The Lincoln County herald., 1871-10-12

who sat opposite. "phiip is going to
take me there when We return from our
wedding tour, aunty; he says it is the
sweetest place . poets fancy can devise,
With fountains and strawberries and deli.
cious copscs. Oh ! shall We not be happy
thoro?"
She started up with a bright, sudden
blush for even while the words were
trembling on her lips, Philip Acre came
into the room. His handsome face was
grave, looking little troubled. yet cheer.
iul withal. Mrs. WyIlis, with an arch
nod at her niece, disappeared into tho
perfumed perspective Of tho conscrva
tory, leaving the lovers to themselves.
You are looking grave, Philip" said
Edith. As he bent over and kissed her
cheek.
II am feeling so. darling. have a
very unpleasant disclosure to make to
night our marriage must be postponed
indefinitely"
"Philip, for what reason ?"
ITO enable me, by diligent labor at my
profession. to realize sufficient means TO
support you, dearest, in 4 manner satis
factory to your fathers expectations and
my wishes"
"But Philip, I thought"
"You thought me heir to Thomas
Mortimer's wealth? So I was Edith, q
few hours since but have relinquished
all claims to it now. When I accepted
the bequest was under the impression
that no living heir existed. l learned
to day that distant cousin "a woman)
is alive, although, my lawyer tells NE, in
ignorance Of her relationship to Thomas
Martinez Of coursc. l shall transfa,
the property to her Immediately"
But, Philip, the will has made il
legally yours
Legally it has; but Edith could
reconcile it to my idea of truth and hon
esty to avail myself Of old Mortimer, ;,
fanciful freak, at this woman's expense
| might take the boarded wealth, but
mover could respect myself again, could
dream Of legally defrauding the rightfu
heir. Nay, dearest, may loso aamo and
wealth, but l would rather die than suffer
single stain on my honor us a Christian
gentleman
"You have done right, Philip" snid
Edith, with sparkling eyes. I'VE viii
wait and hope on, happy in loving one
another more dearly than ever. Bu
who is this distant relative and heiress 2
That's just what didn't stop to 10
quire. will 60 again to my lawyer te
ask these questions, and to direct that 4
deed Of conveyance to made out and
then, darling"
His lips quivsred q moment, yet hs
managed to complete the sentence
"Then I will begin the battle of life
over sgain."
And Edith's loving ey cs told him wha,
sho thought Of his self lfabnegation-a
sweet testimonial.
"Hem," said Dr.. Wyllis, polishing his
Eyeglasses magistsr,ally, with crimson
silk pocket. handkerchief, II didn't sup
pose 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"
"Papar' .... -. ..
"But my mind is made up now. When
10 he coming again p
This evening"" faltsrsd Edith, the
violet eyes softly dropping.
"Tell him, Edith, that be may have
you next Wednesday, just the samo as
ever. Aud as for the Law practiciug,
why there's timo enough for that after
ward. Child. don't straugle me with
your kissos-keep them for Phil"
He looked at his daughter with eyes
strangely dim.
"Tried, and not found wanting" he
muttsrsd indissiuctly.
Tho perfume of the orange blossoms
had died away, the glimmer Of the pearls
aud satin were hidden 10 velvet casksts
and travelling trucks, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Aero, old married people Of full .
months duration, were driven along .
country road, in the amber Of . glorious
June sunset.
"Holloa /! which way is Thomas going p
said Philip, leaning from The window, as
the carriage turned out of the main road.
II told him the direction to take" sa.d
Edith with bright sparkling eyes.
"Let mo have my own way, for once.
We are going to our now home"
"Ars ws? said Philip. with s eAsesy
grimscs. ut 10 20 b. love IN . ssstsse,
| suppose"
"Wsit untN you SeSt sis," ssi& Ms.
Acre, pursuing up hey little bosebsd
mouth; aud Philip waited patiently.
"Whsst sss ~s?' 10 ssts% ~ ssAs>.