendon paced up and down thought
fully. +IfI DO not act at once II will
bo Too late" he observed
That evening when Mrs, Van Hous-
ton and her daughter, Mrs. 0dell, res
turned from the opera they found Mf.
Clarendon Ia tho reception room.
~ hope this visit " not 10 tell us
that our funds arc low laughed Mrs.
OdeIl.
n have not come 70 scoid, dear
madam, but TO toll you bit Of news.
I have business OF a private nature 10
communicate 10 you. Mrs, OdelI. 10.
tor Van Houston was In my Office to.
day"
Both women uttered sharp exciania,
tons; the younger shlycrcd. II hoped
he was dead" she said
twin he sue for his share In bis "a.
thers eatatcT cried Mrs. Van HonH.
ton. "ob. what n blow! Elizabeth, ws
will not receive himwT S
II always expected itl' Mrs. odell
said. "And now this awful news ID
brought 10 usl shall refuse to see
him. B
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 "a.
theirs talent for money getting" Mrs.
Van Houston observed. Thank for
tune. he can live but year longer.
Peter M a young man was extremely
tircsome"
"Nevcr mind. mother" Mrs. odell
cried. II am going 10 get that money.
All, the front doorl Mnrmadukc." she
called out, "newsl'' Her husband. a
faatidious 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 NO surprised" said the older
woman. extending her hand cordially.
"0niy the bad penny turning ur
again." her stepson answered. i've
had a hard life, mother. For years,
rather than return 10 my family pen
nileas. | have lived by doing odd Jobs
here and there, but at last III 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
Il am u poor man. Marmaduke," hs
said as be took II. II do not know
when can return H."
"Do not let TINT worry you. my good
fellow Mr.. 0dell replied. "Any time
viii suit me-" lie shut the door
How The man tries to catch us" hl
exclaimed.
A night week later Mr.. and Mrs
0dell were receiving their friends
The house was ablaze with the glart
OF many lights. Women In handsome
toilets aud men immaculate In evening
clothes moved about exchanging greet
ings.
All the pleasure OF anticipation oi
this evenings enjoyment had beer
spoiled for the hostess by the uncer
talnty In her mind whether to invite
her brother or not. After much talk
Ing she decided 10 run the risk Of biz
\ accidental coming and resolved that u
she got over this night safely TO ven
turc on no more public entertainment
until Mr.. Van Houston's heart trouble
had relieved them OF his presence. But
now she could not keep her eyes from
glanclng apprchenslvely toward the
doorway. Half past 10 and he had moi
arrlved She was certain now that hs
would not come and began to tall
brightly until suddenly she felt the I'm
welcome touch OF a cold, clammy hant
on her bare arm. Peter was at hel
side. saying slowly: Good evening
Elizabeth. Having a party? au
Just In time"
"Why, Peter! I am glad to see you.
Mrs. 0dell smiled, but her voice trem
bled.
Mrs. Van Houston lnstlnctlvely cross
cd over to her daughters side and ex
tended her hand to her stepson witi