The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-11-22
3 fauie JRpspa alt1oisa To- 9pltns, aoregn
THE MISER'S BEQUEST.

The hour-hand of Philip Acres old
fashioned silver watch was pointing to
the figure eight-the snug, red curtains
shut out the rain and darkness of the
March night, and the fire snapped and
crackled behind the red hot bars of the
little CRATE in most comfortable and
cosy sort of way, casting a rosy shine into
the thoughtful brown eyes that went ira
icing castles and coronets in the burning
Icoals. For Philip Acre was, for once in
ldulging himself in the dangerous fasci-
nation of a day dream.
eff 1 were only rich, he pondered to
Himself. ssssAh, if-then good bye to
Jail these musty old law books, good bye
Ito the mended boots and thrice turned
fcoats, and all the. ways and means that
turn q mans life in this wretched bond
Iage. Wouldn't I revel in new books
and delicious paintings, and fine horsesi
Wouldn't l buy a set Of jewels for Edith
mot pale pearls or sickly emeralds, but
diamonds to blaze like FIRE upon her white
throat2 Wouldn't What nonsense Tn,
talking, thought he cried suddenly rous-
ling himself. '.Philip Acre, hold your
confounded tongue-T did suppose you a
fellow of more sense. Here you are,
neither rich nor distinguished, but a sim
pie law student, while Edith Wyllis is as
far above your moonstruck aspirations as
the Queen of Night herself. She loves
Ime, though-she will wait--and the time
may one day come that--Hello, come in,
whoever you are. ss 6sss as6
1t was only the serving maid for the
establishment, carrying a letter in the
corner of her apron, between her finger
land thumb. iIsaa
sPlease, sir, the postman just left it,
two cents to pay SIT q foa4
"Here' are your two coppers Katy a
pretty fair equivalent for any letter 1 may
receive. Now then,n he added, as the
door closed on Katy's substantial back,
@alets see what my unknown correspond
ent has to say. A black seal, eh2----not
having any relations to lose, / am not
alarmed at the prognostic. ,.s, s.
| He broke the seal and glanced leisure
lily over the short, business like commun-
cation contained within, with face that
varied from incredulous, surprise to sud-
den gladness.
"Am I dreaming2" he. murmured to
4 himself, as if to insure complete posses
sion of his senses. No, / m wide awake
and in my right mind; it's no part of my
waking visions. But who would ever
suppose that old Theron Mortimer, whom
haven't seen Tor sixteen years, would
die and leave me all his money? Why, !
am neither kith nor kin of his. Rich
am I really to be rich2 Oh, Edith
Edith -
He clasped both his hands over his eyes,
sick and giddy with the thought that all
the years of silent waiting were at length
to be bridged over by the old mans be-
Iquest. He might claim Edith now How
full of sunshine were all the weeks that
fitted over the head Of the accepted low
er, made beautiful by Edith's love-
1t was precisely week before the we'd
ding, and the gently yelled lamps were
just lighted in DR.. Willis drawing room
where Edith sat, working on bit Of cam
brio needle-work and sighing to herself
4 wonder if Mortimer Place is SO very
]lovely,,n she said to. a silyer-haired lady
| who sat opposite her. "Philip is going
to take me there when we return from oul
wedding tour; he says it is the sweetest
spot fancy could devise, with fountains
shrub bbery and delicious copses. Shall
We not be happy there2n gas sae IS
s She started up with blush, for while
the words were still on her lips, Philip
Acre came into the room, looking little
troubled, yet cheerful Mithal. Mrs. Wyl,
lis. disappeared into the conservatory
Ileayipg the lovers alone stAgI
ou are looking grave, Philip said
Edith, Jas .hesbent over and kissed her. +
II am feeling SO, darling. / hayeaVe-
! lry unpleasant disclosure to make. Our
marriage must be postponed indefinite
lly. sEss Sd ia laa lsa
1 q Philip for what treason2yss az & ~ o.
j To enable me to realize sufficient to
lsupportlyou inra becoming manner.
Bat, Philip, sthought-'' ss
i You thought me the heir of Theron
! Mortimer's wealth. So was, Edith, q
/ few hours since, but 4 have rellnquished
lal claim to itnow. When accepted the
i tbequest, it was under the Impression that
lno living heir existed. learn to-day
that eousin--a woman---.is alive, in ig-
stnorance Of her relationship. OF course
r shall immediately transfer all the prop
llerty to her. - sss4fss 4, ksfsSsss s..sl
Bat, Philip, the will made it legally
yours. sssss. -. -, ~
Legal Il is;conld ] reconcile it ste
ltmy idea Of truth and honor to availm my
self Of old. Mortimer,s fapciful freak, Al
4 this woman q expense, might take ths
'thoarded wealth s. = should nexer respeel
slmyself .again,i If Lcould dream of legally
Idefranding the rightfal heir. Nay, dear.
lest may lose name and. wealth, hut 4
'Iweald rather die than suffer q single stais
: ON my heaor asa christian gensleman,',
Il .sYou have done rig ght Philip,nn said
& Edith i, with aapark ling keyes.s We Gwa
wait and hope on, happysia loving enc an
'Ioihen more dearly than ever sButswhs
, lis she2 W hatjs her .name2','4s ~ - ~,
d sfsThat > justgwhat n didn't stop tesin
iIquireo z will write again to. my lavyel
3 esask these questiepss and TO- direct tha
, Ia deed Of conyeyanee sbe instantly mad
fIout and then darling 4assss es:s dsfw =
81 His lips quiyered q moment, yet hi
maafany eomplsted the bitter sentences;