Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-06-20


other friends who offered to contribute
but he insisted on doing 1t all. But
now Mr.. Pickering takes the ground
that the monoy--or part OF 1t. at least
was only loan
Yes; understand"
mfr. Pickering tells me that he has
no alternative in the matter; that the
law requires him to collect this money
as a debt due the estate.
THAT is undoubtedly true, as a gen
eraI proposition. He told me in New
York that he had a. claim against you
for $50. 900"
Yes, that is the amount. I wish to
say to you, Mr.. Glenarm, that II 1T Is
necessary, can pay that amount"
pray do not trouble about it, Sis
ter Theresa. There are a good many
things about my grsndfather's affairs
that don't understand, but I'm not
going TO see an old friend Of his swim
died There's more in all this than
appears. My grandfather seems to
have mislaid or lost most OF his assets
before he died And yet he had the
reputation OF being pretty cautious
business man"
/ THE impression is abroad, as you
must know, that your grandfather con.
cealed his fortune before his death
The people hereabouts believe so; and
Mr.. Pickering, the executor has been
unable to trace It."
Eyes, believe Mr.. Pickering has
not been able to solve the problem"
| said and laughed.
But, of course. you and he will CO.
operate in an effort to find the lost
property"
She bent forward slightly; her eyes,
as they met mine, examined me with
keen interest.
why shouldn't be frank with you.
Sister Theresa? have every reason
for believing Arthur Pickering a
scoundrel. He does not care to CO.
operate with me in searching for this
money. The fact Is that he is very
much wishes to eliminate me as fac
tor in the settlement of the estate. I
speak carefully; know exactly what
am saying"
She bowed her head slightly and
was silent for a moment. The silence
was the more marked from the fact
that the hood of her habit concealed
her face.
What you say is very serious"
Eyes, and his offenss is equally Sc
rious. 1t may seem odd for me to be
saying this to you when am a strang-
er--when you may be pardoned for
having no very high opinion of me-"
She turned her face to met was
singularly gentle and refined--not a
face to associate with an idea OF self
yeeking or duplcity.
~ sent for you, Mr. Glenarm, be-
cause I had a very good opinion oil
you; because, for one reason, you are
the grandson of your grandfather"-
and the friendly light in her gray eyes
drove away any lingering doubt | may
have had as to her sincerity. 81
wished to warn you to have a care fol
your own safety. l don't warn yor
against Arthur Pickering alone, bu
against the countryside, The idea O.
hidden fortune .s alluring; mys
terious house and a lost treasure
make a very enticing combination.
fancy Mr.. Glenarm did not realize tina
he was creating dangers for the PEG
ple no wished to help"
She was silent again, her eyes ben
meditatively upon me Then she spok,
abruptly.
Mr.. Pickering wishes to marry m.
niece"
"Ah. have been waiting to hea
that. am exceedingly glad to kno,
} that he has SO noble an ambition, Blu
Miss Devereux isn't encouraging him
rs near as l can mako out. She re
fused to 90 to California with hi
party--I happen to know that"
} That whole California episod
would have been amusing il it had nc
been ridiculous. Marian never la
the slightest idea Of going with him
but she Is sometimes a httle--shall
say pe.verse?-"
= please do! like the word AN
: tie quality"
Il And Mr.. Pickering's rather ella
crate methods of wooing-"
3 He's as heavy as lead!" declare
-Amuse Marian up to certa
point; then they annoy her. He h;
y implied pretty strongly that the clai
d against me could be easily adjusted
D. Marian marrics him. But she vi
never marry him. whether she benef
q by your grandfather's will or howev'
that may be-"
y Il should say not" declared with
If warmth that caused Sister Theresa
sweep me with those wonderful or;
eyes. But first he expects to find tn
fortune and endow Miss Deverel
r with 1t. That is a part OF the schem
And my own interest in the esta
g. must be eliminated before he CT
Is bring that condition about But, 81
y ter Theresa, am not SO easily 6
d rid of as Arthur Pickering imagine
'r Ny staying qualities. which were
ways weak in the eyes Of my famil
have been braced up trifle,"
Yes"
g. thought pleasure and hope we
Of expressed In the monosyllable. and n
10 heart warmed to her
r Sister Theresa, you and ! are u
II Outstanding each other much bett