The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-07-28
CHAPTER 1.
The Hetress to Millions.

Ct1ATIERA l. -a4H
The Heiress to Millions.
1t would have been difficult to find
happier girl in the whole county OF
Oxfordshire, or indeed, in the whole
OF England. than Olive Parmenter the
heiress of Gregory Parmenters mil
lions as she sat in the rosery Of Sill
verbeech on the morning Of her birth
day. a lovely day in June.
She was reading a letter from her
lover, and. letting it fall on her lap,
leaned back smiling in response to the
thoughts which the letter had produced.
Almost everything that a girl could
wish for in life was hers. No one ques-
toned her claim to beauty. A little
supple figure of exquisite mould with
the free carriage Of perfect balance,
every movement and gesture being in
spired by natural grace. Her face was
as beautiful as her form Her broad
forehead, white as alaba ster. was SUR
mounted by a wealth of wavy chestnut
hair; darks almost black. eyebrows and
lashes shaded eyes of the deepest blue
a striking contrast; and her features,
although delicately chiselled, We're elo-
quent Of character. self-reliance and
strength.
Now and gain a troubled expression
lifted across her face and drew her
brows together. This was at the
thought of her one care--her fathers
health.
Her mothers death, some years be-
fore, had deeply affected Mr.. Parn1euter.
and he had brought his wealth and
pnly child to England, purchasing the
line estate Of Silverbeech, at Bel
borough, and seeking to forget his sor-
row in the complete change of scene
and life.
But the long, strenuous life in hot
climate spent in amassing his huge
fortune had told on a none too robus +
constitution, and the blow OF his wife's
y ueath was one from which he had neyar
enlttlrely recovered. His life was now
centred in Olive. whom he loved pas
slonately. q love which she returned
with her whole heart; but he knew thai
us Gays We're numbered and his one
great desire was to see her happilv
married before the end came. And that
uesire was now close to realization.
During the previous year the doctors
mad sent him to Nauheim on account
OF MS heart trouble. and, dislikins 9
everything that savored of ostentation
ne had scrupulously refrained from let
ing the fact of his enormous wealth
pc known. At the same hotel was STAY
ING youn g. soldier. Lieutenant John
Z FenWick Who. had been invaded home
from the South African War, and was
recruiting his health before taking a
position atthe Foreign Office. The two
young people We're thrown much to-
sether. and We're in love with each
other before the handsome young 81, :
der knew that Olive was Inc univ
child of the millionaire owner Of Sn-
Verbeech, and Olive learned that lack
was the son and heir Of Lord Eel
borough. whose castle and lands Law
SO close to her home.
IT was love match in the fullest
sense and Mr.. Farmenter had gladly
given his consent. But some difficpl-
lies had come from the other side, q nd
now, on her birthday, Jack had wrItter
TO say that'he was coming over with
great and glad news.
she guessed what it was, and her
heart warmed and her cheek flushed
with delightful anticipation.
Jack has won over his mother al
last" she told herself, her very veins
hngling with delight at the thought
and she picked up the letter TO read ii
LOT the twentieth time when a footster
On a path near broke in upon her rev.
trie.
She glanced around and rose with ar
distinctive shudder of dislike as a mar
Of about thirty years of age, with dark
handsome. strong features and bold
compelling brown eyes. raised his ha,
IND bowed, saying with a confiden,
smile:
y wished TO be first with m,
greetings, Miss Parnenter. and whan :,
saw you in the rosery ! ventured r.
some straight here instead OF eoinr
first 10 the house May ] wish Vol
many. many happy returns of the day.'
Thank YOU, Mr. MerriGew," she re-
Piled, giving him her hand and Win
srawing II instantly. MY tather.is il
the house"
u came to see you please. 7 wisl
you 70 do me a great service"
fssp3s she did not resume her seat
bu' stood as If expecting him to leav,
her.
II have son,ethns of great import
sEce 70 say 70 You Please sit dow
again"
After moments hesitation she al,
as he asked, and he drew garGeI
chair close 10 hers and took a cas-
out Of his pocket,
First wish you 10 allow me t
offer you a slight birthday tribute o
rny--ny regard. THIS little trinket.
and he took out costly ard beautiful
brooch Of brill!ants
%rhsnk you very much for your kan
thought, bat really could not accep
H. she said trn,ly with very de
3 ride1 shake of the head. Il could not.
He ffowneG and his eyes showed an
ger. HW.hy not2"
"A ut is,imposebles Mr., Merridew real
+ ~. 4 could not think Of IL"
''You must take H. he said fixin
his keen, auGacious eyes on her, por.