The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-09-27
CHAPTER III.
In Which | Deliver a Letter.

of which he died possessed
to his daughter. Unfortunately, he
died possessed of nothing. The docu-
thing was mortgaged. every family
portrait even. Mistress Lucy appear
ed to have no legal right to anything
In or out of the castle, save the clothes
she wore.
The point is" Mistress Lucy said.
as Master Ficklin bowed deferentially
toward her. that | have nothing:'
Nothing from your father, madam"
But my mothers estate:'
Il regret to say" said Master Flick
iin that most of it has been convert
ed into money and lost by your ia
Their. There is left in my hands. ma
dam. only matter of some $4,000.
out at interest. which you, being now
of full age
Il was eighteen on my last birth
day
Exactly. so that it is at your pres
ent disposal"
What shape is it in?''
1T is invested in cOnsols."
"Can they be realized uponT'
INSTANTLY"
ITO advantage"
Most certainly"
Il thank you, Master Ficklin. for
your provident care of my little for
tune. 1t is most unexpected" she faI-
tered.
Believe me, Mistress Lucy, it is a
happiness to do anything for YOU" said
the Old attorney, rising and gathering
up his papers and bowling low before
her. You may command me in every
thing. A temporary loan or
THANK you, Master Ficklin.'' said
Mistress Lucy; you touch me greatly.
but need nothing at present. My ia
Their made me an allowance and gener-
ally paid it, 1t was a generous one.
and. living alone as l did. l did not
spend it. | have few hundred
pounds in my own name at the bank.
and with that for temporary use and
my mothers legacy l shall lack moth
ing"
But where will you live. Mistress
Lucy:"
1t matters little" she answered list
lessy.
My sister and t. said the old attor-
ney, live alone in the county town.
The house is large. If you would ac-
cept our hospitality until your future
is decided we should be vastly hon
ored"
Il accept your kindly proffer most
thankfully" was her reply. Il have
been invited to various homes here
and there in the county. but l preferto
go to you"
Good" said Master Ficklin briskly
That is settled then. | am empow-
cred by those who hold the mortgage
TO tell you that the pictures of your
father or mother or anything strictly
personal they waive their claim to-"
THANK YOU" said Mistress Lucy. IL
shall take but small advantage of their
generosity"
Il know that" answered Master
Ficklin, land now l will return to the
town. II you will be ready about 6
O'Clock" Gt was then about p Il will
return and fetch you to our home"
Il shall be ready. Goodby.''
The little lawyer bent over her hand
and left the room. l sat dumb and
silent during the whole interview. al
though ] had listened TO everything
with the deepest interest. AS usual, it
was she who broke the silence when
we We're alone again.
Master Hampton" she began. Ito
what sorry pass am l reduced! What
shall l do now
My lady" said l, 1.-The sorriest part
Of the pass to which you have been
brought is that you have in me such
a poor counselor. rough sailor. but
one who would. nevertheless. give his
hearts blood to promote your welfare
or do you any service
Now. as l said that laid my hand
on the breast of my coat. and as |
bent awkwardly enough toward her
! could not even bow as gracefully as
the little attorney just departed-I felt
the paper which l had taken from Sir
Geoffrey's hand and which / had en-
tirely forgotten in the hurry and con-
fusion Of the days that had followed
his death. l stood open mouthed
with surprise and shame at my care
less forgetfulness. and stared at her.
What is it," she asked, instantly
noting my amaze.
Il am fool. madam. laundering
fool" said l. drawing forth the paper,
here is a letter addressed to you
which 1 should have delivered at
her