The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1866-01-24
The Missr's Bequcst.


ioned silver watch was poin ling to The figure
eighi--ihe snug red curtains shut out The
rain aud darkness of the March night, and
The fire snapped and cracked behind the
red bars of the little CRATE in most comfou-
able and cosy son of way, casting a rosy
shine in the thoughtful brown eyes hat
were tracing caslless and coroneis 10 the
burning Goals Fof Philip Acre was, for
once, indulgug himself in The dangerous
fascination OF day dream.
| If were only fich,' he pondered 10 him
self. 'Ah, if--then good bye 10 all these
musiy old law hooks, goodbye TO the mem
| ded boots and thrice turned coats, and ali
! the ways and means that turn a mans life
! into wretched bondage Wouldn't revel
in new books and delicious paintings and
fine horses! Wouldn't | buy a sci of Jew
els for Edith-not pale pearls of sickly
emeraIds, but diamonds, to blaze like fire
upon her white throat WouIdn': I-what
nonsense Pm taking, thought he cried,
suddenly srousing himself. Philip Acre,
hold your coniounded tongue-I did sup
! pose you were fellow oil more sense
| Here you are, neither rich nor distinguished,
| bu, a simple law student, while Edith
Wylls is as far above your moon-sIruck
aspirations as the Queen OF Night herself
She loves me, thouGh-she will waii-anG
the time may one day come IhaI-hello,
come in, whoever you are
! 1t was only the serving maid of the es-
Enlistment carrying letter in the corner
of her apron, between her finger and
| thumb. -.- ..st-
Please, sir, the poslman just let 1.-two
cents 10 pay
'Here are your two coppe.s, Katy--a
pretty fair equivalent for any letter may
receive. Now lhen,' he added as the door
closed on Kaiy's substantial back, 'lel's see
what my unknown correspondent has to say.
| black seal, eh ?-not having any relations
10 loose, am not alarmed al the prognos-
tic"
He broke the seal and glanced leisurely
over Inc short busness-like Communication
( contained within, with a face that varied
from incredulous surprise 10 sudden glad
ness.
'Am dreaming 3 he murmered 10 HIM
self, as if to insure complete possession of
his sense. NO, Pm wide awake and in my
right mind: IFS no part Of my waking Wis
ions. BuI who would ever suppose thar old
Theron Mortimore, whom haven't seen for
sixteen years, would die and leave me all
his money. Why am ueilh er kilh nor kin
OF his. Rich-am really 10 be rich! OH
Ediih, Edith.
He clasped both hands over bis eyes,
sick aud giddy with the thought that all the
years ofsiIent waiting were at length to be
f. bridged over by the old miser's bequest-
he might claim Edith now. How sul of
sunshine were the weeks that fitted ever
the head of The accepted lover, made beau
liful by Edith's love.
1t was precisely week before the we'd
ding, aud the gently yelled lamps were just
! lighted in DR.: NyIls' drawing room, where
Edith sat, working on a bill of ruffling, and
singing 10 herself.
q wonder if Morlimers place is so very
! lovely she said 10 silver haired lady who
sat opposite her. Philip is going to take
me there when we return from onr wedding
tour: he says il is the sweetest spot fancy
could devise, with fountains, shrubbefy and
delicious copses. Shall We not be happy
there q
She stared u2 with blush, for while the
words were still on her lips, Philip Acre
came into the room, looking lille troubled
/ yet cheerful wilhal. Mrs. Willis disappear
ed in the conservatory; leaving the lovers
alone.
'YOu are looking grave, Philip said
Edith, as be bent over and kissed her.
J Il am feeling SO, darling. have very
unpleasant disclosure 10 make-our mar
rage must be postponed indefinitely
Philip, for what reasonP
TO enable me TO realize sufficient to sup
port yon in becoming manner
] But, Philip, thought
! You thought me the heir of Theron
Morlimer's wealth? So was, Edith, a few
hours since, but / have relinquished al
I claim 10 it now. When | accepted the be
quest, il was under the impression that nc
living heir existed. learned to-day that a
cousin-a woman-is alive, iu Ignorance o.
her relationship. Ofcourse, shall imme-
diaiely transfer all the property TO her.
But Philip, :he will has made il legally
yours
Legally, ii is: could reconcile it 10 M
ideas of truth and honor 10 avail myself Q
old Moriimef's fancfuI freak, al this wo
mans expense. ! might lake the boarded
wealth, but should never respect mysel
again, could dream OF legally defraudins
the righlful heir. Nay, dearest, may loss
name and wealth, but | would ralher di'