Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-09-08


violet eyes, blue-veined forehead, and
glossy, abundant curls of that pale
gold that old painters loved to portray
Il wonder if Mortimer Place is so
very lovely y she said.to a silver-haired
lady who sat opposite Phil is going to
take me there when we return from our
wedding tour; he says it is the sweetest
place poets fancy can devise, with
fountains and strawberries and delicious
copses O, shall we not be happy there =
She started up with bright, sudden
blush for even while the words were
trembling on her lips, Philip Acre came
into the room, bis face looking little
troubled, yet cheerful withal. Mrs.
Wylis, with an arch nod at her niece, dis
appeared in the perfumed perspective of
the conservatory, leaving the lovers to
themselves.
"You are looking grave, Philip"
said Edith, as he bent over and kissed
her check.
"And | am feeling so, darling. |
have a very unpleasant disclosure to
make to-night-our marriage must be
poSlpOneu lnuennltely.
"Philip, for what reason ?"
"To enable me, by dilgent labor at
my profession, to realize sufficient means
to support you, dearest, in manner
satisfactory to your fathers expectations
and my own wishes"
But Philip, thought
"You thought me the heir of Thomas
Mortmer's wealth So I was, Edith, n
few hours since but | have reinquished
all claim to it now. When | accepted
the bequest | was under the impression
that no living heir existed. | learned
to-day that distant cousin--a woman
is still alive although, my lawyer tells
me, in Ignorance of he- relationship, to
Thomas Mortimer. OF course | shall
transfer the property to her immedi-
, ately"
But, Philip, the will has made it
legally yours
Legally, it has, but Edith, could I
reconcile it to my ideas Of truth and
honor to avail myself of old Mortimer's
fanciful freak at this woman's expense ?
might take the boarded wealth, but
should never respect myself again could
dream of legally defrauding the right
full heir. Nay, dearest, ] may lose name
/ and wealth, but | would rather die than
suffer single stain on my honor as a
, Christian gentleman
"You have done right, Philip" said
Edith, with sparkling eyes. "We will
wait, and hope on, happy in loving one
another more dearly than ever. But
who is she 4? What is her name p
! THAT'S just what | didn't stop to in
! quire. will write again to my lawyer
to ask these questions and to direct that
a deed of conveyance be instantly made
!, out; and then, darling"
His lips quivered moment, yet he
manfully completed the bitter sentence.
"Then will begin the battle of life
: over again"
And Editl's loving eyes told him
what she thought of his noble, self
abncgation sweet testimonial
Him !" said Dr. Wyllis, polishing
his eyeglasses magisterally with a Grim
son silk handkerchief, | didn't suppose
the young fellow had so much stamina
about him--a very honorable thing to
do. Edith, | have never exactly felt
sure about Phil. Acres being worthy Of
you before"
Papa !"
But my mind is made up now -
When is he coming again 7"
This evening" fultered Edith, the
violet eves softly dronninO
"Tell him, Edith, that he may have
you next Wednesday, just the same as
ever. And as for law practicing why
there's time enough for that afterwards
Child don't strangle me with your kisses,
keep them for Phil"
He looked after his daughter with eyes
that were strangely dim
"Tred--and not found wanting" he
muttered instinctively.
+ 4 Il
The perfume Of orange blossoms had
died away, the glimmcr Of pearls and
satin were hidden in velvet caskets and
travelling trunks and Mr.. and Mrs Acre,
old married people Of months dura-
ton were driving along country road
in the amber glow Of a glorious june
sunset
"Hallol which way is Thomas 60
ing? p said Philip, leaning from the
window, as the carriage turned out Of
the main road
II told him the direction to take,
Phil. said Edith, with bright, sparkling
eyes. Let me have my own way just
for once. We are going to our new
home
"Arc wc?' said Phil, with comicaI
( grimace ut is to be love in a cottage,
| suppose 2"
"Wait until you see, SIR said Mrs
Acre. pursuing her little rosebud Of
mouth Aud Philip waited obviously.
Where are e p be asked IN aston
isbment when the carriage drew up in
front Of a stately-pillared portico which
seemed 70 be not unfamiliar 60 him.
''Snrely. this is Mortimer Place"
''l'shouldn't be surprised If it was.
said DR.. WyIlis. emerging from the
doorway. "Walk in my boy-coine
Edith Well bow do you like your
new home p
"Our new home r. repeated Phil. II
do not understand you, sir. :"
/ ( ~hy.J mean Jour little wife yonler