Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-10-13
ON, FRIDAY. OCTOBER

profession, to realize sufficient means to sup
port you, dearest, in manner satisfactory
to your fathers expectations and my wishes. .
s'But Philip, I thought"
"You thought me heir of Thomas Nor
timers wealth ? So I was, Edith, few
hours since, but I have relinquished all
claims to it now. When I accepted the be-
quest I was under the impression that nc
living heir existed I learned to-day that a
distant cousin "a woman) is alive, although,
my lawyer tells me, in ignorance Of her re-
lationship to Thomas Mortimer. Of course,
shall transfer the property to her imme
diately"
"But, Philip, the will has made it legally
yours
illegally it has but, Edith, could I re-
concile it to my idea of truth and honor tc
avail myself of old Mortimer's fanciful freak,
at this woman's expense l might take the
boarded wealth, but l could never respect
myself again, could I dream Of legally dc.
frauding the rightful heir. Nay, dearest.
| may lose name and wealth, but would
rather die than suffer single stain on my
honor as 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 this
distant relative and heiress ?"
''That's just what [ didn't stop to inquire.
[ will write again to my lawyer to ask these
questions, and to direct that a deed of con-
veyance be made out +; and then. darling"
His lips quivered moment, yet he man
fully completed the sentence
"TAen will begin the battle of life over
again"
And Edith's loving eyes told him what
she thought of his self-abnegation-a sweet
testimonial
"Hem," said DR.. Wyllis, polishing his
eye-g glasses magisterially, with silk Grim
son pocket-handkerchief, II didn't suppose
the young fellow had so much stamina about
him-a very honorable thing to do. Edith,
I have never felt exactly sure about Phil
Acre being worthy of you before"
Papa !"
but my mind is made up now. When
is he coming again?"
"This evening"" faltered Edith, the vio-
let eyes softly dropping.
"Tell him, Edith, that be may have you
next Wednesday, just the same as ever
And as for the law practicing, why there's
time enough for that afterward. Child,
don't strapgle me with your kisses-keep
'em for Phil"
He looked at his daughter with eyes
STRANGELY dim
"Tried, and not found wanting! he NUT
tered distinctly.
Che perfume of the orange blossoms had
died away, the glimmer of the pearls and
satin were hidden in velvet Baskets and
travelling trunks, and Mr.. and Mrs. Acre,
old married people of full months dura-
ton, were driving along a country road, in
the amber Of a glorious June sunset.
"Halloa which way is Thomas going p
said Philip, leaning from the window, as
the carriage turned out of the main road
Il told him the direction to take,'' said
Edith, with bright sparkling eyes. ''Let
me have my own way, for once We are
going to our new home"
care we?' said Philip, with common
grimace. 1T is to be love in cottage, [
suppose"
"Wait until you see, sir" said Mrs.
Acre, pursuing up her little rose bud of a
mouth ; and Philip waited patiently.
"Where are we?'' he asked in aston
ishment, when the carriage drew up before
a stately pillared portico, which seemed not
to be unfamiliar to him. Surely, this must
be Mortimer Place.
''Shouldn't be surprised if it was," said
DR.. Wyliis, emerging from the doorway
"Walk in, my boy; come, Edith. Well.
how do you like your new home
"Our new home !" repeated Philip. Il
do not understand you, sir"
"Why, I mean your little wife yonder is
the sole surviving relative of Thomas Nor
timer, although she never knew it until this
morning. Her mother was old Mortimer's
cousin, and some absurd quarrel had caused
total cessation of intercourse between the
two branches of the family. I was aware
of the facts all along; but wasn't sorry to
avail myself of the opportunity to see what
kind of stuff you were made Of Phil Acre.
And now, as the deed Of conveyance is not
made out yet, don't suppose your lawyer
need to trouble himself about it. The
heiress won't quarrel with you, I'll be
bound"
Philip Acres cheek flushed and then
grew pale with strong hidden emotion, as
he looked at his wife, standing beside him,
when the sunset turned her bright hair to
coils of shining gold, and thought how I'm.
erringly the hand of Providence had strai ght
ened out the tangled web of his destiny.
Out of darkness came light.
ssWOman's Rights