The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-27
HHLRLSE
CHATTER xxylr.

WHAT AhAS <A-AN4A
 Dusk was falling; Mrs. Price had just cleared away tue tea things, and had carried the tablecloth through the lobby to shake out the crumbs for the birds: MT. Crunden sat in the deepen ing ohadows by the hearth; MT. Jack stood by the open window, and looked out at the silent empty road. the smokeless chimney stacks of Hill Rise. the swallows hawking high in the fad ing sunlight. From little distance came the insistent voice of church bells St. Barnabas calling the pious Miss vigors and other faithful souls to yes- pers. And from close by came gen. tic plaintive music-Miss Lizzie in the parlor. softly playing the piano.
 Presently there was . noise of rapid iy approaching wheels. to break the melodious peace. Mrs. Price in the roadway had paused to enjoy the pleas ant evening air. but now she flung wide her cloth and Tapped it loudly. Actively Tapping. she startled the horse in the station ny as it trotted fast towards her, and made 1t baulk and stop before 1t reached the white pal ings.
 the fly. Pull up. Let me get out. wait, won't be minute"
 "Hullow cried Jack.
 It was Sir John vincent---in his big travelling coat, with a rug over his shoulder. with his hat on the back of his head-springipg out of the cab. hastening by the window, actively and lightly as boy of IS.
 ''Hullo! cried Sir John excitedly- Cant spare a minute. Don't detain me. I'm on my way up from the sta- tion--your mother anxiously waiting for mel" All this Sir John called to his son at the window. and, still talk ing, he came through the lobby into
 sHow do. crunden7"i said Sir JoAn hastily. My dear fellow. how are your" and he hastily shook hands. T am in hurry. Jack. have most im- portant news for you--but not . min ute to spare. Of course you know she
 "Yes. know" said Jack. But she has married him. She has got a jolly good sort in Banker-better than she deserveA'
 arm not speaking of Miss Hope" said Sir John. Harriet! Poor dear--died at 2 q. m. this morning. I've been at Bournemouth since yesterday after. noon--was with her at the last. But never recognized me--poor old soul!"
 Then Mir. Crunden delicately with drew. and left father and son alone to discuss their bereavement.
 Haven't you seen your mother? Your mother doesn't know the details. Imust go to her. Only stopped to tell you the news. Splendid newsl'' sir John was already edging away towards the open door; and, seeking to give the information in one breath. was not easy to understand. Nothing wrong-settled funds untouched--she could not touch them--come to me. Those people about her--maids and doctors--all honest as daylight--not rogues as feared. Never pillaged her. Saved her money--considerable accu- mulations---every year. All saved--her own money-7goes to you"
 'WhatT'
 Come round this evening. It's right ---congratuIate you, my dear fellow Ri9ht--I found the will. Lacy helped me--knew all about 1t. Honest fellow. have the win outside In my valise.'
 How much?" shouted Jack. clutch ing at his fathers coat. How much is it?s
 "Come round this evening. and I'll tell you everything"
 How much? Give me some idea?'
 ~Oh. a lot" and Sir John spoke breathIessly of three thousand in this four thousand in that. five hundred in something else. "And. Consols. two thousand Ave hundred India threes the same. x. |. Congratulate you--