The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1876-05-04
inherit her coupon bonds and bank
stock some day.

dudgeon and, TO retaliate, Madam
= Belgrave had made new will, leavin
all her property to me.
The quarrel was never made up, an
Madame died very suddenly in fl
which found her incapable of express
ing any last wishes she might hav
had.
So the will in my favor was the on
produced al the funeral, and l foun,
myself suddenly transformed from
scheol-mistress with one decent silk
and tive merinos, to a very rich wo
man, with the means to supply he
wardrobe indefinitely.
So you will comprehend that if
felt somewhat dismayed on seeing tha
vision at the gate, I had abundant
cause for it.
However,, 1 mustered up courage
and went and shook hands with him
quite cordially.
You did give me quite a start, Mr.
Belgrave, and might as we'll plead
guilty to it,
I'm sorry
Then he stood looking at me curl.
ousIy moment.
Il suppose l ought to congratulate
you, Miss Lane, on your recent good
fortune. Shall ~
If you do so sincerely-not other
wise
lie laughed.
'Them III keep my breath for other
purposes
Shall you ever forgive me for hav-
ing supplsnted you?'
Il. don't know. My great expecta-
tions' have turned out nearly as delu-
sive as those Of poor Pip. ought to
hate you, Miss Lane, but don't
quite
Thanks for the margin that saves
me from utter condemnation
4 can't help thinking he went on,
refiectively, 'that Madame Belgrave
meant to restore me to favor finally,
and that only opportunity was lack
ing. Proud and obstinate as she was,
I'm sure she loved me-
And So, OH the strength of that
opinion, which may or may not be
correct, you expect me to abdicate in
your favor?'
Il did not say so.' Again his eyes
swept my face curiously. is it in your
heart to be so generous?'
l shook my head.
Remember, Pve tasted the cup of
poverty, and it is bitter to my palate.
1t seems delightful to be rid of the
toll and anxiety attendant on earning
ones own living. | don't think l
could take up the old burden again.
4 knew you would like lotus-eat-
ng.'
who doesn't for that matter? Be-
sides, it has all the zest of new sem
ation just now. l may tire of it, but
hat seems impossible.'
Not to me-
'Apropos of this inheritance of
nine! I'll tell you what am willing
O do, Mr.. Belgrave; I'll share it with
'ou."
He opened wide his eyes, as if sus-
'icious his ears had played him false.
'Are you serious?'
Il never was more So
'Ah, conscience had begun to prick
ou already
Not bit of it,
There was slight pause, and then
e said, with an amused smile
'And so you are anxious Roundweod
hould have master as well as mis-
ress p
You know I do net mean that l
blushing, and yet speaking
ute angrily. This inheritance more
han meets my luxurious notions
ou have sort of claim upon i'll
m quite willing to make over the
alf to you. Indeed, an idea of that
Drt has been in my head all along.'
This is QuiNotic.'
Me- stoutly; lit is making two peo-
lie happy and comfortable instead of
me-
'But refuse to be made 'happy and
at your expense. LII
Iadame Belgrave wished me TO share
er property, she would have left some
ocument expressing the desire.'
Perhaps there is a will that has not
ONE TO light said I. laughing.
lie gave start and changed celor.
q can't help thinking so /; but il is
elusive hope, fear
You are entirely too anxious to
onsign me to obscurity and schoei-
eeping again
NO; you should never go back to
nat drudgery, if {
lie stopped suddenly, hesitated
,oment, then held out his hand.
Really, feel like an intruder here, l
Iiss Lane. I'd better say good morn
,g and leave you, before l am be-
aged into any further folly
lie turned abruptly away.
'Did you know there was ghost at
Oundwo ood ? called after him.
No. looking back.
They say Madame Belgrave walks
u sure indication she is displeased
'ith something-probably the unjust
ispositiOn she made of her wealth.
An expression utterly failed to
fioated over his express
We face.
~ ou have ne occasion to be troub-
a onthat SCORE he answered, and
'ent his way.
| watched him until the windings of
le road hid his tall, stalwart figure
ntirely from view. and then turned ]