The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1906-02-14

:: TESTING A LOVER =.

Bv WALTER J. MOWBRAY.

| Dorothea drew ner chair close to that
of the lawyer.
Now, listen" she said, in low tones.
"All this is a mere pretense. | am not
going to rob my husband of what he
has right TO expect But that must
remain secret between you and me
for the present, Mr.. Orme. l shall send
my old nurse away tomorrow for
holiday. That will prevent her hear
ing the news. and so save disappoint-
ment at the last. But the world will
think that l am getting rid of my
money, and will be reproved for its
base suspicion. Mr.. Greet also is not
to know. But l shall tell him all on
the day when we are married"
The lawyer nodded. He had heard
a few Qnixotlc things in his life. and
was beyond surprise. Moreover, he
was beginning to see that the plan
might have its advantages. after all.
He stood up to take his leave.
II wish you all happiness" he said
quietly, the girls slim hand clasped
for moment in his own. And then he
left her.
Dorothea went to the door. and
called her lover. He was conversing
with old Margaret Swan in an ad-
joining room. But he came at her
summons, and declined to discuss
the plan to which she had given so
much earnest and anxious considera-
ton.
1t was fortnight later, and Lucian
Orme sat alone in his private office.
There was tap at the door, and
clerk entered.
"Mr. Ashley Greet to see you, sir"
he said.
The lawyer nodded.
"Show him in," he said, and the
clerk withdrew.
Then he leaned back in his revolv-
ing chair, and a queer little inscruta BILE
smile played for an instant upon his
clear cut face. Then the door opened
again, and Ashley Greet was formal
ly announced. He took the chair which
was proffered him, and came to the
point at once.
II called in reference to that little
matter of Miss Sprays deed of gift to
her nurse" he said airily. "I may as
we'll intimate from the outset that the
plan in question was carried out with
my full and complete approval. 1t
was the very best thing my affianced
wife could have done to have estab-
lish my true position
Lucian bowed stlffiy.
And your wishesY' he asked cvrt-
ly.
A faint tinge of color came into
Ashley's face.
"ArenottO
Are not too easily expressed" he
replied. But am desirous of know
ing whether or not Miss Spray actu-
ally carried out her intention. She
has never referred to the matter since
the day when she gave you her in
structions. You, with your expert
ence of the world, Mr.. Orme, must be
aware that-er-ladies often revoke a
decision within an hour of its forma-
tlon. And, now that this matter has
gone thus far. am determined to see
1t through. My honor demands IL.
And, IL you have not yet drawn I'D q
| ueed OF gift in favor of Margaret Swan
l must put my aversion to such top
les In the background and insist on
It's immediate fulfillment."
Inc lawyer opened drawer. and
drew forth a large legal document.
| Glancing at it for moment. he handed
IL TO his visitor. The latter took II.
ana devoured its contents eagerly.
Ihen he handed 1t back and rose to
go.
"Thanks," he said, with a gulp 81
am delighted to see that this mottar
has been legally carried out. Good
| day, Mr.. Orme."
lie walked briskly to the door. LII
cian Orme watched him. His step
was Jaunty. his head erect. There
was no Disgusting the fact that he
really was delighted" Yet the smile
on the lawyers face, when the door
closed, boded no good for the man
whose motives We're so disinterested.
Five minutes later, Lucian Orme
carefully put the legal looking docu-
ment within the empty crate. and
held lighted match to its lower edges.
The flame spread rapidly, till but a few
blackened ashes remained
What foolv' he sollloquized grim
ly. He never even saw that deed
lacked a sealv'
He walked back TO his writing table
and sat down. An hour passed, and
he was once more immersed In work
when hurried knock sounded on his
door. He seemed to recognize it, and
rose hastily.
"At lastv he muttered. swell; IL
was bound to come. Poor little girl!
l wish | could spare her."
He opened the door. A white face
looked at him piteously from without,
and two trembling hands were held
out to him. He took them, and drew
her into the room. Then he led her
gently to Q chair. and she sank into
II with little stifed sob.
Il "Oh, you can't think what has hap.
penedl' she cried piteously. 1T is Sc
so dreadful I neyer-never thought
IL OF himi