She stooped and tenderly kissed his forehead, then gently stroked his hair.
He smiled happily.
"The kiss of death! Yes—how sweet! Good-bye, Venna—find a man worthy of the best—little"—
The sentence was never finished. When help came, they found Venna sobbing hysterically with Hadly in her arms!—dead!
CHAPTER XIV.
"Our extremity is God's opportunity."
It was just a month since Will Hadly's death.
Pale and serious in her black mourning gown, Venna sat alone in the library answering letters. This was her first opportunity, as every minute of her time had been so far taken up with lawyers.
She had found her financial affairs in excellent condition, new and careful investments having been made by her husband. However, she was surprised that his supposed fortune was entirely gone. He died penniless, having gambled away everything he possessed.
This was a sad revelation to her, but money from him was not needed. How conscientious he had been with her own!