The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-02-25
The Miser's Beluest.

fashioned silver watch was pointing to
the figure eight-the snug red curtains
shut out the rain and darkness OF the
March night, and the fire snapped and
cracked behind the red hot bars of the
little CRATE in q most comfortable and
cozy sort of way, casting rosy shine
into the thoughtful brown eyes that We're
tracing castles and coronets in the burn
ing Goals. For Philip Acre was for once
indulging himself in the dangerous
fascination of day-dream.
off / were only rIch,' he pondered to
himself. "Ah, if-then good by to all
those musty old law books; good-by to
the mended boots and thrice turned
coats, and all the ways and means that
turn a mans life into wretched bondage.
Wouldn't | revel in new books and deli
cious paintings and fine horses? Would
MT l buy set of jewels for Edith-not
pale pearls or sickly emeralds, but dia-
monds to blaze like fire upon her white
throat? Wouldn't What nonsense I'm
talking though |" he cried, suddenly
rousing himself. Phil. Acre. hold your
confounded tongue. l did suppose you
were fellow of more sense. Here you
are neither rich nor distinguished. but a
simple law student, while Edith Wyllis
is as far above your moonstruck aspira-
tions as the Queen OF the Night herself
She loves me, though-she will wait
and the time may one day come that
hello, come in, whoever you are.
1t was only the serving maid of the
establishment carrying a letter in the
corner OF her apron between her finger
and thumb.
please, sir, the postman just left it
two cents to pay"
Here are your two coppers, Katy-a
pretty fair equivalent for any letter
may receive. Now then" he added as
the door closed on Katy's substantial
back, lets see what my,unknown cor
respondent has to say. a black seal. eh
not havin. any relations TO lose, | am
not alarmed at the prognostic."
He broke the seal and glanced leisurely
over the short, business-like communica-
ton contained within, with face that
varied from incredulous surprise to sud
den gladness.
''Am | dreamine?" he murmured to
himself, as if to insure complete posses
sion of his senses. No: I'm awake and
in my right mind it is no deluSion on
my part OF my waking visions. But who
would ever suppose that old TheI on
Mortimer, whom | haven't seen for six
teen years, would die and leave me all
his money? Why, lam neither kith nor
kin OF his Rich-am | really to be rich
oh, Edith, Edith p
He eIasped both hands over his eyes,
sick and glddy with the thought that all
the years of silent wasting were al length
to be bridged over by the old miser's be
quest-he might claim Edith now. How
full of sunshine were the weeks that fit
ted over the head of the accepted lover
made beautiful by Edith's Lowell
1t was precisely a week before the we'd
ding, and the gently vailed lamps were
just lighted in Dr. Wyllis' drawin groom,
where Edith sat- working on q bit OF
rufiing, and singing to herself.
al wonder if Mortimer Place is so very
lovely" she said to silver haired old
lady who sat opposite her. Philip is
going to take me there when we return
from our wedding tour lie says it is
the sweetest spot any one can devise,
with fountains, shrubbery and delicious
copses. Shall we not be happy there p
She started up with blush, for while
the words were still upon her lips, Philip
Acre came into the room, looking little
troubled, yet cheerful withal. Mrs.
Wyllis disappeared into the conservatory,
leaving the lovers alone.
You are looking grave. Philip said
Edith, as he bent over and kissed her.
81 am feeling so, darling. l have a
very unpleasant disclosure to make-our
marriage must be postponed indefinitely" :"
Phillip, for what reason 2"
ITO enable me to realize sufficient to
support you in a becoming manner"
"But Philip, | thought
"You thought me the heir of Theron
Mortimer's wealth? So | was, Edith a
few hours since, but have relinquished
all claim to it now. When | accepted
the bequest. it was under the impression
that no living heir existed. | learned
to day, that cousin-a woman-is alive,
in ignorance of her relationship OF
course, l shall Immediately transfer all
the property to her"
but, Philip, the will has made it
legally yours"
Legally it is; could l reconcile it to
my ideas of truth and honor to avail N.Y.
self of old Mortimer's fanciful freak, at
this woman's expense, / might take the
wealth; but l should never respect my
self again. could dream OF legally de-
frauding the rightful heir Nay, dearest,
l may lose my. name and wealth, but
would rather die than suffer single
stain on my honor gentleman
You have done right, Philip" said
Edith, with sparkling eyes. 1--WE will
wait, and hope on, happy in loving one
another more than ever. But who is she
what is her name p
THAT is just what l didn't stop to
inquire. / will write again to my lawyer
to ask these questions and to direct the
deed of conveyance be instantly made
out, and then. darling-
His lip.quvered moment. yet he man.
fully completed the bitter sentence:
Then L will begin the battle of life
over again"
And Edith's loving eyes told him what
she thought of his noble selfabnegation
"a sweet testimonial
"Heml' said DR.. Wyllis. polishing his
eye glasses magisterially with a crimson
silk pocke et-handkrrchief; l didn't sup
pose the young fellow had so much STAIN
ina about him-an honorable thing to
do. Edith, have never felt exactly
certain about Phil. Acre. being worthy OF
you before"
"Papar'
"But my mind is made up now. When
is he coming again q
This evening sir" faltered Edith the
violet eyes softly dropping.
Tell him, Edith, that he may have
you next Wednesday, just the same as
ever And as for the law practicing-
why there's time for that afterward.
Child, don't strangle me with your kisses
keep EN- for Phil"
He.looked after his daughter with ewes