Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-08-14

critically anatomical if friendly hand
performs the operation. But TO be dis
sected atom by atom by the keen, un.
sparing edge Of ridicule is less endur-
able ordeal. Had my guardians allow
ed their ward a 1.-THE Of the advantages
lavished on their daughter her rough
hewn character would present fewer
anomalous points"
1.-THE advantages you regret may yet
be acquired, Lizzie"
am in nowise sure of that. At the
age of 20, habits, both of person and
mind, are confirmed. One lacks the
pliability essential to q new and differ
ent course of disipline. Yet mean to
make the most Of my remaining year
of minority. l will see if intense ap-
plication for twelve months to come will
remedy the evils arising from six years
ofneglect."
Resolved with your usual energy
and forethought. And we'll resolved,
too, if you do not become so absorbed
as to forget old ties. However, Lizzie.
with this reminder you will remember
me, l think. See, little miser, l give
you back more than moiety of the
piece" he added, returning Il part of
the shilling which he had nefariously
distracted from my work-box the eve
ming previous.
You know the Specification at.
tached to the giving and receiving of
such tokens" continued Mr.. Graham,
with look Of arch Interrogation.
know that this fragment of money
is about two-thirds of my porter's fee and
further, l know that you have, with
astonishing impudence and GOODNESS,
pocketed third of my earnings. A
clear case of larceny, for which YOU
ought to be indicted"
Much the answer expected. But
let me remind you, Lizzie, that senti-
ment is II commodity which always pass
es current with accomplished ladies.
would suggest that you make sentiment
particular branch ofyour education,
so that you will understand me when !
fully elucidate the Specification Of
broken coins, rs l intend to do at no
distant day."
"Then let your sentimental elucida-
tons rest for the present, and permit
me to remind you that it is considerably
past 10 o'clock. Time and tide wait for
no man," it is said. Neither do coaches,
Us you learned last week to your cost"
80 late!" said he, looking ut his
watch.
"Come, Lizzie, walk with me down
TO the cross roads"
ITO carry your luggage, sir?'
"Of u verify, no! This time Tom will
get the porters shilling. ask you to
go solely for the pleasure Of your COM
pany. The day is fine, the path to the
crossroads pleasant, and if you enjoy
a morning walk, why not show your
self charitably inclined by going along
with meT
/ assented to Mr.. Graham's request,
from lateut wish to remain with him
till the latest moment, and also (shall
l confess it?) with telling of malicious
pleasure in showing my newly fledged
independence to the Smiths. Indeed
was fully determined that their guar
dianship Of my person and property
should be only nominal during the re-
manning twelve months of my minor
ity.
Time brings me to another fair
autumnal evening. My year Of study
is closed This very day / am 81, and
Utterly my sole mistress.
As just one year ago, sit in the old
familiar room, with Mr.. and Mrs. Smith
and Lizzie; and rs then, thought
weaves in my brain its many-threaded,
mystic web. But now, grave memory
retires, and bright hope beacons me on
within the fowery portals of the fu-
ture.
As: just one year ago. Tom
brings the letters from the evening mail,
and rs then, there is message from
Weld Graham. But the letter is not
like the previous one, addressed to Mr..
Smith. Neither can Mrs. Smith nor
Lizzie claim it. They nor you, reader,
have any right or title to its contents
and only clause will be transcribed for
your edification.
Thus it reads: In our married life, l
intend that you shall, as now, hold
your property independent of my con-
troll, even to the smallest fraction Of
your portion Of the Broken Shilling"
! e-
H.