The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1910-06-02
THE SPRTNGSTEAD
FAMILY PEARLS.

FAMILY PEARLS.
/.
Mrs. Springstead-she spurned any
closer designation-was dispensing the
perfection of hospitality at her perfectly
appointed table. Judge Josiah Marcellus,
the guest of honor by her side. could
scarce refrain in the midst of his pains
taking, old-time courtliness from losing
himself in wonder as he watched
Was it possible that she was still so
vitality alive. unchanged, unchanging-it
almost seemed Interchangeable? The last
of the direct line. the inheritor of a vast
fortune, running from many side chan
nels into one golden pool, nearly 90, yet
with the smooth cheeks of a maid and
the almost redundant vivacity of young
matrOn OF the world. as attentive to her
own affairs as trained accountant, and
summoning him down from town, with,
out explanation, as if he were steward.
What was the meaning of it, what was
the secret of it? In the unruffled, placid
expression, which controlled the face like
mask, the judge seemed to be vaguely
finding an answer. Was it not lack of
worry? Was it not love of self?
You remember. Judge don't you,
when Mr.. Springstead's brother brought
them to him-such n wreck of man.
1t was just after that tiresome trouble,
Mrs. Springstead was saying.
'"Tiresome trouble?' the judge repeat
ed. Pardon me, madam, | was oblivious
for a moment; an old mans weakness
II was speaking of the Springstead
pearls" explained the lady somewhat
acidly. 'Mr. Briscow expressed a wish
to see them and have just sent Miss
Knage to fetch them"
1T was just after the SepOy revolt
in India" the judge answered briskly.
Paul ,Sprinygstead brought them to my
office himself in a rough coral casket.
Poor fellow, he had endured peril, pri-
walton, torture maybe. The shadow of
death was already on him.
perhaps that is what made him so
mystical and prophetic" interposed Mrs:
Springstead complacently. He told
Mr.. Springstead never to concern himself
about their security, that they were
amply able to protect themselves against
thieves. We never have-and yet here
they still are. you see."
At this instant a tall, slight young
woman with light hair, pale complexion
and eyes almost as colorless and having
the sweet yet pathetic look of abiding
patience, delivered the coral caslIet to
her mistress. 1t was Miss Image, her
faithful and favored companion from
childhood. AS she slipped to her seat at
the other end of the table it was plain
that curiosity to see the pearls was Civ
ing her welcome respite from the dis
like and envy of the company.
Mr.. Briscow, the one disinterested per-
son among horde of covetous relatives
and self-seeking friends. examined the
softly luminous girdle with the expert
care of a famous traveller.
Unique and invaluable" was his en-
thuslastic comment. Il have never
seen their like, except possibly in the
plastron of Vishnu, that marvellous net
work of pearls discovered recently in the
excavations at Simla. This girdls has
something of the same design. See how
these interlacing rings run into a cipher
not untranslatable. Let me see; it's cryp-
tic, of course. Fairness forbids fear,
roughly expresses the meaning"
Then we Springsteads must be fair,
for we certainly do not fear" retorted
the hostess as she negligently signalled
Now, Judge Marcellus, l am sure our
friends will, e1cu.e US, letting courtesy
for once wait on business"
"A very proper proceeding. madam, as
have often advised you" said the
judge after Mrs. Springstead had ex-
planned to him in the library her urgent
desire to make her will.
ooh, as to that, there was no hurry I'M
til the hurry came" she replied enigmat-
no time like the present. Do you have
to have two witnesses, judge? There is
no one in the house l care to ask except
old Anne, my maid"
MY man Cronkite ought to be here by
now," suggested the judge. You re-
member you kindly agreed that he should
come down to me with some important
papers. A sort of factotum, madam, who
has at least the grace of silence. Old
Anne and he will do when l have drawn
the instrument"
The judge stopped short in his clerkly
task as the testatrix began to enumerate
large requests to various charitable
uses.
Il beg pardon. madam he objected.
but you are eating up the residuary es-
tate, which l assume will go to your
nephew, Harry Branch. By the way, it's
strange l haven't seen him here
mo, and you won't see him here. This
place and all it represents and implies
will know him no more
rs it possible"
1T is positive. Please go on
Before the eEd was reached the judge
again was constrained to protest
"You have made no provision for Miss
Knage," he said, 'your faithful compan-
ion, whose just expectations have caused
her, fear, many hard look"
''She has been amply provided for by
her wages"
'Madam-''
1T is my will, to be carried out by
you, or some other paid attorney
The judge silently finished his task.
Old Anne and Cronkite, being sum
duly attested the execution of
the Will. Having folded the document
with his other papers, the lawyer made
his formal adieus.
Il shall go directly to my room. mad
am," he explained coldly, since I leave
so early i'll the morning.
Ills wrath exploded as he went I'D the
stairs on the arm of his faithful man.
And when | shake the dust from nv
feet, Abe" he stormed, II shall take
pains to keep them free of it. NV duty
to the dead alone impelled me to endure
the insults OF that inanimate virago.''
That duty may detain Won here NOT
replied Cronkite cautious
ly. When | came up to the library the
shadow OF some one descending fitted
from the back stairs. The door of that
connecting side room was aiar. Some
one, | could not see who, had been lis
tening to your business, SIR
II.
''You needn't hurry, SIR" said Cronk-
tie, as he entered the judges room early
the next morning. 81 don't think Won
will care to take the first train"
What do you mean by that?' de-
manded the judge, whom the unaccus-
toned dawn had already served to irri-
tate.
The pearls, sir, are missing from the
safe in the sitting room, where they
have always been kept. The maid.
putting the room to rights, found the