The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1878-12-19

1ul coHtlnSeHcy-ne cOuld get posses
sion of $4,000 or $4,000 more. Now,
this was very nearly the sum which his
father had saved during a lifetime of
severe economy, and invested in "frst
liens" upon property which he knew
1t was like asking the old man to tear
out his heart and hand it over on plate
He refused, in terms which expressed
his surprise and wrath, and William had
not written again. Susan was the only
member of the family with whom he
kept up correspondence. ~"
.. Y.
Williams beaning, happy face seemed
to double the sunshine in the parlor.
Gideon Lane also was happy, for of late
years he had not been at all easy in his
mind in regard to his treatment of his
youngest son and daughter Evan
Powell and Susan were lovers, and as
faithfully betrothed to each other as
was possible, while one of the families
was determined to prevent it. Jeremiah
had never said much, one way or the
other, but Gideon had despotically for
hidden all intercourse, and Lydia Maria,
beginning with the declaration: "Not
while ive!" had exerted all, and more
than all, of the authority which had
come to her by inheritance from their
dead mother. Evan was a farmer also,
but his father was poor, and he was one
of many children. Both he and Susan
felt that it might be better to wait few
years rather than to begin married life
with double cloud hanging over them
sit down, Lydia Maria! Sit down,
Jeremiah!" cried William, taking a
chair himself. Father, there's no use
in keeping things hidden, when their
telling will do no harm. We've always
been too close, in our family; we make
trouble where we shouldn't, and keep it
longer than we need to-"
Maybe So" murmured Gideon Lane,
leaning back in his cushioned seat
"When you wouldn't let me have the
money" William continued, IT had to
do what would have been wicked if I
had failed in my plans. I borrowed
from Susan her share of Aunt Ruth's
estate-with several years interest and
all her little savings added, $780,"
So that was the mystery about man
aging her own affairs and looking for
better security!" cried Lydia Maria.
"Then I turned to Evan Powell. He
was working hard and laying up-you
all know the reason Of it-and he sent
me about as much more I had hard
work to pull through and save my
chances; but it's done, now-well done
and safely. Why, they call me rich
man out in Colorado!" j.".
Il suppose you can we'll afford to
make such famous Christmas gifts"
said his father. "But why didn't you
bring something for Susan?"
Il don't want Susan began to pro-
test, but William stopped her. He was
about to speak, but suddenly turned,
went to the western window of the
room, pulled aside the muslin curtain
which hung before it, and waved his
hand as if reckoning to some one out
side. The others were too preoccupied
to take much notice Of this movement.
Susan, however, grew quite pale.
" l haze brought something for SUI
san, father" William went on to say
" [ have it in my pocket" He took out
a heavy, folded paper, which had an
official look about it. ...a..
ooh, I see; her money" ..
"This is an agreement with John
Perkins to sell me his farm, at $3.50 an
acre." -,i."f. IL.
"Why, William!" Gideon cried out;
" are you able to buy it?"
sob. yes" said William, with a
hearty, careless air OF independence
which made profound impression up
on the family; CT could buy three or
four like it. But I don't want it for
myself; I have bought it for Susan"
Now it was Susan's turn to be sur
prised. She caught her breath, and
trembled so that she seemed to be on
the point Of falling. tup
It's so convenient, father-there's
only the road betweenit and your farm.
I thought it would make such nice
home for her, and so [ intend her to
have it, but in a different name. As
soon as the deed can be legally made
out for Susan Powell she shall be the !
owner-but not before"
ooh, William!' she murmured.
eyes," William continued, with the {
cheerfullest possible air; I mean ex- 6
actly what say. [ think you three have {
stood in the WAY of Susan's haDDiness