Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-11-06

me, your troubles would be ended
Her brow couded and she looked quickly
away from him. THAT was unnecessary,
unkind. I've never wished you that" She
seemed to understand his object in bringing
their thoughts to focus. Il suppose you
want to know why I'm here?"
Il never hoped to be so honored-"
But she cut him short with gesture.
Don't be ironical. We've begun rather
well-for u.s. Don't let spoil it.
He bowed his head But can't believe
you came here for the pleasure of my So
ciety. What can do for your"
CHE met his eyes a moment. then studied
~ the pattern in the linoleum on the floor.
"Some days ago 1 had letter from MIR.
Northrop in reply to one of my own about
getting some money for the first payment
on the Alicia, and, finding his letter unsatis-
factory, l met him by appointment at his
office to talk the matter over. have been
with him most of the afternoon and don't
think anything is clearer in my mind than
it was yesterday. He took me to lunch at a
depressingly old fashioned hotel and talked
to me with that fatherly air of his which so
infuriates me; but I've kept my temper.
The facts seem to be these: We haven't
nearly so much as thought we had. When
the firm bought Uncle divers interest be-
fore he died, year or more ago, almost all
the money was invested in the stock of the
Clinton Trust Company, in which he was
for many years director. I've spent good
deal at the Grange, and in order to keep my
promises with the Penningtons it will be
necessary to borrow. AS stocks are low, he
strongly advised me against it. The gist of
the matter is that he has referred me to you.
Hence"
She paused and made pretty gesture of
apology which was more eloquent than any
thing She might have said. But he knew her
visit had cost her something.
II know" he said slowly. "Northrop
was here yesterday
"And you agreed" she flashed at him,
"that was extravaganza"
"No," he returned, II didn't agree with
him as to anything. He did most of the
talking. haven't given him the benefit OF
you'll remember, l attempted once before
to advise you and only got snubbed for my
pains. You must use your own discretion
in the matter"
She bit her lips. The rebuke was too we'll
merited to be agreeable. She turned on him
petulantly. at doesn't seem as though
had any discretion, when your assent is re-
quired to every request that | make"
His voice fell note. "You mustn't
blame me for that. 1t isn't my fault. It's
very humiliating to you, and it's very dis
agreeable to me, so disagreeable that I've
about decided to arrange matters differ
emily. don't intend to be placed in such a
position any longer"
What do you mean?"
Il mean that you are to do as you like.
We have fulfilled the conditions of the will,
and so far as have been able to discover
there is nothing to prevent our using Our
principal, provided we both agree. You
need more money. Very well. agree to let
you have it. Personally have no use for
yacht; but if you have committed yourself
in some way I'suppose there is nothing left
but to provide for it..
SHE glanced at him in a new kind of won
~ der. Northrops attitude had led her to
believe that refusal on her husbands part
was possibility to be considered. He had
even gone SO far as to say he didn't see how
any sane man could be willing to jeopardize
snug fortune in such bad market, for
woman's whim. She had not until now
fully realized the power he welded over her
destiny, and she tried to imagine a motive
for his magnanimity.
Tit is very kind of you," she found
herself murmuring.
"Oh. not at all, J" he went on easily. "I've