An Ambitious Man

The Baroness leaned lower over the pillow of the invalid as she

answered: "I will tell you why I ask this sacrifice of you."

"Perhaps you do not know that I married Judge Lawrence after the

death of his first wife. Perhaps you do not know that Preston

Cheney's legitimate daughter is as precious to me as his illegitimate

child is to you. Alice is only six months younger than Joy; she is

frail, delicate, sensitive. A severe disappointment would kill her.

She, too, loves Arthur Stuart. If your daughter will let him alone,

he will marry Alice. Surely the illegitimate child should give way

to the legitimate.

"If you are selfish in this matter, I shall be obliged to tell your

daughter the true story of her life, and let her be the judge of what

is right and what is wrong. I fancy she might have a finer

perception of duty than you have--she is so much like her father."

The tortured invalid fell back panting on her pillow. She put out

her hands with a distracted, imploring gesture.

"Leave me to think," she gasped. "I never knew that Preston Cheney

had a daughter; I did not know he lived here. My life has been so

quiet, so secluded these many years. Leave me to think. I will give

you my answer in a few days; I will write you after I reflect and

pray."

The Baroness passed out, and Joy, hastening into the room, found her

mother in a wild paroxysm of tears. Late that night Mrs Irving

called for writing materials; and for many hours she sat propped up

in bed writing rapidly.

When she had completed her task she called Joy to her side.

"Darling," she said, placing a sealed manuscript in her hands, "I

want you to keep this seal unbroken so long as you are happy. I know

in spite of your deep sorrow at my death, which must come ere long,

you will find much happiness in life. You came smiling into

existence, and no common sorrow can deprive you of the joy which is

your birthright. But there are numerous people in the world who may

strive to wound you after I am gone. If slanderous tales or cruel

reports reach your ears, and render you unhappy, break this seal, and

read the story I have written here. There are some things which will

deeply pain you, I know. Do not force yourself to read them until a

necessity arises. I leave you this manuscript as I might leave you a

weapon for self-defence. Use it only when you are in need of that

defence."