The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-04-14

''That's just what didn't stop to in.
quire. Twill write again to my lawyer
to ask these questions and to direct that
q deed of conveyance be instantly made
out; and then, my darling
His lips quivered a moment-yet lie
manfully completed the bitter sentence,
"Then | will begin the battle of life
over again."
And Edith's loving eyes told him what
she thought of his noble self-abnegation
"a sweet testimonial.
'.Hem!" said DR.. Wyllis, polishing
his eyeglasses magisterially, with a
silk crimson pocket-handkerchief; 81
didn't suppose the young fellow had so
much stamina about him-a very hon.
orable thing to do. Edith, l have never
felt exactly sure about Phil Acres be-
ing worthy of you before"
"Papa!"
''But my mind is make up now.
When is he coming again?"
"This evening"" faltered Edith, the
violet eyes softly dropping.
"Tell him, Edith, that he may have
you next Wednesday, just the same as
ever! And as for the law practising
why, there's time enough for that after
wards. Child, don't strangle me with
your kisses-keep them for Phil"
He looked after his daughter with
eyes that were strangely dim.
"Tried-and not found wanting!''
he muttered, indistinctly.
The perfume of orange-blossoms had
died away, the glimmer of pearls and
satin were hidden in velvet caskets and
travelling trunks, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Acre, old married people of full a
months duration. were driving along a
country road, in the amber glow Of a
glorious June sunset.
"Hallo! which way is Thomas 60
ing?" said Philip, leaning from the win
dow, as the carriage tarned out of the
main road.
81 told him the direction to take,
Phil" said Edith, with bright, spark
ling eyes. "Let me have my own way,
just for once. We are going to our
new home"
.sAre we?" said Phil, with a comical
grimace. cit is to be love in a cottage,
l suppose?"
"Wait until you see, sir!" said Mrs.
Acre, pursuing her little rosebud of a
mouth. And Philip waited duteously.
"Where are we?'' he asked, in aston
ishment, when the carriage drove up in
front Of stately pillard portico, which
seemed to be not unfamiliar to him.
sSurely this is Mortimer Place!"
II shouldn't be surprised if it was,''
said DR.. Wyllis, emerging from the
doorway. aWalk in, my boy-come,
Edith! Well, how do you like your new
homep"
"Our new home!" repeated Philip.
!" I do not understand you, sir"
"Why, mean that your little wife
yOnder is the sole surviving relative o1
Thomas Mortimer, althoug gh she never
knew it till this morning. Her mother
was old Mortimer's cousin, but some
absurd quarrel had caused total cessa-
ton of intercourse between the two
branches of the family. I was
aware of the facts all along; but
wasn't sorry to avail myself Of the op.
portunity Of seeing what kind of stuff
you were made Of, Phil Acre! And
now, as the deed of conveyance isn't
made out yet, I don't suppose your
lawyer need trouble himself about it.
The heiress won't quarrel with you, I'll
be bOund.'
Philip Acres cheek flushed, and then
grew pale with strong, hidden emotion,
as he looked at his fair wife, standing
beside him, when the sunset turned her
bright hair to coils of shining gold, and
thought how unerringly the hand Of
Providence had Strengthened out the
tangled web of his destiny.
Out of the darkness had come light