Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-12-04
TWICE BtFFLED.


II is not often the fortunate, or unfor-
innate, fate of lawyers, after a long
course of practice, to experience I'M
hounded amazement. But on the 10th
Of February, not many years ago, James
Carter. attorney at law, experienced
that sensation. He had been to we'd
ding in the morning, the wedding Of
Mrs. Roger Melrose, widow, to Albert
Melrose, her brother-in-law. The bride,
though nearly forty, was very beautiful,
stylish and wealthy; the bridegroom, n
handsome man, was one who had
sauandered large patrimony in the
"most gentlemanly manner" and who
lounged, gracefully and well-dressed,
through thoroughly indolent existence.
Mr.. Carter, alone in his Office, unused
over the events of the day, something
in this fashion: "H'm. l suppose Roger
Melroses dollars, so largely increased of
late years by successful speculations,
will follow Albert's speedily, along the
same track. All left to his widow. And
Cela's fortune from her grandfather is
entirely under her mothers control I'M
til she is twenty-one, nine years from
now. BY the way, if she should die
before she is Of age, Albert Melrose will
inherit that pretty little sum. HIM! l
don't exactly admire Mr.. Melrose.
Lawyers have prejudices usually found
ed upon facts. Who upon the face of
the earth can be coming here at this
hour?"
For the Office bell rang sharply, and
the hands Of the clock pointed to one
half hour before midnight. And the
sensation of amazement already referred
to fell upon Mr.. Carter, as Mrs. Melrose,
the bride of the morning, walked into
the office.
"Kate?" he cried, "what has happen
ed?'
Blu. she was so white and shivering
that he would not let her answer his
question until he had brought her a
glass of wine, and seen her drink it.
"You have known me from little
child" she said, presently, with white,
trembling lips; "do you think can he
trusted to act reasonably in great en-
ergency?'
Eyes" he answered, promptly.
Then will you do what ask now,
tonight, without questioning me?'
II will
Celia is in the carriage at the door,
sound asleep, poor child! Will you take
her in here, and tomorrow put her in
some good school, not telling me where
she is?" II
Kate! Are you mad? The Separa.
ton will kill you'll
Then it must!" was the quiet reply.
Bat l have more to say. want pa
pers drawn up at once, giving you full
control Of Celia's legacy from her grand.
father, and one-half Of her fathers es.
tate. You have managed it all for SO
long, that your guardianship has really
existed since Roger died. But wan,
illegally done, at once. l want to put
every particle of authority that l now
hold into your hands. Can you have
the papers ready for my signature to.
morrow? Will you take Celia now?'
The pleading in Mrs. Melrose's voice
could not be resisted by one who had
ioved her all his life, as the old lawyer
mad done.
f., Kate" he said quietly and gravely
lei me be quite sure that understand
you perfectly. You want Celia re-
moved from your guardianship entirely
ana placed IN school where YOU are
+" oe ignorant of her address ?"
Yes. | will write to her, and re.
celve her letters in this office, through
YOU; Do not refuse mer'
rlageY 0"'
leave her" ~ ' "''0
1t VIII be kindest not to wake her. ,
ana bare-headed, in his slippereG
.?e' lne Old lawyer went to the car
''asf' handed his client in, and saying
no. VIII bring the papers for your sig
nature tomorrow" turned away while
t Sis. mother pressed one long, lingering
anS upon the lips of her only child
T T,,d returned to the house with the
','e giri still fast asleep in his arms.
-arr mrs Hans" he said presently
lying p!m at his housekeeper's door
e., you step here one moment?"
wo "onle delay, and a sleepy elderly
s JU'ilan stood in tn doorway. he, dress
:, T W. nasty arrangement.
said. im !. is ward of mine," Mr.. Garter
I ia please make her comfortable til
i ny her good school,"
rosa nc hezs morning Mr.. Albert Mel
seiene and smiling, seated at the
buiiGus breakfast table in the house
+ @Wn iu now call his own, said:
had ny dear, where is Celia? It is q
@C lIHlt Tor children to sleep late"
Div liza Is not here" was the steady re,
as death 1t came from lips white
w. have sel.t her away"
Your ERE hefe! She was here Yesterday