Creator:
Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank), 1856-1919
"After all," continued Mrs. Conant reflectively, "I don't believe the
Colonel is accused of stealing money, for Peter says his family is one
of the oldest and richest in New York. Your grandfather inherited a vast
fortune and added largely to it. Peter says he was an important man of
affairs before this misfortune--whatever it was--overtook him."
"I can just remember our home in New York," said Mary Louise, also
musingly, "for I was very young at the time. It was a beautiful big
place, with a good many servants. I wonder what drove us from it?"
"Do you remember your father?" asked Mrs. Conant.
"Not at all."
"Peter once told me he was a foreigner who fell desperately in love with
your mother and married her without your grandfather's full approval. I
believe Mr. Burrows was a man of much political influence, for he served
in the Department of State and had a good many admirers. Peter never
knew why your grandfather opposed the marriage, for afterward he took
Mr. and Mrs. Burrows to live with him and they were all good friends up
to the day of your father's death. But this is ancient history and
speculation on subjects we do not understand is sure to prove
unsatisfactory. I wouldn't worry over your grandfather's troubles, my
dear. Try to forget them."
Cedric Vonck, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online
SENATOR NORTH
BY GERTRUDE ATHERTON
_"When, Mr. President, a man, however eminent in other pursuits and
whatever claims he may have to public confidence, becomes a member of
this body, he has much to learn and much to endure. Little does he
know of what he will have to encounter. He may be well read in public
affairs, but he is unaware of the difficulties which must attend and
embarrass every effort to render what he may know available and
useful. He may be upright in purpose and strong in the belief of his
own integrity, but he cannot even dream of the ordeal to which he
cannot fail to be exposed; of how much courage he must possess to
resist the temptations which must daily beset him; of that sensitive
"Grandfather's real name isn't Weatherby," said the girl. "It is
Hathaway."
Mrs. Conant gave a start of surprise.
"How did you learn that?" she asked sharply.
The girl took out her watch, pried open the back ease with a penknife
and allowed Mrs. Conant to read the inscription. Also she curiously
watched the woman's face and noted its quick flush and its uneasy
expression. Did the lawyer's wife know more than she had admitted?
If so, why was everyone trying to keep her in the dark?
"I cannot see that this helps to solve the mystery," said Mrs. Conant in
a brisk tone as she recovered from her surprise. "Let us put the whole
thing out of mind, Mary Louise, or it will keep us all stirred up and in
a muddle of doubt. I shall tell Peter you are to live with us, and your
old little room at the back of the hall is all ready for you. Irene has
the next room, so you will be quite neighborly. Go and put away your
things and then we'll whistle for Irene."
Mary Louise went to the well-remembered room and slowly and thoughtfully
unpacked her suit case. She was glad to find a home again among
congenial people, but she was growing more and more perplexed over the