The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1858-06-18

1t was because your uncle Herbert was
an honest, upright man, and Carkley is
unworthy any good mans regard"
81 wish that Hollis had lived" said
Eleanor Herbert, "and then this Carkley
would have no claim to the estate. You
may have heard that my uncle had an
adopted son who died early"
81 have"
" And YOU have also heard that they
parted, for the last time in anger, and
that Uncle Herbert told him he should
disenherit him"
YES"
The threat, which of course was made
under the influence Of angry excitement,
was never carried into efect When news
came that the ship in which Hollis sailed
WAS lost, and all on board had perished,
my uncle used sometimes, after a long fit
Of abstraction, to speak up suddenly and
say, with good deal of emphasis, that
Hollis was alive, and would some day re-
turn. This impression at times was very
strong, and was as l believe, the true rca-
son why he didn't revoke the will made at
ah early period in favor Of his adopted
son"
You arc certain that it remained un-
revoked at the time of your uncle,s de-
e?' said Stafford, speaking quickly,
and looking at her very earnestly.
Il am certain. Almost the last thing
that my uncle ever said to me was to en-
trust it to me, which he did with an earn
est solemnity which | shall never forget
/, in my turn, have coafdcG it to the care
Of Mr.. Goodwin, who can be trusted, if
any one can"
Lad Eleanor's mind been less absorbed
by the subject or which she was speaking
she would have scarce failed to notice Il
quick, though transcient frightening of
Stafford eounteuancc.
Did you ever sec him The adopted
son, uean p said he.
reycr did. lie had been gone several
weeks when / come to live with my uncle
He was boy Of much promise, I've been
told
"a little obstinate and selfwilled per-
hars."
Ny uncle didn't consider him 80"
an GIad 10 near It,
See" SAID Eleanor, a minute after
ward. tie gorgeous hues Of sunset are
fast fading, and will be gone by the time
can reach home"
Your home for oue night more"
''Yes."
Eleanor quickly tied on lcr hat, which
the mild and pleasant air had caused her
to cast aside, and commenced descending
the HILL
Miss Herbert - Eleanor - stay one
moment" said Stafford.
She obcyed, not wholly devoid of con,
sciousncss why the request was made.
II S just six months, today" said
be, since commenced teaching school
in this Irace The term Of engagement
has closed
10 be renewed, as l understand, after
q short vacation"
:" / did think of renewing it, but have
altered my mind"
"Thcn you viii leave this place ?"
No. | shall remain, at least for short
t.uc. "hether / take up my residence
here permanently, or not, depends on
you.
"0n me ?"
Yes, though half en- hour ago
shouldn't have felt myself authorized to
say mis- to you"
Eleanor strove to recall to mind wheth-
or, duiug the present interview, there
hao been anything in her words or appear
ance which might be construed into a
manifestation Of the preference in which
she felt conscious she held him. She
could think Of nothing, and in reply said,
somewhat coldly:
" You speak oniguaticalIy, Mr. Stat
tord"
Perhaps so and, on reflection, what
.ast sad had better been left unsaid, at
present. We will think no more of it, if
YOU please"
For few moments they beth remained
silent.
/" As time passes," he then said, "you
will excuse my abruptncts. Eleanor, will
you accept my hand? My heart is al
ready yours, as | think on mere than one
occasion have betrayed to you"
Il will"
She answered in calm, steady voice,
though the twilight was not vet so deep
as to conceal the bright color which come
to her checks, nor the light, brighter STILL
winch flashed up to her dark hazel eyes.
And will you be content to be vii
lage schcolmaster's wife ?"
=" Why not? You possess industry, en-
ergy aud perseverance, three qualities
winch, when combined, rarely fail to keep
want from the door"
" True, but you have so long been ac-
customed to every luxury
" W hen ] found that the estate of my
uncle was to pass into the hands # Artc-
mas Carkley, made up my mind to earn
my own living. OF course, luxuries wo'd
nave to be dispensed with. Il is true
thst my friend Mrs. Marsden kindly invi-
too me 70 make her house my home, as
soon as Sho haar1 &c -. -