Gilpin observer., 1919-01-23

| 1t, but we persuaded him to wait and
think 1t over for day or two. He did
think and then decided to wait little
longer for your sake"
For my sake? For miner" She
passed her hand in a bewildered way
across her forehead. "Mr. Sylvester.
don't seem to understand even
now. ~
Der, at that time you were engaged
to Malcolm Dunn"
Her intent gaze wavered. She drew
long, breath. II see," she said slow
ly. "Oh-I see"
Eyes. Captain Warren is one of the
best judges Of character l ever met.
The Dunns did not deceive him for one
moment. He was certain Malcolm in
tended marrying you because of your
money. For that matter, so was l. He
knew you must see the proof with your
own eyes. And he showed it to you"
But then," she begged distractedly,
why couldn't he tell me after that?
i am so stupid, I suppose-but, Mr..
Sylvester, all this isis
HE might have told you then, but
he did not think it best. Caroline, your
uncle has always believed in you. Even
when you sent him from your home he
did not blame you. He said you were
deceived-thGt was all. But, too, he
has always declared that you had been
as he expressed 1t, brought up wrong
Your money had, in a way, warped
your estimate of people and things.
Aud there was Steve. You know, Caro-
line, that money and what it brought
were spelling Steve. 81 has never been
so much of man as during the past
year, when he thought himself poor
But your uncle has planned for him as
well as for you, and when he believes
the time has come he"-
please" she interrupted falteringly-
please don't say any more. Let me
think, Mr.. Sylvester. You say that
Uncle Elisha intends giving us all that
father took from him-all of it?'
"Yes, all. He considers himself mere
ly your guardian still and will accept
only his expenses from the estate"
1T is wonderful" she repeated bro
kenly. Even though we cannot take
it, it is wonderful
what? Cannot take it?'
"Of course not! Do you suppose that
either my brother or l would take the
fortune that our father stole-yes, stole
from him, after he has been living al
most in poverty all these years and we
in luxury-on his money? OF course
we shall not take itr'
But, Caroline, / imagine you will
have to take it. / understand your
feelings, but l think he will compel
you to take it"
II shall not!' She sprang to her
feet. "Of course l shall not! Never!
Neverv
whats that you're never goin' to
take, Caroline-measles or another trip
down in these parts? l hope 'tain't the
last. cause I've been callatin' you'd
like it well enough to come again"
Caroline turned. So did Sylvester.
Captain Elisha was standing In the
doorway. his hand on the knob. He
was smiling broadly, but as he looked
at the two by the fire he ceased to
smile.
whats all this?' he asked sus-
piciously. Caroline what-Sylvester
what have you been tellin' hery
Neither answered at once. The cap
tain looked from one to the other.
sylvester Caroline had never seen
her uncle thoroughly angry before.
"Sylvester," he cried. have you-have
you dast to tell her what you shouldn't?
Didn't you promise me? II you told
that girl I'llVI'll"-
His niece stepped forward. Hush,
Uncle Elisha" she said He didn't
tell me until l knew already. l guess
ed it. Then ! asked for the whole
truth. and he told me-"
THE whole truth? Gardiner
He wrung his hands.
Yes uncle, the whole truth. know
you now. l thought knew you be-
fore. but didnt-not half. do now"
"oh. Gardiner He stepped toward
her and then stopped, frantic and de-
spairing. Caroline! Gardiner he
cried again. Can you ever forgive
me? You know-you must know !
amt ever meant to keep it. It's all
yours. l just didn't give 1t to you
right Off because-because- oh. Syl.
vester, tell her never meant to keep
It! Tell herv'
The lawyer shook his head. II did
tell her." he said, with another shrug.
'and she tells me she won't accept it."
"WhatT The captains eyes were
starting from his head. What? Won't
take 1t? Why, it's hers-hers and
Steve's! II always has been! Do you
cal'late ia rob my own brothers chill.
drcnf Don't talk 20 foolish! won't
hear such talkr'
Caroline was close to tears, but she
was Arm.
Captain Elisha looked at her deter
mined face. then at the lawyers. But
he found no help there. His chin