Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-20
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heiress lay in dim light, with eau-de-
Cologne bandages on her forehead.
In day or two she was sufficiently re-
stored to be downstairs; she had wres-
tied with herself and done her best to
clear her torpid brain and grant an In
terview to Mr.. Levin, who had come
from Sheffield on purpose to confer with
his wealthy client.
He was a brisk. clean-shaven. elderly
man. who. remembering his own houseful
of merry and ill-dowered girls felt GER
tain amount of pity for the friendless and
desolate heiress. She seemed almost like
a wrath. so thin, hollow eyed and white
was she.
After little commonplace converse
ton he entered upon business.
"Your fathers wealth must have come
as a great surprise to you, Miss Forde
Indeed. yes" she answered. Il always
understood that we could barely make
two ends meet.
For the last fifteen years Mr.. Forde
has put aside and invested almost the
whole OF large income: he was lucky.
TOO. besides being shrewd; all he touched
seemed to turn to gold. Six years ago
he disposed of his interest in the works
for large sum-he has shares in it still
and it brings into the estate four thou
sand a year
I can scarcely realize it, she muir
INJURED. looking round the dark, low par
lor with it's scanty old-fashioned furni-
1ure-once the property of Miss Steir-
where bowl of roses and her own shin
ing hair were the only notes of color in
the room.
He had become very saving Of late
yearS-it grows on man. you know,
impaired Mr. Levin with confidential
|, nod.
Yes. he used even to turn his envelopes
and write on half sheets-it was these
little economies he enjoyed! Once, when
l put penny stamp on paper instead
of a halfpenny, he was upset for days
And now If you were to stamp your
papers with five-pound notes you would
not feel 1t. Have you made any plans.
Miss Forde?" inquired Mr.. Levin as he
crossed his legs and steadily surveyed
her through his gold pince-nez
mol suppose l shall remain here
For a time at least, l should recon-
mend that: while we get the estate into
working order. You know that under the
will Mr.. Cave and I are trustees and
that I am to continue to manage your
Standardization maryland again
he looked at her with fXity.
Miss Forbes sole response was faint
blush.
II must trouble you for your signature
to some papers. You have never had
much to do with business, l conclude, or
money matters?
"Oh. no. Jane always manages the
housekeeping. and keeps the keys and
house money.
Ana you llaQ your allowance. Ills
tone was paternal as he added What
was the amount
Twelve pounds a year, she replied.
with touch of reluctance; but l am
thrifty and made it do
Il presume you will want some money
now. SO 1 have brought you a check
book and a stylographic pen"
But I don't know anything about
checks" she protested; "Ive never drawn
one"
Have you any funds in hand?" he
asked. when he had explained to her how
the check should be filled in.
Yes. l think so.'' and she produced
and opened shabby little purse-"two
shllings and three halfpence.'
Two shillings and three halfpence!
echoed Mr.. levin, and his smile was SUI
perior. please sign here-Hester r..
Forde. I've filled it in for s300-just to
go on with, you know"
Three hundred pounds! Oh, Mr.. Levin!
What could do with all that money!?
why. It's only a drop in the ocean. my
dear young lady. Your income Is close on
ten thousand a year"
How awful!' she exclaimed. How
could T ever, ever spend it," and she
gazed at him piteously.
"You need not be uneasy on that score;
the capacity will develop. Use your money
prudently-travel, enjoy life. OF course
wealth is a heavy responsibility"
And I am not equal to it, she de-
clared. and her voice shook uncontrolla-
bly,. mo. I'm not fit. l am afraid or
strange faces and strange people. I've
no experience: I've not been more than
three miles from ShalesmoOr within the
last five years. I'm like a child or a
fool!'
Il grant that your life has been I'M
usually-er-secluded. Miss Forde. but you
are we'll educated. we'll read, still young
and. l am given to understand-er-a
brilliant musician
Yes. but of late years father disliked
the piano-he said it worried him, and
sent it away; he would not allow novel
in the house. 1t seems strange, but he
latterly adopted the methods of his own
early training and the strict discipline of
my grandfather
at is surprising how some men cherish
their first Impressions, said -Ar. Levin,
rising as he spoke. We'll. you must al
low me to send you over piano and a
supply of amusing books. My girls are
great readers and will be delighted to
make a selection.
you are very kind" she faltered.
And you. Miss Forde, will, 1 hope.
cheer up!' l will arrange the hOusekeep-
ing business: you shall have no trouble.
And now. as I must have few words
with Miss Jubber. 1 will bid you good
bye" and Mr.. Levin effected a brisk de-
parture. leaving his client standing in the
middle of the room, with a check to
self for three hundred pounds in her
hand and bewildered expression upon
her