Huntington advertiser. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1874-1921, 1875-04-01
HUNTINGDON WEST VIRGINIA, THURSDAY, l.


"Your hand didn't trembIe whe
you held the lamp for the doctor"
said Gerald. "He wants you for a
hospital Nurse, but told him you'd
prefer something more cheerful"
"Why. / think I'd ike it," said
Amy, "You know / must do some
thing" sfii-l ~
81 don't see the necessity, said Ger
aid you have 10Y aunt's money and
it will occupy all your time to enjoy
it."
your aunt's money is your own"
said Amy, "and you insult me bv
thinking | would take advantage Of
the poor old lady's weakness; l will
never touch a penny of it. And,
Mr.. Melton you must not talk"
"One word-only one,' pleaded
Gerald. "But for you | might have
been like-like our poor old friend
below" Gerald shuddered and
turned Hle. Il am cowarily
enough" he went on, ''to hate even
the thought of it now. How can /
thank you. Miss Williams?"
by taking what Is your own,
and using it we'll and nobly,' said
Amy, and vanished from his sight.
But as she left him, he felt a sud
den throb in the hand beneath hrs
own, and saw quick flame leap in
to her cheek-a glow to her eyes.
-f"rhree long years." murmured
Gerald, and | never knew her till
now.
Gerald was young and strong, and
the fourth day, the one appointed for
the fun eal, he was able to be up
and dressed, and welcomed Amy
warmly as she entered his room. She
looked a little paler than ever in her
black dress, but Gerald thought he
had never seen so sweet and noble
face.
"How l would like to go down,
Miss Williams" he sal !, "and enjoy
the surprise OF the good people below!
Id like to see them bow and cringe
the heiress of my aunt's fortune.
Pm as bad as the rest OF them, sup
pose. for l 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
for me tell her ! am quite satisfied
with everything"
Amy went from the room and
down the stairs. For the last three
days she had been like one in 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
for herself.
II will not take it, she whispered,
hot tears raining on the deal wo-
mans face-"I will not take a pen
ny of it; but it has given me such a
gleam OF happiness. God for ever
bless you for it"
Tnen the people began t. 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
proceedings ~as when they returned
from the burial to hear the reading
of the will.
Amy trembled when the pompous
lawyer unrol,ed the parchment, and
began in a sonorous voice-"In the
name Of God, amen"
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 j! how innocent she was, and
how ignorant.
But even while she thought thus
she heard the lawyer read, "ro my
beloved nephew, Gerald Melton, ]
give and bequeath all my property,
personal and otherwise" Amy could
scarcely believe her ears, She lis
tened to the end and heard at last,
"To Amy Williams, my faithful
nurse, / give mourning ring, and
the sum of fifty pounds"
Then she went up stairs to Ger
aid.
"The king shall have his own"
she said.
"Only on one condition." said
Gerald "Pll take your money only
on one condition"
You'll take my money" echoed
Amy,-"mv poor little fifty pounds'
Amy's face shone with profound
Joy. "Your aunt left her money
where it belonged, Mr.. Melton. |
have just heard you declared her sole
surviving 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
Williams. She told me so when she
was dying
"Oh that was when you bought
that horse. | was afraid there
would be trouble then, but, bless
your soul. she got all over that
"And the money is mine?' said
Gerald.
"Of course it's yours and the
lawyer went down the stairs chuck
ling at his increduilty.
M |,.ll LII o,,t l., q. bonJ, O.,