The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-04-17

mayed
My emotion was quite pardonablc--aud
for this reason to this man stood in the
light Of a usurper-I had cheated him out
of his inheritance. He had been nearer
related to Madame Belgrave-in fact, q
sort of protege of hers, whom she brought
up with the understanding that he was to
inherit her coupon bonds and bank stock
some day. But, twelve months prior to
this time, there had been violent quarrel
between the old lady and Lawrence, he
had left Roundwood in high dudgeoD, and,
to rctaliate, Madame Belgrave had made
viii, leaving all her property to me.
The quarrel was never made up, and
madame died very suddenly in fit, which
found her incapable Of expressing any last
wishes she might have had, so the will in
my favor was the one produced at the
funeral, and found myself suddenly trans.
formed from country schoolma'am with
one decent silk and two merinos, to very
rich woman with the means to supply her
wardrobe indefinitely
So you will comprehend that if l felt
somewhat dismayed on seeing that vision
at the gate, | had abundant cause for ii.
However, | mustered up courage, and went
and shook hands with him quite cordially.
You did give me quite start, Mr..
Belgrave, and | might as well plead guilty
to it.
/ am sorry Then he stood looking
at me curiously moment. 81 suppose
that ought to congratulate you, Miss
Lane, on your recent good fortune. Shall
I?n
If you can do so sinccrely--not other
wise"
He laughed. "Then I'll keep my
breath for other purposes.
"Shall you ever forgive me for having
supplanted you?"
81 don't know, my great expectations
have turned out nearly as dclusive as those
of poor Pip. ought to hate you Miss
Lane, but l don't-quite."
Thanks for the margin that saves me
from utter condemnation"
81 can't help thinking he went on,
reaectiyely, shat Madame Belgrave meant
to restore me to favor finally, and that only
opportunity was lacking. Proud and
obstinate as she was, I'm sure she loved
me-"
And so, on the strength of that opip.
ion-whieh may or may not be correct
you expect me to abdicate in your favor ?"
81 did not say So Again his eyes
swept my face curiously. us it in your
heart to be SO generous ?"
shook my head
Remember, I've tasted the cup Of
poyerty-and it is bitter to my palate. It
seems delightful to be rid of the toll and
anxiety attendant on earning ones own
living; | don't think could take up the
old burden again"
IL knew you would like lotos-eating."
Who doesn't, for that matter?' Be-
sides it has all the zeal Of new sensation
just now. / may tire of it--but that
seems impossible
Not TO me-"
Appropos of this inheritance Of mine,
Ill tell you what am willing to do, Mr..
Belgayc Ill share it with you"
He opened wide his eyes, as if suspici-
Gus his ears had played him false.
"Are you serious?"
never was more so.
"Ah conscience has begun to prick
you already"
Not bit Of it,"
There was slight pause, and then he
said, with an amused smile :-"And so you
are anxious Roundwood should have
master as well as 4 mistress p
"You know / do not mean that" /
returned, blushing and speaking quite
angrily. "This inheritance more than
meets my luxurious notions--you have
sort Of claim upon i'll am quite willing
to make over tho half to you. Indeed, IN
idea Of that sort has been in my head all
along"
This is Quixotic."
No, it is making two people happy aud
comfortable instead Of one"
But refuse to be made happy and
comfortable at your expense. II Madame
Belgraye had wished me TO share her prop
erty, she would have left some document
expressing the desire"
Perhaps there is win that has not
come to light said /, laughingly.
He gave quick start, and changed
color.
can't help thinking so, but it is a
dclusiye hope, / fear
You are entirely too anxious to con
sign me to obscurity and school keeping
again"
"No, you should never go back to that