The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-01
Eoening Story
The Chinese Cabinet.
BY KATE EDMoNDs.

Inc three granddaughterS or Phln-
cas- Cobb listened to the reading OF
his last will and testament There
were no other heirs and the document
was strangely brief.
ITO my granddaughter, Annie Cobb
Youngs. $4,000. To my granddaugh-
ter. Martha Weeks Stringer, $4,000.
To my granddaughter, Helen Cobb.
the Chinese cabinet in my library, to-
gether with all my books and collec-
ton of engravings.
THAT is ALL" said the lawyer after
a pause.
"All?" repeated Mrs. Youngs.
What becomes Of the house and its
contents?"
''It is not mentioned in the will"
Then" said Mrs. Martha Stringer
in an acid tone, IT suppose that will
be divided separately among we three,
share and share alike"
THAT would be the legal division"
grandfather disposed of it in some
other manner"
You should know that" protested
Mrs. Youngs.
He shook his head. "You remem-
Der that my partner attended to Mr..
Cobb's affairs. and that I was re-
called from the west because of my
partners death, which occurred
week before that of Mr.. Cobb. 1 can
only administer the estate according
10 the Will, anu IL you care 10 carry
the matter into court it can be decided
definitely
Mrs. Youngs said she preferred to
consult her husband, and MRS. Stringer
echoed the remark. Helen Cobb. the
youngest and unmarried one of the
cousins, arose and thanked the law
yer for his services, kissed her cous-
ms good-by and went away.
Grandfather treated her abomina-
bly," declared Annie Youngs to
Martha as they rode to the railroad
station. ''She worked for him. took
care Of him when he was sick and
made a slave Of herself-now, she is
turned out with that wretched Chinese
cabinet and a lot of musty old books.
She will have to start anew and get
something to do, being all alone in the
world She's a good nurse. Martha"
None better: I thought perhaps
grandfather would leave her the house
she might set up a convalescent
home there. You know the new doc
tor is quite taken with her-she's
really pretty sometimes"
"She looked pale when the will was
read. I expect it was a blow. If il
hadn't been for catching the train
would have said more to her-well
I'll write to her"
In the meantime Helen Cobb walked
home like one in a daZe. The blow
she had received had been a stagger-
ing one, and deprived her not only OF
a home and sustenance, but also faith
in the grandparent she had loved and
cherished in his lonely old age.
'It must be a mistake" she whis-
pered as she let herself into the great
silent house. Maggie, the cook. came
creaking upstairs, her round face full
of concern.
you look all wore out, Miss Helen
I've made you a cup of tea and cooked
I
tart. too" She made Helen sit down
putting up a shade to let the sun ii
and brought tempting tray.
The girl smiled thru her tears
You are very good, Martha; am
tired"
ct expect you ought to see Doctor
Hare-your nerves are all unstrung
child"
Helen blushed. Il don't need a doc
tor, Martha
There's a young doctor thinks he
needs you. I reckon" and Martha
went off chuckling to open the door
for Doctor Hare, who had come to
bring a bunch of roses for Helen and
| inquire after her health.
In a few moments Helen had told
him her DISAPPOINTMENT. "I shall
have to finish my nursing course, and
I am cure both you and Doctor Paine
81 am sorry about your grandfather
it is puzzling, for he was a man OF
strong intellect up to his death. But
L am glad, Helen, for another reason
you can now marry me all the
sooner. if you will. 1 am still strug-
Cling, but there is enough for two
and I would never have dared to ask
an heiress to become my wife.'
II am he!ress to a Chinese cabinet
and a library of 5000 yoIumesi', de-
clared Helen. Let us look at my
ca binet."
only your promised husband
should do that he suggested. Helen
dimpled. Holding out her hand she
! whispered, Gomez" And so they be-
came engaged the dfsinherited
granddaughter and the poor young
doctor.
The Chinese cabinet was of lacquer
| with gorgeous fighting cocks in bril-