Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1875-04-08

must believe that | have nursed you
since you were conscious, with affec'
ton. My own father is gone, but i
ever you want a daughters care OF
affection, believe me, will gladly
come to you, if possible"
Three days later the little cottage
was deserted. Aunt Sophy and Alice
returned to their home to make ur
for lost time in dress-tn aking and sew.
ing, and Alice cheerfully paid out Of
her small patrimcny for the board
and expenses Of her venerable patient
She little guessed how deep an i'm
preston her care and tenderness had
made upon the heart so long closed
against human affection, so distrust-
full of any advances from his fellow
creatures. 1t was revelation to
him, this active charity to an utter
stranger. He had gone to the hotel
merely to see Malcolm'a choice, and
had purposely left all clae to his iden-
rity behind him He had intended
meeting Alice, if possible, unknown,
and watching her unobserved but
accident had thrown them together
in way he little anticipated. The
first use be made of his recovery was
to write TO his nephew, and Malcolm
met him at the depot when he return
ed home.
Knowing nothing of the recent &C
cident, the young man was shock cd
at tho change in his unclo's face.
"You have been i'll 2" he cried.
every i'll"
"Why did you not send for me 2"
81 had even better nursing than
yours, Malcolm Don't ask me any
questions now, but tell me about your
marrige preparations.''
"Alice has gone home, and WI re
main until November. Then abe
comes to Mrs. Haydon's, and will buy
her house and furniture"
"ln November z"
ayes"
Late in November she came, her
trunks full Of Aunt Sophy's daintiest
stitching, and Aunt Marcia gave her
cordial greeting. A grand wedding
was the display upon which this lady
had set her heart, and Alice shrank a
little at the comments upon the rich
uncle, and her own good fortune in
the ''irst rate match"
But Just before the wedding day, q
little note was brought to Alice, by q
gorgeous footman, who was driven
to her aunt's behind private car
riage. The note was from Malcolm,
and begged her to come TO him in the
carriage.
Wondering, bnt ohedient, Alice
was speedily ready, and was driven
TO s handsome brownstono house,
whore the door was opened to usher
her into a stylish wjng-Toom,
whore q gentleman awaited her, and
Malcolm advancing said
"My Gle Hiram, Alice T.
Kindly blue eyes BOXED into her
own. withered hands were extended,
and voice she knew we'll said
"W Q are cl1 friends. Malcolm. Are
we not, Alice n
Then, before she could answer, the
old man continued
81 have thought Alice, that t was
unkind to have my nephew wait for
my death before sharing in my
wealth. | have borne curse Of dis
trust in my heart for many years
thinking my money won me all The
affection, save MaleoIm's that was Of
ferod me But, though you were
wei content to wed the young clerk
and put your own patrimony into bis
home, you must not refuse my heir,
who has accepted from me an income
that makes him Independent, and
this home"
"My love for Malcolm can bear
riches or poverty" was the answer,
shut, sir our home needs you You
will come, will Won not, to the chilli
rem, who will try to make your life
happy BY loving care? Long before
/ knew you Malcolm told me he
hoped, when 10 had home, to win
you to live in it. WIN You let me,
too, beg Of you to come to u.s."
"Ghdly, child gladly y said The
old man.
81 understand now" Alice said 70
Malcolm, Why you wanted to wait
till after the wedding to buy our
house. You wanted to surprise me "
Il assure you | am as surprised as
you are, though it was Uncle Hiram
who persuaded me TO wait"
50 where the rich, lonely man had
feared TO lose the one love Of his lite,
be gained another tenderer, sweeter
love, to brighten his declining years
by q daughters devotion and affeoti n