North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1869-06-23
VOLUME XIII---No, 40.
"Pbilip. for what reason ?"

"Philip, for what reason ~
"To enable me, by diligent labor at my
profession to realize sufficient means to
support you, dearest, in manner satis>
factory to your fathers expectation and
my own wishes" ~
''But Philip | thought
'.You thought me the heir of Thomss
Mortimer's wealth? So was, Edi tn, a
few hours since, but have relinquished
all claim to it now. When I accepted the
bequest, was under the impression that
no living heir existed. / learned to-day
that distant cousin-a woman-is alive,
although my lawyer tells me she is in ig-
norance of her relationship to Thomas
Mortimer. OF course, shall transfer the
property to her Immediately"
"But, Philip, the will has made it legal
ly yours"
illegally it has; but Edith, conld 1
reconcile-it to my ideas of truth and hon
or to avail myself of old Mortimcr's fam
ciful freak, at this woman's expense? /
might take the boarded wealth, but
should never respect myself again could 1
dream of legally defrauding the rightful
heir. Nay, dearest, l may lose my name
and wealth, but I would rather die than
suffer single stain on my honor Us a
Christian gentleman"
"You have done right, Philip" said
Edith, with sparkling eyes. 1--WE will
wait and hope on, happy in loving one
another more dearly than ever. But who
is she? What is her name? ?''
"That's just what l didn't stop to in
quire. l will write again to my lawyer, to
to ask these questions, and to direct that a
deed Of conveyance be instantly made out;
aud then, darling"
His lips quivered moment--yet he
manfully completed the bitter sentence.
"Then will commence the battle of life
over again."
And Edith's loving eyes told him what
she thought of his noble sclf-abnegation-
sweet testimonial.
ellen !" said DR.. Wyllis, polishing his
Eyeglasses magesterially, with crimson
silk pocket handkerchief; II didn't sup
pose that young fellow had SO much stam-
ina about him-a very honorable thing to
do. Edith, have never felt exactly sure
about Phil. Acres being worthy Of you
before"
"Papa!
"But my mind is made up now. When
is he coming again9''
"This evening"" faltered Edith, the vio-
let eyes dropping again.
"Tell him, Edith, that he may have you
next Wednesday, just the same as ever!
And as for the law practicing-why,
there's time enough afterward. Child,
don't strangls me with your kisses-keep
'em for Phil"
He looked after his daughter, with eyes
that were strangely dim.
"Tried, and not found wanting /" he
muttered indistinctly.
The perfume of orange blossoms had
died away, the glimmer of pearls and sat-
ins were hidden in velvet casks and trav-
cling trunks, and Mr.. and Mrs. Acre, old
married people of full months dura-
ton, were driving along country road,
in the amber glow Of a glorins June sum
set.
"IIalloo which way is Thomas going?"
said Mr.. Acre.
81 have told him where to drive to-"
said Edith, with bright sparkling eyes.
''Let me have my own way just for once.
We are going to our new home."
"Are we?" said Phil, with comical
grimace. at is to be love in cottage. l
suppose"
swat until you see, sir ~ said Mrs.
Acre. And Philip waited duteously.
"Where are WEI" he asked in astonish-
ment, when the carriage drew up in front
of stately pillared portico, which seemed
to be not unfamiliar to him. "Surely
this is the Mortimer Place y
II shouldn't be surprised if it were,"
said DR.. Wyllis, emerging from the door
way.
"Walk in, my boy-come Edith. Well,
how, do you like your new home?'
"Our new home?' replied Philip. ~
do not understand you, sir"
"Why, l meant that your little wife
yonder is the sole surviving relative of
Thomas Mortimer, although she never
knew it till this morning. Her mother
was old Mortimer's cousin, but some alb
surd quarrel had caused total cessation
of intercourse between the two branches
of the family. l was aware of the facts
long ago but l wasn't sorry to avail my
self of the opportunity of seeing what
kind of stuff you were made Of, Philip
Acre! And now as the deed Of convey
ance isn't made out yet, l don't suppose
your lawyer need trouble himself about it.
The heiress won't quarrel with you, I'll be
bound ~
J Philip Acres cheek flushed, and then
grew pale with strong hidded emotion, as
he looked at his fair wife standing beside
him, when the sunset turned her bright
hair to coins Of shining gold, and thought
how unerringly the hand of Providence
had Strengthened out the tangled web of
destiny.