The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1936-04-23

than hint such an absurdity. Every
one who knows us at all will tell
you that my husband and were on
most affectionate terms, and that we
looked forward joyously to a happy
life together. An unknown heart
trouble unexpectedly showed itself,
and he died instantly, as many other
seemingly healthy men have done. If
you believe differently, tell us your
proofs, your evidences, your reasons
for such belief. You have no such
reasons, and cannot see why you
are assuming this attitude. AS a
lawyer, you must know it will get
you into trouble. If you are not con-
WINGED of this fact, ask Mr.. Garth
when he comes"
When Garth arrived from Phila-
delphia he was sympathetic and
kind in really comforting way. He
called for conference at once, and
gathered about him, the widow, her
father and brother, and sent for Ma
dame Maiden, if she chose to appear.
She did not, however, and deputized
Perilla to take her place. Farman
was, of course, present, and the fam
lily doctor, whose name was Spur
geon.
The talk was entirely informal,
and Garth, as lawyer for Corey NAL
den, told the others how matters
stood financially. The will would be
read on Friday, after the funeral
services, and as there were many
small requests to friends and to SER
wants, he would not bore them with
these minor matters. The chief point
was that the large part of Corey
Malden's enormous fortune was be-
queathed to his wife, with smaller
but godoly amount to his mother,
this to revert to the wife at the
mothers death. There was ample ex-
cess to leave funds for keeping up
the beautiful estate of Maiden
house.
Garth, Antony Gaskeu and Rich
ard Carleton were executives and
trustees for Perilla and Madame
Maiden. Perilla was glad she had
met Dick Carleton in Washington,
he was so kind and friendly. Tony,
of course, she already knew, and
Garth was a splendid man.
There was much more talk and
red tape matters were discussed.
When luncheon was announced the
conference broke up, though there
were some questions yet to be set
tied.
After lunch, Garth asked Perilla
to 60 for a stroll with him through
the gardens He tried to express his
deep sorrow for her in her grief,
which for the moment must be stiff
ed. He knew what a relief it would
be to her when she could relax and
give way to her emotions.
"You do understand" she said. eft
is hard for me, I am so alone, even
though my people are here And I
cannot tell friend from enemy. Ma
dame Maiden has made up with
me, as she calls it, but there's no
telling when she will face the other
way. Is she entirely all right, men
tally?"
Doctor Spurgeon is a fine physi-
clan and he says she is sound of
brain, but her emotions are so warp
ed and biased it is possible she may
give way utterly at any time. am
so glad you and she are friendly,
and I am glad, too, you will not live
together, for you are right in assum-
ing that she may at any time face
the other way Now, don't let her
get on your nerves, for after you are
gone from here she will cease to
think of you at all. That may not
sound complimentary, but it is far
better so. Now, tell me, very frank
ly, have you told the full and exact
truth as to the circumstances of
Corey's death?"
At anyone else Perilla would have
felt angry at this fiatfooted question.
eyes, Mr.. Garth, have" she an
swered readily. $50 far as I know
there is no point or detail I have left
unstated. know it puts me in a
questionable light, for it is true I
was alone in the room with Corey. He
did die suddenly, and there is no
evident cause for his death. But the
doctors have said that it was due to
heart weakness that nobody knew
he had. AS to my love for him,
though you know me but slightly,