New-York tribune., 1910-12-18

to saw IS of great importance to YOU both If YOU viii
pardon me- shall remain standing and endeav0r TO be
brief. He went over and stood by the marlte- where
he could command a better view of her face.
There is secret in family, Miss Lacy ne sad
slowly and pausing to note the effect OF his words,
secret many years old 1t mas always been customary
when the eldest the point OF marrying, 70 IN
form the bride elect of its existence and the conditions
upon which she is TO become his wife and member Of
the family This deem best to do before the be
trothal has been publicly announced And II was pr
narilv for this purpose that you invited 20 the
Dalhearst home as guest of Legh's sister ClarIce-
Gwenith nodded without raising her eyes
THE general suppOsition IS that my nepheT-wh0,
at present Is without means-wil on the eve OF ms
marriage become the pOssesSOr OF many millions ms
supposition is true: but only certain conditions m
posed will left by his great-grandtather, Sr Arthur
Sir Arthur Cheston the legator man Of broad
knowledge philosopher and traveller. whose Ire was
devoted to scientific research During stay IN tne
East Indies whittier he had gone Tor the purpose OF
delvng into the mystic lore OF the yOgd and Wte en-
gagged in exCavatIng some anc1ent nuns ne tlerled
treasure trove embracing collection OF rare gems anu
representing large fortune. At his death, tins tune
including certain eweled charm. 10 pass, lccor-
ing to the of his WILL into the poSseS1on ai the
next male descendant the eve OF his marrla pro
vidng the prospective bride could the --1nkeI
twelve hours without its changing color.
And supposing it should change? Clwen--r inter-
rupted breathessly-
Then he loses the inheritance and the lady E lib
erty either break the engagement, or to have mar
riage cOnsummated her heart and judgment t,-4te
Judge Cheston fixed his keen blue eyes on her tace
THAT is ALL he said at least for the pres5r.- ne
charm have with ME. May faSten II on for
LIE came forward as he spoke and gently took . ef-
IA hand, on which sparkled Leigh 5 engagerren ing
We will place it here for good luck Miss Lacy one
NAV influence the other There flash OF tran SUI
cent green something cold encircled her arm and as ne
stepped aside she glanced down hall tearruly. nd
there cIasDed about her wrist It's color aCCentu led
bv the smooth white flesh beautiful ant lrt-
ouslv wrought bracelet OF Iade-
For sole, seconds the girl sat motonleSS. gain Z
as one entranced then she rose and walking 70 cen
ter of the ROOM stood beneath the light of t great
chandelier still looking down AT her new acc ,~l-1on
What an odd. exquisite thing. she said -- 5ngth
turning her face, which had grown pale, toV-- ''Se
ChestOn. You have no idea how pleaSe- an o. 60
wear it, must show it TO Leigh-or has he seen Il:
No; that is one of the rules COncernlnz it, Inc
arnlet is never exhibited when IN md tneh
only to her whose interest 1t holds AT S',e- a.
sorry to DENY YOU the pleasure OF showing t1 MN
have sent Leigh away until tomorrow, w ~ ne VIE
return for Your decision
He knows about it. then. she exc i; as
much as YOU have told me-
Judge Cheston nodded assent
But he certainly knows what my deeI>il- vii o.
TegardeSS?" and Gwenith came 10 his ~i... uncon
SciouSly laying her hand upon his IiI su1a55
cannot think that money. the lack OF H. ne La
special stress upon the last words. could posSoE
have any influence upon my love for hins
You forget, Miss Lacy, the Judge --.i gently:
that the prize Is a priuCey fOrtune-it yOu WIN 4
YOU lose, Leigh Will be comparatively h,Ssar &c
pendent for a livelihood upon his prOfesSior and t1
position OF a struggling young lawyer vie Is no.
the most enviable one. You renember the old ad's''
When poverty comes IN At the door. etc
The girls gray eyes flashed and she drew back HS,
hand with proud little gesture. The fast tn''
had won Leigh Dalhearst even nInu, the uherlJiC''
would make my position enviabc one, SAe II
plied at least in my estimation =
Judge CheStOn caught the hand she haG 'sJ VII VIZ
drawn and held it tightly between his own w
dear little girl he said his voice resonant WITH sup
u vsrstY. .Hr