Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1867-01-31
THE M1sER 's BEoUEsT.

The hand of Philip Acres ole
fashioned silver watch was pointing
to the figure eight-the snug red cur
tains shut out the rain and darkness
of the March night, and the fire
snapped and cracked behind the red
hot bars OF the little CRATE in a most
cozy and comfortable sort of wsy,
casting rosy shine into the thought
fui brown eyes that were tracing cas-
ties and carcnets in the burning
Goals.
For Philip Acre was, for once, in
dulging himself in the dangerous
fascination of a day-dream.
'If I were only richl" he pom
dered to himself. "Ah, If Then
good bye to all those musty cid law
books; goed-bye to menaed boots
and thrice turned coats, and the
ways and means that turn a nam s
lifeinto wretched bondage, wouldn't
revel in new books and delicious
paintings and high stepping horses?
Wouldn't ! buy sett of Jewels fer
Edith-net pale pearls or sickly en-
eralds, but diamonds, to blaze like
links of fire upon her royal throat
wouldn't What nonsense I'm
talking, though" he cried, suddenly
reusing himself. "Phil Acre, hold
your confounded tongue, 1 did sup
pose you were a fellow of more
sense! Here you are neither rich
nor distinguished, but a simple law
student, while Edith Wyllis is as far
above your moon struck aspirations
as the Queen of Night herself. She
loves me, though--she will wait
and the time may one day come!--
If only DR.. Wyllis were not SO dis
trustful of fellow! However, 1
must learn to prove myself worthy
of the sweetest prize that ever
Halo! come in there whoever you
arel"
1t was only the serving maid of
the establishment carrying a letter
in the corner Of her apron, between
her finger and thumb.
'Please sir, the postman just left
1.-two cents to pay!"
"Here are your two coppers, then,
Katy-a pretty fair equivalent fer
any letter may receive" Now, then,
he added, as the door closed behind |
Katy's substantial back, ''let's see
what my unknown correspondent has
to say. A black seal, eh2 Not hay, |
ing any relations to lose, l am not
alarmed at the prognostic"
He broke the seal, and glanced
leisurely over the short, business
like communication contained with
in, with face that varied from in
credulous surprise to sudden glad
nessi
cam 1 dreaming?" he murmured
to himself, rubbing his eyes and
shaking himself, as if to insure com
plete possession of his senses. mo,
Pm wide awake and in my right
mind; it is no delusion--no part of
my waking visions! But who would
ever suppose that old Theron Nor
timer, whom / haven't seen since
was boy of sixteen, and picked
him out of the river half deed be-
tween cramp and fright, would die
and leave me all his money! Why,
I'm not even the shadow of rela-
tion; but, then, never heard that
the old man had any kith or kin, so l
can't imagine any harm in taking ad- !
Of his edd freak! Rich
am l really to be rich? Is my Alad-
din vision to be an actual fact! o,
Edith! Edith"
He clasped both hands over his
eyes, sick and giddy with the thought
hat the lovely far off star OF his
alteration would be brought near to I
lim at last by the magnet gold. All
,hese years of patient waiting were {
% be bridged over by the strange =.
I'D miser's bequest; he might claim
Edith now!
How full of heart sunshine were
he weeks that fitted over the head I
If the accepted loyer-brightened
~ Edith's smiles--made beautiful by
he soft radiance of Edith's lovel- y
There was only one alleging shad. 1
almest imperceptible touch |!
# distrust and suspicion with which Il
Id DR.. Wyllis regarded his future
on-in- law. All! ne feared to trust Il
lis only child in the fiery furnace of
rial! J
1t was precisely week before the =
lay appointed for the wedding, and =
he soft lights, veiled by shades of Z
round glass, were just lighted in DR.. =
Vyllis' drawing room, where Edith {
st, among her white roses and he'll G
otrepe, working on bit Of cambria u
uffiing and singing to herself. She a
7as slender, beautiful girl, with vi n
let gray eyes, a blue veined fore W
cad and glossy abundant curls, Of o.
hat pale gold that old painters love o
D portray. q
81 wsnder if Mortimer place is SO u
cry lovely" she said to silver es
aired lady who sat opposite d.
Philip is going to take me there,
hen we return from eur wedding tn
BUR, Aunty; he says it is the sweet ei
st place poets fancy could desire, W
ith fountains and strawberries and su
reen delicious copse! Oh! shall We OF
OF be happy there2" ui
She started up, with bright sud- na
en- blush, for even while the words w
ere trembling on her lip, Philip :.
ere came into the room, his hand lie
,me face looking little troubled,
ct cheerful withal. Mrs. Wyllis.
ith an arch nod to her niece, dis u
opeared into the perfumed perspec- os
We of the conservatory, leaving the Oh