The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1871-12-01

expense? might take the boarded
wealth, but never could'respect my
self again, could | dream Of legally
detrauding the rightful heir. Nay,
dearest, | may lose name and wealth,
but | would rather die than suffer u
single stain on my honor as n Chris
tian gentleman
"You have done right, Philip" said
Edith with sparkling eyes. I'VE will
wait and hope on, happy in loving one
another more dearly than ever. But
who is this distant relative and heir
ess?n
That's Just what l didn't stop to
enquire. | will write again To my
lawyer to ask these questions, and to
direct that IA deed Of conveyance be
made out; and then, darling"
His lips quivered moment, yet he
manfully completed the sentence
"Then | will begin the battle Of life
over again"
And Edith's loving eyes told him
what she thought of his self-abnega-
tion-a sweet testimonial.
"Hem," said DIR. Wylis, polishing
his eyeglasses magesterially with a
silk crimson handkerchief, Il didn't
suppose the young fellow had so
much stamina about him-a very hon
orable thing To do. Edith, / have
never felt exactly sure about Philip
Acre being worthy of you before"
Papa"
"But my mind is made up. When
is he coming again"
"This evening" faltered Edith, the
violet eyes softly dropping.
Tell him, Edith, that he may have
you next "Wednesday. just the same rs
ever. As To the law practicing, there's
time enough for that atterward. Child
don't stranglc me with kisses-keep
'em for Phil"
He looked ut his daughter with his
eyes strangely dim.
'.Tried, and not found wanting" he
muttered indistinctly.
The perfume of the orange bios
SONS had died away, the glimmer OF
the pearls and satin were hidden in
the velvet caskets and travelling trunks
and Mr.. and Mrs. Acre, old married
people of full months duration,
were driven along country road, in
the amber of glorious June sunset.
Halo. which way is Thomas go
ing:" said Philip, leaning from the
window, rs the carriage turned out of
the main road.
II told him the direction he was to
take" said Edith, with bright, spark
ling eyes. Let me have my own
way for once. We are going to our
new home"
"Arc we: said Philip, with CHEEKY
grimace. 1T is to be love in cot
tage. l suppose"
Wait until you see, SIR said Mrs.
Acre pursing up her little rosebud oi
mouth aud Philip waited patiently,
Where are WEI" he asked in aston
ishmcnt, when the carriage drew up
before stately pillared portico.-
"Surely this must be the Mortimer
place"
shouldn't be surprised fit was,
said Dr. Wylis, emerging from the
doorway. walk in, my boy-comc
Edith. Well how do you like your
new home:'
"Our new home.n repeated Philip,
II do not understand you, sir"
"Why, l mean your little wife yon-
der is the sole surviving relative of Mr..
Thomas Montimer. although she never
knew it until this morning. Her
mother was old Mortimcr's cousin,
and some absurd quarrel had caused a
total cessation of intercourse between
the two branches of the family. ]
was aware OF the fact 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 trouble himself about it
The heiress won't quarrel with you
I'll be bound"
Phil Acres face flushed and then
grew pale with strong hidden emo,
ton, as he looked at his wife standing
beside him, when the sunset turned
her bright hair into coils of gold, and
the thought how unerringly the hand
of Providence had Strengthened out
the tangled hand of destiny.
Out Of darkness came light.