The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1922-11-02
CHAPTER TT
Yves. Wins the Flrs. Hand.

The newcomer stood ut the edge of
the front steps, and paused long
enough to light a cigarette before de-
scending. His features were as clear
cut as though done in marble, and
about as. expressive. For the first
, time, I'm the glare Of the bright morn.
ing light, West took stock Of the fell
low. and realized his true nature. In
= stinctively he felt that here was the
particular antagonist ne was to be
pitted against. His companion must
have sensed the same fact, for she
swiftly drew back beneath the shadow
Of the vines.
"You meet him." she whispered,
"afone. would rather he did not
find US together"
She had vanished before he could
interpose, slipping awa- 30 noiselessly,
he was scarcely aware Of her swift
action. Coolidge strolled on, the blue
smoke Of the ciShrette marking his
progress. West stepped carelessly
forth from the concealment Of the
vines, watchful for any change Of ex-
preston on the face Of the other.
There was none, not even a look OF
surprise. or a tightening Of the lip.
"Ahl Captain" le said easily, toss
Ing his stub asid :. and drawing forth
his case for another. "Glorious air
this morning; the advantage Of early
rising; you indulge, I presume7"
IAN army habit. mean to do away
with later. Thanks. I suppose break
fast Is not ready7"
Hardly vet" giancing about in.
quiringly. 'TIy niece ia usually out
here at this hour, which accounts for
my venturfng forth She is not here?"
"Not now, although there are evi.
dences that she has been," Indicating
the gloves and pruning shears visible
beside the walk. "We must have ar
rived too late"
$50 it seems. You are aware of who
am, I presume? the position I hold
relative to her propertyT
Certainly; you are her uncle and
guardian. Under the terms of the
Will you remain In full control until
she Is twenty-five, now almost at hand
except for an annual income, payable
to her monthly. Is not that the situa,
tion?"
"You have apparently made very
careful inquiry" he commented with
perceptible sneer. mo doubt this was
q matter Of deep interest to you"
"Of some interest, q confess" &C.
knOwledged West, controlling his tenn
per. although my information has
not come from inquiry. Miss Natalie
was kind enough to talk to me about
her affairs, presupposing my interest
In them. My family Is far from DOW
erty stricken, and have a very good
profession. 1t Is quite right you should
know this.
"What profession, may I ask7"
"Civil engineer"
"But not established, Iimaginef''
had very good connections before
fhe war. Since returning from France
have made no effort to renew these
N seek others. I, Of course, expect
to do so later. and shall be la no way
dependent upon Miss Coolidge's for
tune"
Although quite willing to share It
I presume?"
81 think you have insinuated that
often enough" returned West, fully
aroused by the insolent words and
manner of the other. perhaps u
may be we'll for us to have a plaiu
understanding without further delay
Mr.. Percivai Coolidge. As I under
stand matters, you are her guardiaI
under the special provisions Of youl
brothers will7"
"You are perfectly right, sir. and
should have been consulted prevjou
to this engagement" Coolidge aail
with dignity. "Even now It is sub
Ject to my approval"
II think not. Your Ruardianshil
was merely Q special provision Of tn.
viii, with reference to the estate. 30
understand, at least. At twenty-one.
she became mistress Of her own per
sOnal affairs. and no longer needed to
consult you."
II controlled her income"
"Only the surplus; a certain sum
was to be paid her each month until
she was twenty-five; then the entire
estate came into her possession. Be
yond this you exercised no legal
authority"
"You seem well posted"
'"The lady herself informed me as to
these facts"
Coolidge gave utterance to an oath.
which burst from HIS lips before Il
could b. wholly restrnined.
!. ypsl ! II zst q q yesF