Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-09-11
The Wisdom of
Miss Susan.
BY CLARISSA MACKIE.
Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.

your Aunt Susan was remarkable
woman, Miss Molly" said the lawyer,
looking keenly at the black gowned
young woman before him, "and we
must therefore not be surprised that
she should have made a remarkable
Will" He tapped a folded document
that lay on the table.
IT am quite sure Aunt Susan has
made wise disposition Of her proper
ty. 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
as well proceed to make you acquaint-
ed with its contents. Ahemw The
lawyer unfolded the document and
held it close to his specialized eyes as
he read slowly and impressively:
II give and bequeath all the property
Of which I 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
pale face and flashing eyes. beside him.
tsVaxr ,.nod ut Anfch no will
Mr.. Jones. The conditions are pre-
posterous. l can hardly believe that
my 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 u 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. AS
said before, your Aunt Susan was
remarkable woman. and
''The will cannot interest NE now"
said Miss FaIcher grarely. 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 yacate the house?'
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 disDoses of the estate"
Molly bowed soberiy. Il think my
aunt must have concealed some preju-
dice against Mr.. Newcomb. l hope
am sorry Her voice faltered again.
you are sure you are not making a
mistake, Miss Molly? Pardon me, but
1t is large estate-about a 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 Fanchers overstrain-
ed nerves gave way for the first time
since the lingering Illness Of Miss
Wood had resulted in her death a
week before.
In spite Of the old lawyers repeated
requests that she should hear the terms
Of her aunt's will the grief stricken
girl had refused admittance to MI.
Jones until this morning, when she
had reused herself from her sorrow
and made ready to take upon herself
the responsibilities that she had been
taught to believe would be hers after
Miss Woods death.
The reading of the will was a shock
to her. The loss Of the Inheritance
was as nothing compared to the knowl-
edge that her aunt had secretly cher.
ished dislike II not a distrust OF
Ralph Newcomb, Molly's accepted Low.
er. 1t was this thought that ranked
in the girls mind all that long after.
noon while she awaited his coming in
the evening.
Dear heart" he cried cheerily as he
entered the drawing room, ''if you shut
yourself up in this gloomy house much
longer without companionship save
that Of Mrs. Rogers, why, l shall"-
He paused as he turned her face to the
soft light Of the lamp. Something un.
usual has happened, Molly. Tell me
what it is"
She smiled bravely at him and stilled
her trembling lips. Il have been to
hear Aunt Susan's will read" she said
slowly.
well" Molly found herself listen
ing for some note of anxiety or even
unusual interest in his tone as he ask
ed the question that he had always
accorded when riches was a topic OF
conversation, and she sighed relievedly
"She leaves everything to me-condi
tionally."
"And the conditioner
THAT l do not marry you!" The
softly uttered words startled him
strangely. His arms loosened Their
hold upon her and dropped to his sides
"You cannot meant it. There must be
some mistake. Molly" he said gravely
7 I i,
quality of my love for you. 1t is very
strange
II can scarcely believe it of Aunt
Susan, but, Ralph, dear, l am no,
afraid of poverty. and you are poor-