The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1908-07-24
The Wisdom of
Miss Susan.
Bp CLARISSA MACKIE,
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated
Literary Press.

uoman, Miss Molly" said the lawyer,
Looking keenly at the black gowned
roung woman before him, 'and we
oust therefore not be surprised that
che should have made a remarkable
will" He tapped folded document
that lay on the table.
81 am quite sure Aunt Susan has
made q wise disposition Of her proper
~ I only wish she had been spared
longer to enjoy it," said Molly Fancher,
her pretty eyes red from weeping.
"As you are the only relative Miss
Wood had, and as your name is the
only one mentioned in her will, may
os well proceed to make you acquaint-
ad with its contents. Ahemw The
LAWYER unfolded the document and
held it close to his specialized eyes as
he read slowly and impressively:
81 give and bequeath all the property
Of which 1 may die possessed. as per
items below, to my beloved niece, Mary
Wood Fancher, on condition that she
does not become the wife of Ralph
Newcomb. If the
"stop, please" said Molly quietly.
She had arisen and now stood, with
male face and flashing eyes, beside him.
"You need not finish reading the will,
Mr. Jones. The conditions are pre-
MYSTERIOUS. I can hardly believe that
nv dear Aunt Susan could have asked
such thing Of me. She knew Of my
engagement to Mr.. Newcomb and sane
toned It. She welcomed him into the
family as a son and'- Sobs choked
her utterance, and she pressed hand
kerchief to her trembling lips.
pray compose yourself, Miss Mol
ly," said the perturbed lawyer. GAS 1
said before, your Aunt Susan was a
remarkable woman, and"-
"The will cannot interest me now"
said Miss Fancher gravely. Il intend
to marry Mr.. Newcomb at the appoint
ed time, and you may follow out the
terms Of the will-whatever they are.
How soon will it be necessary for me
to vacate the houseT
Not under six months, as a gener-
GUS income is provided for that period.
In case you refuse to comply with the
conditions of the will, Miss Wood has
left sealed document in my hands
which definitely disposes Of the estate"
Molly bowed soberly. 81 think my
aunt must have concealed some preju-
dice against Mr.. Newcomb. hope
lam sorry Her voice faltered again.
"You are sure you are not making a
mistake, Miss Molly? Pardon me, but
it is large estate-abOut million"
81 don't care if it Is ten Millions" re-
tOrted Molly, indignation drying her
tears. Il would not barter my love for
any amount" She blushed warmly as
she met the lawyers honest, admiring
glance and drew down her black veil.
Good afternoon, Mr.. Jones. am
quite sure you will execute my aunt's
last wishes in the same conscientious
manner that you have always handled
her interests" A moment later she
had passed from the building and en-
tered her waiting carriage.
When she entered the sober, old
fashioned mansion that had been the
home of Susan Wood for half cen
fury and which had been her own
birthplace Molly Fancher's overstrain-
ed nerves gave way for the first time
since the lingering illness Of Miss
Wood had resulted in her death q
week before -----r---.-.---.--- .-----'--..a'-
In spite Of the old lawyers repeated
requests that she should hear the terms
OF her aunC's will the grief stricken
grl had refused admittance to Mr..
Jones until this morning, when she
mad reused herself from her sorrow
and made ready to take upon herself
tae responsibilities that she had been
@ught to believe would be hers after
Hiss Woods death.
Inc reading of the will was a shock
70 her. The loss Of the Inheritance
was as nothing compared to the knowl-
euse that her aunt had secretly cher
Sned dislike If not a distrust of
Naipn NeWcomb, Molly's accepted low
e II was this thought that ranked
Al Tue girls mind all that long after
noOn while she awaited his coming in
The evening.
Lear heart" he cried cheerily as he
eu'efed the drawing room, eff you shut
i' up in this gloomy house much
Snser without companionship save
I"' OF Mrs Rogers, why, 1 shaI"-
a &c paused as he turned her face to the
rvt' nght of the lamp. Something IN
~ Suai mas happened, Molly. Tell me
ha que smiled bravely at him and stilled
W. W. trembling lips. II have been to
Slowly. ' no Sou
IN. ven! Molly found herself listen
rnnaa oi some note of anxiety or even
I'd Ds >, interest in his tone as he ask
so, .ne question that he had always
rou uUlued when riches was a topic of
CESSATION co., and she sighed relievedly.
dOnaly" " 'nins - ne-cono'-
a. and the conditioner,
so,. anat do not marry your The
srsS uttered words startled him
bo,s usey. His arms loosened their
"vo upon her and dropped to his sides.
soma u cannot meant it. There must be
Miss mr M Molly" he said gravely;
oual,.- WOOD surely did not distrust the
my vi my lnrro qn.