Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1872-11-27

ces q poets fancy can devise, with
fountains, and strawberries, and deli
cious eopses. Oh, shall we not be
happy there p
She started up with y bright sudden
blush; for even while the words were
trembling OH her lips, Phillip Acre
came into the room. His handsome
face was grave, looking little troub-
led, vet cheerful withal. Mrs. Wyllis,
with an arch nod at her niece, disap-
peared into the pcrfumed perspective
of the conservatory, leaving the
lovers to themselves.
"You are looking grave, Philip
said Edith, as he bent over and kissed
her on the cheek.
81 am feeling so, darling. 1 have a
very unpleasant disclosure to make
tonight our marriage must be post
poned indefinitely"
"Philip, for what reason ?'
"You thought inc heir of Thomas
Mortimer's wealth. So was, Edith,
few hours since but have relin-
quished all claims to it now. When
l accepted the bequest l. was under
the impression that no legal heir cxis-
ted. learned to-day that a distant
cousin Ia womam is alive, although
my lawyer tells ME, in ignorance of
her relationship to Thomas Mortimer.
OF course, 1 shall transfer the proper
tc her Immediately"
"But, Philip, the will has made it
legally yours"
illegally it has; but, Edith, could
I reconcile it to my idea of truth and
honesty to avail myself of old Morti-
mer's fanciful freak, at this woman's
expense? Imight take the boarded
wealth, but l never could respect
myself again, could dream of legally
defrauding the rightful heir. Nay,
dearest, may lose name and wealth,
but would rather die than to suffer
a single stain on my honor as chris
tian gentleman"
"You have done right, Philip
said Edith, with sparkling eyes. ave
will wait, and hope OIL, happy in
loving one another more dearly than
ever. But who is this distant rcla-
tive and heiress ~
That's just what didn't stop to
enquire. 1 will write again to my
lawyer to ask these questions. and to
direct that a deed of conveyance be
made out; and then, darling"
His lips quivered moment, yet he
manfully completed the sentence
"Then, l 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. Wyllis, polishing
his eyeglasses magisterially, with a
silk crimson pocket handkerchief
81 didn't suppose the Young fellow
had so much stamina about him a
very honorable thing to do. Edith, l
have never felt exactly sure about
Phil. Acre being worthy of you
before"
"Papa!''
"Dut my mind is mind up now.
When is he coming again?"
"This evening"" faltered Edith, the
violet eyes softly dropping.
"Tcll him, Edith, that he may have
you next Wednesday, just the same
as ever. And as for the law prac-
ticiDg, why there's time enough for
that afterwards. Child, don't stran-
gle me with your kisses--kecp 'em
for Phil"
He looked at his daughter with
eyes strangely dim.
"Tricd and not found wanting" he
lnuttercd indistinctlv.
|
The eperfume of the orange blossoms
had died away, the glimmcr of the
pearls and satin were hidden in vel
vet caskets and travelling trunks, and
Mr.. and Mrs. Acre, old married pco-
pie of full months duration, were
driven along a country road, in the
amber Of glorious Jnuc sunset.
"Iielloa! which way is Thomas
going!" said Philip, leaning from
the window, us the carriage turned
out of the main road.
~ told him the direction to take"
said Edith, with bright sparkling
eyes. "Let me have my own way
for once. We arc going to our new
home"
care we?" said Philip, with a
CHEEKY grimacc. at is to be love in
q cottage, suppose"
"Wait until you see, sir" said Mrs
Acre, pursimg mp her little rosebud
. Of u mouth; and Philip waited pa.
tiently.
"Whcre are we?" he asked in
astonishment, when the carriage drew
up before u a stately pillared portico
:, ":su::elv this must be Mortimer
} place"
, shouldn't he surprised it was,'
said DIR. Wyllis, emerging from the
} doorway. "Walk in, my boy ; come
Edith. Well, how do you like your
) new home ~.
r "Our new home!' repeated Philip
81 do not understand you, sir"
, "Why, mean your little wife
? yonder is the sole surviving relatiys
, Of Thomas Mortimer, although sbs
never knew it until this morning
. Her mothor was old Mortimer,
f cousin, and some absurd quarrel had
, caused . total cessation of intercourse
, between the two branches of the
3 family. Twas aware of tho facts al
I along, but l wasn't sorry to avail
| myself of the opportunity to see
what kind of stuff you are made of
Phil. Acre. And now, as the decd
of conveyance is not made out yet,
:, don't suppose your lawyer need
lt.~,,l.l~ I:.~,~lrnl1nt 4: Sf Tho