The Washington times., 1919-10-20

- herself who brought the
conversation around to the
point where David wished TO have
H. He was relieved that he need
not direct IL there.
Dinner over, the hostess led her
guest into her cory library. where
she bsde him light a cigar and make
himself comfortable. A soft coal
are burned in the crate, and he
sank into an easy chair with a sigh
Of content
This r. like old times" he said,
gratefully. II have seen nothing as
homelike es this since before
sailed for France"
From the hearth Miss Bristol
smiled at him. She was enjoying
his talk and his good-looking pres
snce.
at r. pleasanter for me than for
you" she ayerred. There are lots
OF things I want to talk over with
you-things I could not mention In
the dining room with my too clever
waitress listening to every word.
Servants are such a drawback to
conversation"
Il suppose they are" he agreoi 4
demurely.
"Ons thing I want to ask you Is
what you are doing now in Balti-
more. Are you here to- stay?
mean-how does II happen that you
are at a hotel. and what are your
plans for the future?, Do not think
me inquisitive, but, as your aunt's
ciosest friend, 1 am naturally in
-terested."
II came in compliance with a let
ter from Mr.. Andrews. Aunt
-Jeanne's lawyer" David explained.
Ny Uncle Francis died recently"
-Indeedi had not heard of it"
David blessed the direction that
had prompted Henry Andrews to
withhold Information that might
have excited curiosity among Miss
De LANES friends.
No. I suppose not" David went
on Until matters were settled Mr..
Andrews thought IL best to say
nothing about the matter. But I
do not mind having you know the
truth. i am my uncle's heir"
~Oh. my, I am so glad. There
was no doubt as to the sincerity of
Miss BristoPs Joy. You dear boy
] do congratulate you! Shake hands
with me-"
She held out her hand to him and
he rose. took II in his. and bending
over IL. kissed IL.
'nE h41hC9 with plcdcuTc, ana LnS
tears sprang to her eyes.
NO wonder Jeanne loved your
she said tremulously. 'And now you
win have an assured income even
II you do not get the money your
aunt left"
Yes, Uncle Francis was
wealthy man." David admitted.
But I never expect to get Aunt
Jesnne's money. 1t Is to go to
charities. etc"
There was a long silence as he
sat. his eyes fixed on the red Goals.
At last Miss Bristol spoke.
David. know the terms of
Jeanne's will"
he started In astonishment How
does that happenr he asked.
She told me about " in her last
Illness. / did not think then that
she was very ill-for she did not
seem so. and I did not know how
weak her heart was. But, anyway,
in q moment OF confidence she told
me of f."
Il did not suppose anyone knew
Of it-except Andrews and myself"
David said.
Nobody else did. except myself
and one other person"
Who was thaty' he inquired curl
ously.
"Desiree Leighton"
David sat UP straight, the color
leaving his face.
Good heavens. Did Aunt Jeanne
tell herr"
Miss Bristol nodded. Eyes. she
did-the last time that Desiree was
eown here. / do not know IL you
ever heard Of that visit. 1t was
SaA
aunt was feeling very poorly, and
she had a notion she wanted to
see the girl She sent for her to
spend a weekend here. On Sunday
morning, as the two were alone.
Jeanne explained everything to the
child She told me all about it"
Are you at liberty to tell me?"
David asked hoarsely.
Yes-it can do no harm now. I
know you will never repeat the
eonversation-"
Hardly
And you must not be hurt at
What your aunt did. She meant it
for the best
"Desiree was her ideal of what
girl should be. Jeanne had the
belief that you would be happier
married than single-happier and
safer. She knew you would NOT
marry a rich woman unless you had
money OF your own. She wanted
you to marry nobody but Desiree.
So she planned to leave you all she
had. and bring about the marriage.
too"
What did she sayg'' The ques-
ton was very low
That she would never marry you.
She begged your aunt to alter the
will. adding that she was glad she
had never met a man who would
consent 70 such an arrangement.
Your aunt tried to explain-but I
doubt II Desiree really believed that
you were Ignorant Of the terms of