Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-05-15
MISCELLANE E Gus.
a TURN OF THE WHEEL.

Si9h. 4 ahN II Il vi nao Oeen oeau over q year
2se time enough for any but rich man or
famous one to be forgotten in, save where
love cherishes remembrance.
1t was Brenda Farnham's love that kept
alive her fathers memory-the rich fortune
he had left that prevented his widow from
forgetting him.
The widow was not the daughters mother,
but a second wife Of the deceased, in marry
ing whon she had consulted her head rather
than her heart, having reached that time Of
life at which "the heyday of the blood is
tame and waits upon the judgment"
BY Mr.. Farnham's will, his large estate
was divided equally between Brenda and her
stepmother, with a proviso that if the former,
at any time, married, without the latter's con-
sent, she should forfeit her cntiro share to
the widow. in whom the testator gave assur-
ance Of his confidence by appointing her his
sole executrix.
Jared Withers was discreet and sober
bachelor. No allurements of youth or beauty
had ever shaken his indifference. But when
he read the record of Mr.. Farnham's will,
his heart was stirred to sympathy. widow
encountered with so large property needed
protector. He felt moved to be her stay.
Accordingly, when year lad elapsed, and
tho turf upon her husbands grave was consid-
erabIy greener than his memory, Jared pre-
sentcd himself to the bereaved lady with q
kindly offer to share her cares and burdens.
The proposal was eraciously received, and.
in due time, Jared Withers became Brenda
FarDhsm's step-father-one degree removed.
Poor Brenda-her troubles were not there's
by lightened. 1t had been lard enough to
fear her step mothers rule; that of MIR.
Withers superadded taxed her endurance to
the utmost. The double tyranny would have
driven her TO seek another home, had she
known where to find one =; but as she was not
yet eighteen, and was not to come into her
fortune before reaching twenty five, with
contingency of never coming into it at all,
she could only submit to her hard fate with
what philosophy she might, consolipg herself
with the thought of Cecil Vernons love
the one thing left to gladden. her young life.
Cecil's visits to Brenda were neither dis
couraged nor forbidden by Mrs. Withers or
her husband. Their conduct, indeed, had
led Cecil to expect favorable response the
day he called to ask permission to propose to
Brenda.
Mrs. Withers gave look of mute aston
ishment.
"What is the world coming to ?" it seemed
to say.
"What better could you expect of it, my
dear I" Mr.. Withers answered by another
look.
Mrs. Withers sighed.
Mr.. Withers groaned.
lean never consent to any thing SO wrong"
said Mrs. Withers.
"But if Brenda chooses to marry without
your consent, my dear" Mr.. Witbers limited
"Of course have no power TO prevent
her," replied the lady.
'Nor would you if you could, darling"
chimed in her husband. 81 know your heart
too WELL"
Tho expression Of Mrs. Wither's counte.
nance was one of blissful resignation, the ex
ponent of that inward peace which flows
prospect of making half a million by it, for,
about that amount would Mrs Withers gain
if Brenda married without obtaining her
consent.
Cecil Vernon's face flushed with anger as
he turned from the presence of the scbemers
and sought that of Brenda.
"Will you be my wife p he said, taking
her hand and gazing earnestly into her deep
blue eyes.
at will cost your whole fortune to say
yes" he added; "for your step-mother has
just refused her consent. as che would any
man who sought you, she aud her mercenary
husband having determined. by fair means
or foul, to rob you of your right"
Brenda did not Withdraw her hand; but
there was that in her sufused face, and in
the fond, trustful look with which she met
his own, which answered Cecirs question
better than words
'Oh, Brenda" he cried, chow much
prouder I am to take you so. than if you
brought all your fathers wealth !! None
can say now. it was your fortune, not your
self, sought r'
"ADd how happy'it makes me, dear Cecil"
Brenda nurnured, so be able, By this sacri-