The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1865-09-16
9Mistellalleo1ls.
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 crackeled
behind the red hot bars of the little CRATE
in most comfortable and cosy sort Of way
casting rosey shine into the thoughtful
brown eyes that we're tracing castles ard
coronets in the burning Goals. For Philip
Acre was for once, indulging himself in
the dangerous fascination of a day dream.
"If were only rich," he pondered to
himself. "Ah, if-then good.bye to all
those musty old law books, goodbye to
the mended boots and thrice turned coats,
and all the ways and means that turn a
mans life into wretched bondage. Would
mt | revel in new books and delicious paint
ings and fine horses Wouldn't buy a
set of Jewels for Edith-not pale pearls or
sickly emerads, but diamonds, to blaze
Ike,fre upon her white throat Would
mt What nonsense Pm talking though !"
he cried, suddenly rousing himself "Phil.
Acre hold your confounded tongue did
suppose you were fellow of more sense.
Here you are, neither rich nor distinguish
ed, but simple law student, while Edith
Wtte is as far above your moonstruck as
pirations as the Queen of Night herself
She loves me, though-she will wait-and
the time may one day come that-hallo,
come in, whoever you are."
It'was only the serving maid of the
establishment carrying a letter in the corn
er of her apron between her finger and
thumb. ffz
.Please, sir, the postman just left it,
two cents to pay"
Here are your two coppers, Katy--a
pretty fair equivalent for any letter l may
receive. Now then,' he added, as the door
closed on Katy's substantial back, let's
see what my unknown correspondent has
to say. A black seal, eh ?-not having
any relations to lose, am not alarmed at
the prognostic.' a.h 20 81
He broke the seal and glanced leisurely
over the short, business-like communica-
tion contained within, with a face that va
ried from incredulous surprise to sudden
gladness. M a
Am dreaming ? he murmured to him.
self, as if to insure complete possession Of
bis sense. NO am wide awake and in
my right mind it's no part of my waking
visions. But who would ever suppose that
old Thereon Mortimer, whom / haven't
seen for sixteen years, would die and leave
me all his money. Why, am really to be
rich Oh, Edith, Edith
He clasped both hands over his eyes,
sick and giddy with the thought that all
the years Of silent wasting were at length
to be bridged over by the old miser's be-
quest he might claim Edith now. How
full of sunshine were the weeks that fitted
over the head of the accepted lover, made
beautiful by Edith's love.
1t was precisely week before the we'd
ding, and the gently veiled lamps were just
lighted in DR.. Wyllis' drawing room, where
Edith sat, working on a bit OF cambria ruff
fling, and singing to herself.
4 wonder if Mortimer Place is so very
lovely she said to silver haired lady who
sat opposite her. "Philip is going to take
me there when we return from our wedding
tour he says it is the sweetest spot fancy
could devise, with fountains, shrubbery and
delicious copses. Shall we not be happy
there ?" mtl aaHn
She started up with blush, for while
the words were still on her lips, Philip
Acre came into the ROOM looking a little
troubled. vet cheerful withal Mrs. Wyl-
lis disappeared into the conservatory, leav-
ing the lovers alone. 95fl
You are looking grave, Philip said
Edith, as he bent over and kissed her.
Il am feeling so, darling. | have a very
unpleasant disclosure to make-our mar
rage must be postponed indefinitely. 5ssa
Phillip, for what reason 2
80 enable me to realize sufficient to sup
port you in becoming manner. g
But, Philip. thought"
You thought me the heir of Thereon
Mortimer's wealth So was, Edith few
hours since, but ! have relinquished all
claim to it now. When accepted the be-
quest, it was under the impression that no
living heir existed. learned to-day that
cousin-a woman-is alive, in ignorance
of her relationship. Of course, | shall im-
mediately transfer oil the property to her ?
But Philip, the will has made it legally
yours Mo9 1 dT
Legally, it is; could reconcile it to
my ideas of truth and honor to avail myself
of old Mortimer's fanciful freak, at this wo-
mans expense, might take the boarded
wealth, but l should never respect myself a.
gain. Could dream OFFICIALLY defrauding
the rightful heir Nay, dearest, may lose
name and wealth, but would rather die
than suffer single stain on my honoras q
Christian gentleman i, B s,t .a5lsE .ssi
You have done right, Philip, said Edith,
with sparkling eyes I'VE will wait, and
hope on, happy in loving one anothermo
dearly than ever. But who is she what
is her name p
| Crhat,c ;uat uhot d;dnst afon ~ ;nf,n;ro