The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-05-06

went on 8. to hate even the thought OF
it now. How can thank you, Miss
Williams ?"
"By taking what is your own, and
using it well and nobly," said Amy,
and vanished from his sight.
But as she left him, he felt a sudden
throb in the hand beneath his own,
and saw quick fame leap into her
cheek-a glow to her eyes.
Three long years." murmured
Gerald, sand L have never knswn her
till now"
Gerald was young and strong, and
the fourth day, the one appointed for
the funeral, he was able to be up and
dressed, and welcome Amy warmly as
she entered his room. She looked
paler than ever in her black dress, but
Gerald thought he had never seen SO
sweet and noble face.
Chow I would like to go down,
Miss Williams" he said, ''and enjoy
the surprise of the good people below I
I'd like to see them bow and smile to
the heiress of my aunt's money. I'm
as bad as the rest of them, suppose,
fer I feel like making you all sorts
of pretty speeches" Gerald paused,
and his face grew suddenly grave and
tender. "Go now," he added, "and
kiss my aunt goodbye fer me; tell
her l am quite satisfied with every
thing"
Amy went from the room and down
the stairs. Eor the last three days
she had been like one in a dream. 1t
seemed awful to be warm and happy
even after she had entered the dark,
gloomy drawing room, even after she
had bent and kissed the cold, stern
face for Gerald and herself.
81 will not take it," she whispered,
hot tears raining on the dead woman's
FACET will not take penny of it I;
but it has given me such a CLEAN of
happiness. God forever bless you for
It'll"
Then the people began to pour in,
and the ceremony commenced. Amy:s
were the only tears that were shed !;
most of the guests came from civility
or curiosity. Miss Melton had taken
but little active part in the world for
many years. and the poor old lady
was very soon put away and forgotten.
The most important part of the pro-
ceedings was when they returned
from the burial to hear the reading of
the will.
Amy trembled when the pompous
lawyer unrolled the parchment; and
began in a sonerous voice-"In the
name of God, amenw
What would they think of hsr-what
would they say of her? Oh, how
glad she was that the only one she
cared for in the world knew all about
it! How innocent she was, and how
ignorant.
But even while she thought thus she
heard the lawyer read, "To my be-
loved nephew, Gerald Melton, 1 give
and bequeath all my property, person.
al and otherwise" Amy Williams,
my faithful nurse, ! give a mourning
ring, and the sum of fifty pounds.
Then she went up stairs to Gerald.
''The king shall have his own!" she
said.l
"Only on one condition." said Ger
aid; "I'll take the money only on one
you'll take my money! echoed
poor little fifty pounds!"
Amy's face shons with profound
joy. "Your aunt left her money
where it belonged, Mr.. Melton. 1
have just heard you declared her sole
heir"
Gerald remained stunned and be-
wildered.
"Where is the codicil ?" he cried to
the lawyer, who stood at the door.
"My aunt left her money to Miss Will
liams. She told me So when she was
dying!'
"Oh! that was when you bought the
horse! was afraid there would be
trouble then, but, bless your soul!
she got all over that"
"And the meney is miner" said
Gerald.
"Of course it's yours J" and the law
yer went down stairs chuckling at his
incredulity.
Then Gerald held out his hands to
Amy.
81 was going to be magnanimous
enough to marry you, despite your
money!" said he; "now there ia no
obstacle to our happiness. Come, my
sweet, and bless the life you have
given mel"
Amy became his wife. Mrs. Grun.
dy said that he married her to spite
Emily Thorpe. But we know that it
was for love and for love alone.