The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1875-04-17

''A' AAO"A'O ohu OOiilO w niih w edNO mo
life. She was again about to leave him,
but he put his hand upon hers to det ain
her, land found that it trembled a little
beneath his touch.
"Your hand didn't tremble when you
held the lamp for the DOCTOR" said Ger
aid. "He wants you for hospital
nurse, but told him you'd prefer some
thing more cheerful" f.t
"Why,I think I'd like it, "said Amy,
"You know I must do something"
l,"I don't see the necessity" said
Gerald; "you have my aunt's money,
and it will occupy all your time to en-
Joy it," Hmaaa ..a
"Your aunt's money is your own,"
said Amy, "and you insult me by
thinking would take advantage of the
poor old lady's weakness; 1 will never
touch a penny of it. And, Mr.. Melton
you must not talk" ......
Gone word-only one," pleaded Ger
aid "But for you 1 might have been
like-like our poor old friend below"
Gerald shuddered and turned pale. 81
am cowardly enough" he went on,
Ito hate even the thought of it now.
How can l 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 sudden
throb in the hand beneath his own, and
saw quick fame leap into her cheek
a glow to her eyes. Ii''I.l .g
"Three long years." murmured Ger
aid, and never knew her till now." b.
Gerald was young and strong, and
the fourth day, the one appointed for
the funeral, he was able to be up and
dressed, and welcomed Amy warmly as
she entered bis room. She looked paler
than ever in her black dress. but Ger
aid thought he had never seen so sweet
and noble face, ....g
"How would like to go down, Miss
Williams, he said, "and enjoy the sur
prise of the good people belowi I'd
like to see them bow and smile to the
heiress of my aunt's fortune. I'm as
bad as the rest of them, suppose, for
l feel like making you all sorts of pref
ty speeches" Gerald paused and his
face grew suddenly grave and tender.
go now," he added, "and kiss my
aunt goodbye for me; tell her am
quite satisfied with everything p
Amy went from the room and down
the stairs. For the last three days she
had been like one in dream. 1t SEEM
ed 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 Ger
aid and for herfelf. ..- ~II
"I will not take it," she whispered,
hot tears raining on the dead woman's
face--"I will not take penny of it;
but it has given me such CLEAN of
happiness. God forever bless you for
it, usa .}HIaI".
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-
ceediugs was when they returned from
the burial to hear the reading of the
will . rsf. boo.
Amy trembled when the pompous
lawyer unrolled the parchment, and be-
gan in a sonorous yoice-"In the. name
of God, amenp' f14. -a
What would they think of her-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'll how in-
nocent she was, and how ignorant.
But even while she thought thus she
heard the lawyer read, ITO my beloved
nephew, Gerald Melton, give and be-
queath, all my property, personal and
otherwise" Amy could hardly believe
her ears. She listened to the end and
heard at last, $40 my faithful nurse,
Amy Williams, Igiye mourning ring,
and the sum of.of fifty pounds"
Then she went upstairs to Gerald.
"The king shall have his ownl' she
said. ,er.ls Lion.
"Only on one condition." said Ger
aid; "I'll take your money only on one
condition"
"You'll take my money!" echoed
Amy, Tiny poor little fifty poundsr
Amy's face shone with profound JOY.
"Your aunt left her money where II be
longed, Mr.. Melton. have just heard