Part 23 (2/2)
George showed himself shrewd and able in his work. Mr. Hoyle was a powerful backer. Before spring his salary was doubled. But what was that? The gulf between him and the great heiress gaped, impa.s.sable.
Lucy spent much time with her old friend, and Frances at last broke the silence concerning him.
”The boy never before knew what love was. And it is you that he loves, child.”
”He has not told me so,” said Lucy coldly.
”No. And never will. It is your wealth that makes him dumb. I wish it was gone,” said Frances earnestly. ”Gone. You would be so happy.
What is money compared to being----”
”George's wife?” Lucy laughed.
”Yes. George's wife. I know what he is worth,” his mother said boldly. ”You might give it away?” looking eagerly in the girl's face.
”In charity.”
”I might do so,” said Miss Dunbar tranquilly.
One morning in April Mrs. Waldeaux saw George coming up from the station. She ran to meet him.
He was pale and breathless with excitement. ”What is it? What has happened?” she cried.
”Hush--h! Come in. Shut the door. No one must hear. The Consolidated Companies have failed. They have robbed their depositors.”
”Well, George? What have we---- Oh, Lucy!”
”Yes, Lucy! She is ruined! She has nothing. It was all there.” He paced up and down, hoa.r.s.e with agitation and triumph. ”She mustn't know it, mother, until she is safe in another home.”
”Another home?” ”Oh, surely you understand! Here--if she will come.
Poor little girl! She has not a dollar! I am getting a big salary. I can work for you all. My G.o.d! I will have her at last! Unless---- Perhaps she won't come! Mother, do you think she will come?” He caught her arm, his jaws twitched, the tears stood in his eyes, as when he used to come to her with his boyish troubles.
”How can I tell?” said Frances. ”Go and ask her.”
CHAPTER XX
In July Miss Vance returned unexpectedly. Her charges had tired of travel, and turned their backs upon India. She dropped them in Chicago, and came to Weir for rest. The evening of her arrival she strolled with Frances through the park, listening to the story of George's sudden wooing, and the quiet, hurried wedding.
”It had to be quiet and hurried,” said Mrs. Waldeaux, ”in order to keep her ignorant of her change of fortune. He took her to the Virginia mountains, so that no newspapers could reach her. They are coming to-morrow. It won't trouble her to hear that her money is gone when she is here with us all, at home. As for me,” she went on excitedly, ”I am beginning to advertise the summer resort. I must put my hand to the plough. I don't mean that she shall miss any comfort or luxury as George's wife.”
Miss Vance looked at her. ”Frances, give up your planning and working.
Let George work for you and his wife,” she said curtly. ”It is time for you to stop and rest.”
”And why should I stop and rest, Clara?” said Frances, amazed.
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