The Indianapolis times., 1928-05-26
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there any money for me from my
fathers estate?" she asked almost
prayerfully.
Mr.. Gardner shook his head re-
gretfully. mot yet" he told her.
There hasn't been time for a set
tlement. But can arrange a per-
sonal loan for you," he offered, buS
not too warmly.
mo, thank you. ! will not borrow
money until I know how I can pay
it back" Virginia refused firmly. Il
have two strings of pearls; I can
raise money on them"
Gardiner instantly became very
grave I'm afraid you are going to
be disappointed there, my DEAR" he
sympathized. "Those pearls are un-
paid for. I had intended advising
you to return them to settle the
claim as there is no possibility that
the estate can pay for them"
A little cry of distress, like the
crying vail of cherished hope, es-
capped from Virginia's lips and
brought a real pang of sorrow for
her into GARDENERS deliberately
hardened heart.
But they're all I have" she de-
clared Historically.
"You must allow me to take care
of YOUR affairs" he said deciSively.
For surely you realize that Rich
ard Brewster's daughter cannot be
permitted to founder around as
though she hadn't a friend in the
world. But if you do not prefer to
go to any of your friends l shall eX-
pect you to come to us. Mrs. Gardl-
ner will be very happy TO have you,
l am sure"
Virginia heard him through with
out a word. Even when he had
finished she did not speak at once,
and he looked at her inquiringly.
She saw an expression of doubt re-
place his assurance, and she knew
that what he saw in her own face
was responsible for it.
She tried to smile, but her fea-
lures might as we'll have been stone.
And her heart felt as set. as unal-
terable. as her fixed expression of
resolution.
Thank you very much" she
said steadily. 81 understand and
appreciate your kindness, but you
see I have made up my mind to
accept my changed fortunes at
once. It would only delay what 1
finally must face if 1 were to try
to cling to the past.
I'm afraid that Richard Brew
sterS daughter is now very much
like any other penniless girl. She
will have to go to work. That may
shock my friends, but it is better
than accepting help until I am
loaded with obligations which may
never be able to discharge"
Nonsense! Your father had
friends who would be glad to assist
YOU without placing you under ob-
legation"
I'm sure of that" Virginia re-
turned unhesitatingly, but I will
not risk humiliation in finding out
who they are No, I've got to 60
ahead by myself, Mr. Gardiner, but
I shall not refuse your legal help
if you will give it to me.
"I'll bring the pearls to you and g
list of the few pictures and things
I took from home. I want to keep
what is honestly mine. And please
let me know as soon as you can if
I have anything that I can sell. I
suppose there isp't any money in
the bank?"
"None that we can touch. Haven't
you an account Of your own?"
I'm going to find out what my
balance is," she replied unhope-
fully.
Mr. Gardiner went to the door
with her and urged her to recon
slider her dicision to refuse finan-
cial assistance.
I'm no longer rich" she said.
why should I live a lie? And
borrowing enough money to keep me
in luxury would be doing just that.
There's only one honest thing I
can do and that is to find work and
earn my own living"
wei, l admire your courage,
though I think you are quixotic." he
told her, impressed in spite of his
worldly judgment. But 7 hope you
will have an early marriage if you
still intend to marry your young
artist"
The last word clipped off abrupt
ly in his amazement at Virginia's
behavior She had turned and for
a second or two she swayed as if
about to fall.
Mr.. Gardiner reached forth to
support her but she moved on
through the open doorway and
then, seeming to gather strength
from sheer force of will, she
Steadied herself and turned to
smile reassuringly at him.
I'll bring the pearls in soon"
she called back from the outer
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