The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-12-25

" crept into the girls hair, Il tride too
Stroug!y for an affectionate gesture.
What is IT." she asked, drawing her
head away quickly
"A.touch of rheumatism in my arIN
he said intultiveiy. You know it give
me i twin@e once in 50 often. So you
are eighteen years old!'
And you said that on this day was
to come into d fortune.
That is true How much do you
think it is?'
-Oh, perhaps $5O,O0O."
lis it-lost?" she asked.
No, my child. 1t is the terrible re
sponsibiity which is about to rest
upon your young shoulders that makes
me sad. Tomorrow morning your law
yers will inform you that you are one
of the richest heiresses in America.
Uncle, don't make fun Of me!''
~ am telling you the truth. To date
Zudora has turned out something like
$20,00000O. 1t was the express will OF
your father to have this kept quiet, so
that you would not be bothered with
fortune hunters. Girl, you will marry
"a duke or prince. You will become
a famous beauty But my advice is
this: That until my guardianship
..ceases-you will be twenty-one then
you will say nothing to any one about
this fortune 1t would make life un-
;,earable for US both"
I'll gladly agree to that" she said
eagerly.
whenever you require large sum
Of money you Will write the attorneys,
and they will send it. Think Of the no
toriety, the busy reporters, the broken
down mobiles, INDECENT society folk
She laughed at the picture. He was
right. If she desired peace and com
fort she must keep this fortune away
from the public eye.
'Zudora. there is one pleasant fancy
you must henceforth put entirely out
of your mind
"And what is that?'
''This fancy for John Storm. Fer ali
that you have inherited this vast sum
of money, you are still under my
guardianship for three years"
What Zudora would have replied to
this half veiied demand will never be
known. The bell rang, and shortly
after that John Storm himself was
ushered into the room. Rassam AS
nodded coldly, but the girl sprang to
greet her lover.
Flows the case going?" she asked.
pretty well. l think shall win
out against Bienreith,'
"He hates you
mo doubt of it. He'd like nothing
better than to stick knife in my
&back."
Hassam Ais eyes narrowed. An
idea had come to him.
'Mr. Keene." said Storm suddenly,
B ''I know have my way to make, but
can assure you that l can give Zu-
dora all the material comforts she has
known. | want Zudora for my wife,
"It is impossible" replied Hassam
Ali.
Impossible" echoed the two young
people.
Absolutely" with growing coldness.
Mn the first place am Zudora's
guardian until she is twenty-one.
Therefore do not propose that she
shall throw herself away on an ordi
nary lawyer
Sir" said Storm, 81 do not quite
like the tone you use"
Indeed, Young man, am not only
her guardian, but | am also her flesh
and blood uncle, and do not propose
that she shall bungle her future by
marriage to YOU
Not a word about the millions. Zu-
Vdora thought hard for moment and
concluded it might be wise to say
nothing to her lover until she had this
fortune under her hand.
y What if l promise never to marry
any one else?" she said.
Hassam Ali shrugged. Come, come;
be sensible Until you both get over
this foolish idea l must request that
Mr.. Storm cease calling here
every we'll, SIR" said Storm angrily.
But warn you that | shall see Zu-
dora outside as often as she is kind
enough to permit me. Good evening.
Storm sent Zudora a reassuring smile
as be left the room.
what in the world have you against
John?" cried Zudora bewilderedly.
''I do not propose to see you support
fortune hunter" rather lamely.
That's nonsense" she declared with
spirit. John tells the truth when he
saws he is able to take care of me-"
''Still forbid it. and legally it is my
right"
"But love him. would not trade
j.. him for the greatest prince in Christen-
asiom, and if l cannot marry him I'll
Anarry no one"
V ''Well, WE'LL" said Hassam Ali. ap-
parentlv relenting; ''if you take such