The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1928-05-25


lege days wants to give you money
now instead of waiting to leave it in
her will. She is very wealthy and has
no children. She wishes to withhold
her name Her heart is set on it"
"She is very kind; but i can't ac-
cept money from stranger-what Isl
the amount of the gift?"
The lawyer hesitated. "She is very
rich and can easily spare it. 1t is
$500,0O0." az
Tom turned pale. Il couldn't think
of it," he declared. c3F8ss
'"Then .ou'u give her great unhap-
piness," Mr.. Barclay declared II only
wish l had your chance. Don't you
think you're foolish to let your pride
or whatever it is hurt her and deprive
you of big gift? Think of all you
could do with it. If you are generous
you could help others; If you're stingy
you can save il" 49,
'That is big temptation, helping
Others" Tom declared boyishly. "and
there are other reasons-but couldn't
take such sum. Why not half?"
Its all or nothing" the other said
decisively.
At last Tom weakened. His mother
was as puzzled as he, but she agreed
with Mr.. Barclay that it was cause
for rejoicing, not for refusal
Still doubling Thomas didn't feel
sure till the money was practically in
his hand. He wrote the unheard of
news to Barry. Like mother, l feel
it is heaven-sent." He told her, land
now, darling, please don't keep me
waiting. Do you want big wedding!
OF course if you do, it must be, but
l hate that part of it"
Barrys telegram came: "Shall ar
rive Thursday a. IN. on the nine o'clock
train. Can't we be married in your
church, with only your mother and
any friends you wish present? Barry"
"Shes one in a thousand, as | told
you, MOTHER" Tom declared raptur-
ously.
They met her at the train and took
her home for rest and lunch. AT
three she was before the chancel max
ing her vows. Then they were off on
long trip.
1t was a dinner on the boat going
to Quebec that Toms face frightened
and he jumped up from the table and
Barry saw him shaking hands with a
tall fellow att the other end. He came
back beaming. "Such lucki" he ex-
claimed. Il haven't seen my old col
lege chum for years. l can't believe
it's real"
"Who is he?" Barry asked.
"Ben Smiley; the best old scout"
Barry was unusually silent during
the meal, and before Tom had finished
his desser. she said: TON, l have
one of my rare headaches-will you
excuse me if / lie down and rest lit
tie while?"
"Why, my dear, can't l do some
thing for your" her husband asked. i.
She smiled: Eyes, just let me have
perfect quiet; don't want over YOU"
On deck Tom joined Ben.
"To think of you being on your
wedding trip!" the latter exclaimed.
you lucky chap to win Barry Nc
Vane! Men have almost committed
crime to stand where you dol"
"Why. do you know my wife?" Tom
asked, surprised.
"Yes, met her at lake resort, and
had the honor of dancing with her.
1 lost my heart to her, but what was
l to dream of capturing an heiress"
"Heiress !" repeated Tom. "My dear
boy, my wife is no heiress; she was
typist when l married her."
Ben laughed. "YOu can't put that
over on me, my boy; Barry McVane
is worth a fortune. My cousin is her
intimate friend. And to think of you
who always declared there was one
thing you wouldn't do and that marry
a rich wifeI The joke is on you"
"Well, you've discovered my secret|
Tom declared, laughing rather uncer-
tainly. Then he changed the subject
to things of the past
Finally he excused himself and find
ing a secluded place sat down to think
it out. Barry an heiressl His brain
seemed to turn a sOmersault. How
she had deceived him. But what she
had done for him! She had felt that
knowing him as she did, she must
either lose him or make him rich, and
she had probably given him the larger
part of her fortune, and perhaps all
of it. She cared for him enough for
that! And he-how he loved her
loved her!
Should he tell her he knew her big
secret and fling it in her face and spoil
her happiness? He sat there until
his mind was made up.
When he reached their stateroom
Barry was stiH lying down but awake.
He bent and kissed her.
"Head better, dear?"
slave you been with your friendr-
she asked for answer.
"Only short time. He regretted
not meeting you, but he had to get
off at small landing where he was
to join relative. l was glad to meet
him, but / fear I'm not very good
company away from YOU"
Barry gave him keen look, but he
returned it with an adoring one.
Her arms stole about his neck.
"My head is much better, Thomas
Arden lowering, let US go on deck"
she said