Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-11-13
Uncle Maurice's Money.

Gu AOOJ'
Il do not know answered Juliet, de-
sparingly.
L will tell you what to do | said.
The girls looked at me inquiringly. L
sat on top Of the stove-it was cold' OF
course-becausc there were but two
rickety chairs in the room. [ continu-
ed:
Have you got any money, Abby?
Yes, dime
Then buy a pan ofcharccal and we
will let our poor, little starved souls
float out into eternit, on the smoke
Don't be goose, Clifford, said Ju'
liet, impatieutlJ, while Abby halfsroan-
ed.
IF enly uncle Jcferys would send us
slme monty. It's SO hard to have to
starve.'
Never mind, Abby l sad, cheerful
Is. if tn. rats havn't eat it, there is a
cheese crust in the Cupboard
ABBY looked up.
is that really all, Clifford"
70 the best OF my knowledge, yer, 'an
uncomlertabl lump rising in my throat.
IL was hard that we three glils
should suffer for bread, when our only
living relative was an old bachelor uncle
worth million. But uncle Maurice
had cast of OR family just because
poor mamma had married a poor man.
| was nineteen and the youngest OF the
three girls.
A dreary silence fell between US after
Abby's last question about tie empty
state OF the larder. Juliet sat with her
mead Oh the table, Abby, gazed drearlly
out at the window and II Was getting
desperate when heard Clio coming
I'D stairs. Clio was Mrs. jenkins, our
landlady's hired servant, an / you would
always know when she came up stars
by the clank, clank Of her biz shocs.
She opened our garnet door and an
nounced:
A gentleman to see yeu'ens,' and
looking out saw a tall figure, and
handsome, brown-bearded face beyeund
her, and was SO astonished l forgot to
yet off the stove, until the gentleman
came in and announced himself Hugh
Chaloner, attorney at-law.' Then l
remembered, but it was too late, and
though my checks burned with shame
| kept my seat.
Mr.. Chaloner sat down, gave the mis-
erable. little room aud three shabby
figure. comprehensive glance, then
said:
You are Frank Royals daushters:'
'Yes,' sad Abby.
Then you are very fortunate. Your
uncle, Mr.. Jcilerys has left You his for
tune.'
Juliet turned white, but said Eoth hing
while low under her breath l heard 40
by whisper, Thank God Now, was
disposed TO doubt the statement. Cn'
Gle Maurice might be dead, but it seem-
ed impossible shat he csuld have LETT US
his property. The man must be mlsta
ken, or only jesting.
Are YOU sure you are telling us tie
truth? | asked, anxlously.
Mr., Chaloncr laughed.
Yes, am quite sure, and to con-
vince you will send Mr.. Gramblng
around with the will
oh no it is not necessary
l cried quickly, the fact da1ning up
on my bewildcred mind, that he'd been
very rude. Mr. Chaloner rese to de-
part.
VIII you have check made ou'
this morning, Miss Royal?' turning tt
Abby.
Yes sir
For what amount 2
Fifty thousand dollars, answered ny
eldest sister, cody.
The check was made out, Mr.. Chal
oner left, aud then we three girls fell
into each others arms and wept for
very Joy. For several days l almost
refused to believe in our good fortune
thinking it must be softcninS OF th'
brain. But | was convinced when VIZ
moved into an up-tswn palace an(
dressed in silks aud l:ces every day
Mrs. Unison, a well-bred, aristocraht
old lady lived with us and was our chap
erone, companion aud grandmother BY
by advptien. Our friends were as count
lass as the sands on the sea shore anc
they cherished q pure d:sintcrcsted at
fection for us, so they said. OF course
unle Maurice's msncy had nething to dc
with 1t. The thought was too ba'e To-
such noble minds az theirs.
Abby and Juliet were both angels
minus the wings. But l was truly o
the earth earthly While they delight
fully fell in love aud becam. engaged,
dirted and enjoyed my new life with
zest that was highly amusing 10 Husf
Chaloncr.
'Hsw splendid = l cried when view
ed the ease and comfort around me
No more back garrets, old dresses an
scanty meals. and to think that this vii
last forever and ever and 1 gave n
thought to death, or old age, but 6llc
my cup of pleasure to the brim.
Mr.. Chaloner was our lawyer an
friend, and ifmy face eyer flushed o
my heart throos grew.quickcr at tn
sound Of bis voice or the touch OF HI
nu. nrsntpf