The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-06-07

stay good deal at Bmden's Wood for
they had no money or homes Of their own.
Miss Arethusa generally made friends and
stayed around but Miss Grace was quiet
and retiring, and most people thought her |
cold
Ever since Miss Grace had been sixteen
Madame Vail had wanted her to marry |
young Captain Finley who, in his visits to
Barden, had fallen in love with her. But
she told her Aunt Vail that she had prom
ised young Doctor Lee, as soon as he had
finished his studies and settled into prac-
tice in Bolton. He was fine young man,
Of a good family but poor as q church
mouse and madam didn't approve Of the
match. She argued, and coaxed, and
threatened, and stormed; but Miss Grace's
only answer was, 81 love him, Amt Vail,
and he loves me. l have promised to be-
come his wife, and ought to cling to him
the more on account Of poverty" So at
last the old lady got very angry, and threat
ened not to leave her penny, unless she
gave up DR.. Lee. But Miss Grace, though
gentle, was firm. And know at the time
of the last illness of the old lady she had
actually made a will, cutting off Miss Grace,
with quarter of what she left each Of the
others, with the exception Of Mr. Simon, to
whom she bequeathed the most Of the prop
erty. 1t had all been left her by her hus-
band to do with as she pleased.
was sitting knitting in madam's room
at the time she was seized with the fit
which was the commencement of her last
/ illness. From the first she seemed persua-
, ded that she would not recover, and as soon
as she was little rallied, began to make
, preparations for the end. Among other
things she made me bring her, in presence
S of Mrs. DR.. Hurdle, and Mr.. Simon, and
S Miss Arethusa, was little ebony box with
9 silver mountings, which she had always
q kept locked in her private secretary. This
: she unlocked, and took out three large golt
o lockets containing miniatures of her hus
il band and four children, the latter of whom
: had all died in their childhood. / had nev
s er heard her mention them, nor had an,
e one dared to do so in her presence-for w
all knew how terribly she had taken on a
s. their deaths. Yet now she appeared quit
|, calm, as she looked at them one by one
d and then handed them to me to put unde
II her pillow till her lawyer should arrive
n She would herself give them to him, WHOM
" she had appointed her executor.
If "They are to be put in my coffin and br
20 ried with me-" she said, in conclusion. -
le fancy can rest better with those dear fi
or ces beside me; and there is no one livin
IN would prize them as l would wish"
I'd "Ah, Aunt Abigail y said Miss Arethl
sa, rcproachfully, and lifting her pocke
II, handkerchief to her eyes
as "Dear Aunt Abigail" said Mr.. Simol
ed eagerly, "don't be so unjust to me, atleas
ul This the portrait of my own dear uncl
ne these of my darling little cousins 1 I
m. member them as if it were yesterday
IN, Dear aunt, give them to me. You mu
yn know how dearly l should prize them f
III. both your sake and theirs"
Yn AS he spoke he took the loclzets from n
es, hands, and turned to the window, as if
Ir. examine the paintings, though | saw
his was looking closely at the setting. III
Ir. was of white brilliants, which in the lig
in shOne dazzlingly.
Of "No Simon" answered the old lady
nat his appeal; "no Simon, those dear fac
old must be buried with me. 1t will be COZ
it, fort to have them near me, even in death
ate "What, just as they are, aunt?' ask
the Miss Arethusa, hesitatingly, and also gla
ing cling at the settings.
ten L" Just as they are, she repeated feeb
ow "It is the only portion of my wealth Il
Int I shall take with me, and surely none
and you will grudge me this little"
OF "They are very valuable diamonds, " 81
her DR.. Hurdle, solemnly, and-excuse 1
the Mrs. VAIL my dear madam, but ma
ips. poor people would bless you for the co
too forts these could bring them"
h to 81 have not forgotten the poor" repl