Oxford Democrat., 1921-06-07

tion. "She worked for him. took care
Of him when he was sick and made q
slave Of herself-now, she iS turned
out with that wretched Chinese cab
met and lot Of musty old books. She
will have to start anew and get some
thing to do, being all alone In the
world. She's good nurse, Martha"
"None better. / thought perhaps
grandfather would leave her the house
she might set up convalescent
home there. You know the new doc
tor is quite taken with her-she's
really pretty sometimes"
"She looked pale when the viii was
read. / expect 1t was q blow. II
It 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 daxe. The blow
she had received had been q 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.
1T 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
a chop; I've baked you strawberry
tart, too" She made Helen sit down.
pulled up shade to let the sun In and
brought a tempting tray.
The girl smiled through her tears.
you are very good. Martha; ! am
tired"
81 expect you ought to see Doctor
Hare-your nerves are all unstrung,
child"
Helen blushed. II don't need doc
tor, Martha"
There's a young doctor thinks he
needs you, reckon" and Martha
went or 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. ~ shall have
to finish my nursing course. and am
sure both you and DR.. Paine will rec
ommend me-" she concluded.
'I am sorry about your grandfather
III Is puzzllng. for he was q man OF
strong intellect up to his death. But, l
am glad, Helen, for another reason
you can now marry me all the sooner.
II you will am still struggling. but
there Is enough for two-and would
never have dared ask an helress to be-
come my wifel"
II am helress to q Chinese cabinet
and a. library Of 5000 volumes" de-
clared Helen. Let M look at my
cabinet"
"Only your promised husband should
do that" he suggested. Helen dimpled.
Holding out her hand she whispered.
"Comel" And 50 they became engaged
the disinherited granddaughter and
the poor young doctor.
The Chinese cabinet was Of lacquer
with gorgeous lighting cocks In bril-
liant red In relief on the doors The
lawyer had given Helen the key and In
q moment the doors were open and Q
row Of small drawers were revealed.
The nrst drawer contained odd bits
Of Chinese jewelry Of small value; the
second one was filed with silk shawl
Of cobweb ineness and the third one
contained an ivory fan delicateiy
carved. The third drawer was shall
low and came out entirely, disclosing
another secret drawer behind 1t.
@How delightful" exclaimed Helen.
pulling on the red silk tassel that
formed q handle. The secret drawer
opened with q jerk and mass Of en-
velopes fell into Helen's lap. Upon ex-
animation they proved to be deeds to
the property-house and gardens
transfsrrins all Of the real estate to
Haleu Cobb. Another papar directed