Stella Rosevelt — page 344: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

338 FOSEPHINE’S AMBITION. ‘‘f do not see, madam, anything to prevent you from taking possession of the property,” Mr. Compton said, in his most affable tones. ‘‘ Your identity is proved beyond a question as the cousin or half-cousin of Sir Charles, and, as far as we have been able to learn, you are the only living relative. Lord William Thornton—Sir Charles’ father—had a younger brother, but he left his home years ago to go as a missionary to the heathen, and has never been heard of since; so it is reasonable to suppose that he also is dead, and, as he was unmarried, of course left no issue. It will take a month or so to get things in order for you, and if at the end of that time everything remains as it is now, you can then take possession of your estate, and Iam very happy to offer my congratulations upon your good fortune.” Mrs. Richards’ face glowed with pride and happiness; Jose- phine was jubilant, while Mr. Richards was too astonished to be able to really appreciate this sudden turning of fortune’s wheel in their favor. ‘Lhe rent-roll of Halowell Park was fifty thousand pounds or more per annum; then there was a fine residence in London, and a sea-side resort at Cowes. It was, indeed, a fortune, coming just at that time of need, calculated to turn one’s head, so to speak. ‘‘It is too good to be true,” Mr. Richards said, with a doubt- ful shake of the head. ‘‘ Ellen, we don’t deserve any such good fortune,” he added, remorselully, as his mind went back to their treatment of Mr. Rosevelt and Star. ‘Nonsense, George!” she retorted, scornfully. ‘‘ We deserve whatever we can get, and I mean to enjoy this windfall to the utmost. I reckon that jade will find it hard work to outshine us after this, and Uncle Jacob’s grand airs won't trouble me in the least in the future. I shall go down to Halowell Park this week, see for myself what kind of a place it is, and what repairs and improvements are needed on the estate,” she con- 6 (E(0) = @ | Ebooks (E(@)