Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-18

prehension of stupidity your part; but what have
to say is of great Importance to you both If you will
pardon me- shall remain standing and endeavor to be
brief" He went and stood by the mantel, where
he could command a better view of her face.
There is a secret in family, Miss Lacy" he said
slowly, and pausng to note the effect of his words, "a
many years old. 1t has always been customary
when the eldest is at the point of marrying to 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 it was pr-
marly for this purpose that you were invited to the
Dalhearst home guest of Leighs sister Clarice.
Gwenth nodded without raising her eyes.
1.-THE general supposition is that my nephew-who,
at present, is without means-wl, on the of his
marriage, become the possessor of many millions. This
supposition is but only certain conditions i'm
posed in will left by his grandfather, Sir Arthur
"Sr Arthur Cheston the legator, was man of broad
knowledge, philosopher and traveller whose life
devoted to scientific research During stay in the
East Indies, whittier he had gone for the purpose of
delvng into the mystic lore of the yoga. and while
gagged in excavatng some ancient ruins, he unearthed
treasure trove, embracing collection of gems and
representing large fortune AT his DEATH this fortune
including certain jeweled charm, to pass, accord
ing to the terms of his will into the possession of the
next male descendant on the of his marriage-pro
viding the prospective bride could the trnket
twelve hours without its changing COLOR
And supposing it should changer" Gwenith inter
rupted breathlessly.
Then he loses the inheritance and the lady is at lib
ery either to break the engagement to have the
rage consummated her heart and judgment dictate
Judge cheSton fixed his keen blue eyes on her face
charm have with me. May fasten it on for your"
LIE came forward as he spoke and gently took her left
IL hand on which sparked Leigh engagement ring
1--WE will place it here for good luck, Miss Lacy-the
may influence the other" There flash of translu
cent green something cold encirced her arm, and, he
stepped aside, she glanced down half fearully, and
there, casped about her wrist its color accentuated
by the smooth white flesh, was beautiful and curl
ously wrought bracelet of jade
For some seconds the girl sat motioness, gazing it
as entranced then she and, walking the
ter of the ROOM stood beneath the light of the great
chandelier still looking down at her new acquisition
what an odd, exquisite thing!" she said at length
turning her face which had grown pale toward Judge
Cheston. You have idea how pleased am to
wear it. must show it to Leigh-or has he seen it?"
mo; that is of the rules concerning it. The
annet is exhibited, when in use and then
only to her whose interest it holds at stake. l
sorry to deny you the pleasure of showing it to him.
have sent Leigh away until tomorrow, when he will
return for your decision
He know: about it. then" she exclaimed las
much as you have told me?"
Judge CheSton nodded assent.
but he certainly knows what my decision will be,
regardess?" and Gwenith came to his side, uncon
scously laying her hand upon his arm He surely
cannot think that money, the lack of it, she laid
special stress upon the last words, could possibly
have any influence upon my love for him?"
You forget, Miss Lacy the Judge said gently.
THAT the prize is prncely fortune-if you win. If
you lose, Leigh will be comparatively beggar, de-
pendent for livelihood upon his profession and the
position of struggling young lawyers wife is
the most enviabe one You remember the old adage,
When poverty comes in at the door,, etc."
The girls gray eyes flashed and she drew back her
hand with proud little gesture. 1.-THE fact that
had Leigh Dallearst, minus the inheritance
would make my position enviable one," she re-
piled; at least in my own estimation.
Judge Cheston caught the hand she had just with
drawn and held it tightly between his own My
dear little girl, he said his voice resonant with sup
pressed feeling IF your love is strong enough to
maintain that sentiment | shall always be your