Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1875-09-02

good to her, make her happy, dom
newer.
When the old man saw the joyous
tears leap to the child's eyes he turn
ed away and walked quickly from the
house; but he was not so quick but
that he heard the blessing that fol
lowed him. And when he walked
beneath the starry heavens he wiped
his eyes, as thoughIsomething troubled
him.
Gay as lark was gentle, beautiful
Agnes when she became the wife of
Walter Adams. The rose bloomed
again upon her cheeks, and the smiles
were upon her happy, sunshiny face
all day long.
To her father she said, Il pray that
you may be spared to us for long
years that you may be happy with US.
Walter loves you, father-he loves
you very much, for he has told me so
often.
There was gladness in his eyes af-
ter this.
One evening as the happy trio sat
at the tea-table, Walter seemed unus-
ually thoughtful.
'What is it, dear?' asked Agnes.
ooh, nothing. | was simply think
ing
MAY inquirer
only castle building-that's all,
said Walter.
in the air. asked NoahP
'Yes-very high in the air, the
young man remarked with a quiet
laugh.
But what is it?'
'Well, I'd as soon tell you AS not.
Mr.. Osgood is to retire from our firm
in few days. He is we'll advanced
in life and has made a fortune in the
business, and he will now live for
comfort and health alone. He hasn't
been very well lately
'And is that ALL
yes
But what castle in the air is there
about that.
ooh, that isn't the CASTLE
Then what is the castle?' quizzed
Noah.
'Why, simply this said Walter
laughing, but yet almost ashamed to
tell it, "this noon Mr.. Osgood patted
me on the shoulder and said he-in
his playful way-'Walter, l will
sell you my entire interest here for
ESQ, 900.
sOf course | didn't think he was in
earnest, though | know that the other
partners would willingly have me for
an associate
But it seems that old Osgood holds
his share in the concern at high fig
ure'
ooh, no. 1t is a very low one. for
there is a clear capital of :slso,ooo 9..i in
then think of all the standing debts
and the good will which goes for moth
ing
sHa, ha, ha,' laughed the old man
again.
Then Walter laughed; then Agnes
laughed; and then they finished their
supper.
On the next evening Walter came
in and sank down upon the sofa with
out speaking. He was pale and agi-
tated and his eyes appeared vacant
and wandering.
Walter cried Agnes in terror,
what has haDpened?
Hes sick said Noah without turn
ing around.
No, no-not sick, but I am the vic
tim of some miserable trihing,' return
ed Walter.
'Eh? how son
With spasmodic effort Walter re-
piled, Il had some long entries to post
this evening, so | remained in the
counting-room after the rest had gone.
I was still at work when Mr.. Osgood
came in and placed some papers on
my desk, saying, Here Walter, these
are youIs,' and then he went out. At
ter | had finished my work | opened
the papers. The first was sort of
inventory of what Osgood had owned
in the business, and amounted in cor
rect numbers to 949,875. The next
paper was deed conveying the en-.
tire vast property to me, and making
me partner in the establishment upon
an equal footing with the other two
partners!'
sWell,' said the old man, humping
his foot upon the carpet, ank keeping
time with his hands, i don't see any
thing bad in that
But if they are trifling, as they sure
ly must be-
There was something in Noah's eye
again, but he managed TO get it out,
thus:
Walter, when young men used to
hover about my child, | believed they
were after my gold; and | knew that
in most cases L was correct sus>
pected the same of yon. | thought
then that nothing but money could
influence human action. Money had
hardened my heart and darkened my
soul. But it was for my sweet child
to pour the warmth and light into my
bosom. 1t was for her to keep before
me the image of her gentle mother
whom l loved and lost, but, alas, who
occupied place in that love second
to gold. 1t was for my child to open
gradually but surely the fount of feel
| ings which had been closed for life
time. heard her pray that she might
love me after | had refused to let hel
be your wife. | saw her grow pale
and sorrowful-I knew | had done j
and she loved me still. | was kill
ing her and she tried to smile upor
me. One evening | heard you boil
conversing in the old hut. My chile
chose misery with duty to her fathe
rather than break it by marriage
And you uttered prayer. You pray
ed that l might be penniless stop
hear me through. You would the