Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 123, No. 4 — page 171: what you’re looking at

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

MOORS END. r - “T came here to get money for my father,” she went on steadily, “but not with his knowledge. When he left my mother and me, he also left us debts amounting to five thousand dollars. paid off half-by degrees, but I coaldan’t raise the rest; and for my mother’s sake and our name I must do it. She asked me to when she died, and I promised her d would. “Then, when your letter came, it seemed like the chance I had been looking for, to honestly pay off all our debts, or at least give assurance to the creditors that they would be paid in time. “You see,” she went on with a little mirthless smile, “I am very mercenary in all this; but I did hope, too, that you would get to like me for myself, and that I could find some one who could give me “the feeling I never was able to have for my own father. ““ And then de came and spoiled it all, _ aS he has spoiled everything for me ail my life. No one can believe me honest, be- cause I am his daughter, and so it ts best for me to go.” _ I was sprimging to my feet, but Uncle Gregory restrained me with a look. © “7m beginning to believe that I’m not at all popular,” he observed with dry whim- sxcality. “It’s quite true that you’ve had three very trying days, but they were hard- ly my fault. You have had just two days since in which to make my acquamtante, and now both you and Carlos propose dash- ing off instantly. It’s hardly complimen- tary.” | Shirley had started toward the door; now she turned back. ‘* Carlos!” she exclaimed. “Yes; before yeu came in he had just declined receiving any of my money, and suggested my handing it al] over to you in- stead. He seems to have no doubt about your right to it; neither, may I add, have I.” I blessed Uncle Gregory; he had the right idea after all. Shirley seemed un- able to understand, but. stood there silent. “ Perhaps this will help you,” said Uncle Gregory in his driest tone, and handed her the letter. , I’ve 677 ~“ I watched her expression as she read; Surprise, hatred, distrust and, last of all, a radiance that made her more like the bright, happy Shirley I -knew and loved. She looked up, the letter clasped in her hands. ‘Qh, I am so glad!” she exclaimed; and I knew from the relief in her voice what she had been enZuring all this time. ‘Well, have you made up your mind to stay?” Sawdust could not have been drier than Uncle Gregory’s tone; but there was a kindly gleam in his eyes. ““ Uncle, do you really want me to stay?” “Yes.” Then, as if ashamed of the feel- ing in his voice, he said with whimsical lightaess: “I can’i get Peter to make beef- tea like yours; atd that reminds me that I’m quite hungry now.” It was a tactful suggestion, for Shirley’s control was giving away and tears were not far from her eyes. She caught up his hand, held it mutely an instant, and then fairly ran from the room. ““ Rather a fine girl,” said Uncle Greg- ory, and blew his nose with decision. ‘“Tt’s darned fine of you,” I said. “Thank you for making me square with Shaley. It means a lot to me.” “I think you'll have no more trouble there. May I ask if you and she—” “ It’s only I,” I sighed. most awfully, but I don’t know yet how she feels.”’ Uncle Gregory nodded. ‘‘ That’s good; she’s worth it. By the way, you will decide to stay now?” “T think not. It hardly alters matters.” Uacle Gregory sighed. ‘“ Decidedly, I am unpopular. Have I got to beg you to stay, too?”’ “Tl gladly stay, sir, but oa condition Shirley gets the money.”’ ‘““ Now, see here,” said Uncle Gregory vehemently, “I’m not dead yet, and I don’t intend to die for a long time, in spite of the fact that it is very trying at my age to go through three days of starvation, and then have to manage two obstinate young peo- ple, besides. And I don’t intend to Mave my money to any of you.” , His tone was so comically angry that I steod and laughed until my sides ached. of Ni | fro laa oO TATE | )(S(0) OOO “T care for her