Litchfield enquirer., 1863-10-22
Altsfelianp.
Simon Warmers Will.

burne-nor would you have recognized that individual in the wrinkled sexagenarian who sat on the porch smoking his pipe, under the shadow of a perfectly blooming honeysu ckle that was nearly as old as himself.
 Tonight Simon Warner was troubled in spirit; the glow in his ppe-bowl had faded into white ashes, and he wiped his brow re- peatedly with the old-fashioned yellow hand kerchief he always carried in the right-hand pocket of his pepper and salt colored coat. 'I didn't s'pose you'd ha' gone off and left your old uncle in this sort of way, Martin, said he querulously. It's blow to me- Uncle, Im sure you would give my plans a hearty approval if you would only consider them.'
 The words came from tall, handsome young man, with sunburnt cheeks and eyes of blue, flashing fire, who leaned against one of the rude wooden pillars that supported the porch.
 Then you have made up your mind to go headlong off to get yourself killed or taken prisoner-it don't matter which-in those pes tilent North Carolina swamps.'
 No, Uncle, I haven't any such intention, , laughed young Martin Warner. But I have made up my mind to go and do my duty in the field, where thousand better men than myself have left the stain of their hearts blood.
 Pshaw' calculated Uncle Simon.
 Just as you please, sir,' said the young man good humoredly.
 It is just as I please ? snarled Simon Warner. Look here, Martin-you say this country is more to you than wealth or life we'll provo it! If you are determined to make fool of yourself, do it. Only warn you henceforth to abandon all thought of suc- ceeding to the wealth have amassed.'
 I am poor, Uncle, said the young man with changing color, but not poor enough, hope, to allow my sense of duty and right to be bartered for gold. Leave your money where you please-its disposition cannot influence my decision.
 Stay. though persisted Uncle Simon, keenly watching the young face from the fros- ty evclashes " there is Yet another considera- ton. Do you suppose that Dr. Maylie will give daughter to pennless adventurer :? Do you think Dora Maylie would have been engaged to you had you not have been the heir to my money
 The words though spoke with the bitterest sarcasm, glanced from the frank truthfulness that encased Martins heart. He only smiled. sI have the frmest faith in Doras love, Un- cle.'
 | A silence of some moments ensued-at length Martin broke it. Uncle Simon, anu going-will you not say good bye?'
 The old man only shook his head grufay. At least shake hands ? and Martin extend- cd his hand entreatingly. Simon Warner merely touched it with his cold, shrivelled palm, and the next moment Martin had dlsap- peared among the tall shrubs of the little door yard.
 Gone-he was indeed gone. Up to the last moment, Simon Warner had scarcely believed he would depart-now he must believe it What do you say, Dora, darling! Will you love your soldier as truly as you did Un- cle Simon's heir Martin
 It was very lovely young face that was truth and purity combined. | 'Then you will love me still?'
 T will love you until death, Martin, and through all the ages of eternityr
 He folded the frai figure to his breast with passionate tenderness that was beyond all words.
 I know it, dearest Dora and as far as man may, will prove worthy of your love. And when come back
 'When you come back, Martin! An, do not speak too confidently. If I should lose you-'
 If you should lose me, love. could you no, remember that l died for my country--under the folds of the glorious old fag--and be re. sgned?'
 sYes,' exclaimed Dora, with sort of sob ping sigh, as the scarlet blood rose to hel cheek T could give my best and dearest fol that cause But, oh Martin, God will sure ly keep you unscathed for my saker
 Amen responded the young man rever ent'y.
 The November snow was failing drear and thick among the leafess hickory trees tho wind shook and rattled the easements of the lonely room in the old house where Simor } Warner lay dead and shrou1ed Vain and powerless had been his golden stores to bribe the grim, unwelcome messenger, Death i! In the keeping-room below sat fortieth cousin, one Bella Warner, spreading his long claw-like fingers over the blazing pine logs and talking by fits and starts to a bony female in calico short gown, who sustained towards him the relation of wife.
 The will is to be read this afternoou-o ! course I'm his heir, seein' he's disinherited hi ronbr Vou and I'll ha brand folLe Elv;ro