The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-01

er's ring without discovery. ut is a.
shamel If l had ever thought of this |
should have marked it, and it was not
sealed; it was unsealed last April He
studied both seals eagerly; one was
stamped with his brothers ring, the
other bore the date of December, 1878.
"Ah that is the last" he cried, in
audibly, and fastened with it to the fire.
Before the document had crumbled to
ashes he heard Armies without, and
step heavier than hers ascending the
stairs with her. He fastened to the
sick mans side, and was in feigned
sleep when Annie cautiously opened the
door.
"Papa-uncle," she said, breathlessly,
"Here is Cousin Horace. Isn't it funny
he knew me, for when he saw me last |
was only school girl"
John Allen grew pale, very pale, if
only his half-brother would not tell Hor-
ace of the new will He rose and well
coined the young man.
"You have come, Horace, only in time
to see the last of your father, fear"
90, uncle! tell me you do not think
my wickedness hastened this"
The young mans voice was husky with
sobs.
"No trust not" said John, with cruel
GOODNESS, civilian, brother, don't be
startled, but here is some one come to
see you"
The sick man stirred in his sleep, and
murmured:
"Horacew
"Yes, father" And the lad fell upon
his fathers feeble breast.
"Now I can die happy, if you'll prom
ise to be a good boy"
"Indeed | will, father! and in proof see
here" He drew from his wallet as he
spoke, roll of banknotes. OTIS only a
small part of what | owe, | know, but it
will prove l have turned over a new leaf,
eh, fatherw He counted out $4,000 as
he spoke.
"Good-by-I am happy--God bless
you-I am dying. Brother"
A smile Of perfect contentment how
cred over the dying mans face and set.
tied there; he never spoke again.
X X \ "
Every ceremony over, John Allen, who
had rather delayed the opening and read.
ing of the will, sent for the executor,
saying all was ready, and were soon gath
cred in the library. John, so conscious
of his own good fortune that no doubts
harrassed him, was especially kind to the
heir he had SO satisfactorily defrauded Of
his inheritance.
"Well, my friends" said the attorney
"Our dear, deceased friend, was man OF
somewhat erratic turn of mind, and
though some of you may feel that in
the disposal he has made of his belong.
ings, he has not dealt quite fairly with
you, your love for him will make his
peace"
"Certainly, certainly" said John.
He felt he ought to speak like that tc
appear Indifferent. Horace said nothing
and the attorney continued:
"And now we will proceed"
He examined the seal and then broke
it. The silence was appalling. Aunts
uncles, cousins, people that during the
dead mans life had kept away from him
sat ready to substantiate their kinship
as thousands were left between those re-
lations whose tears fell hot and heavy fol
the "dear departed"
81 hereby will and bequeath," read the
lawyer, "hve hundred dollars to every
female cousin, daughters of my late
Uncle William, whose name | bear. One
thousand dollars to my half-brother
John Allen, who may feel at liberty, il
spite of my principles, to donate it te
any religious or reformatory society he
deems worthy; and the remainder, with
out reserve, consisting of forty-five thou
sand dollars in bank stock, my house il
town, together with all the real estate
situated in the town of W, to my
son, Horace Allen"
The lawyer ceased reading, and thert
was general murmur of dissatisfaction
"Pm sure it was very ungrateful t.
you, john" said one.
Eyes, after all you did for him." saic
another,
Wasn't it good for uncle, papa?' salt
Annie.
"Good child! 1t has made you beg
gar"
"Uncle, I shall not think-I--indeed,
began Horace.
"Never mind, sir!' answered John, il
' an exceedingly brusque manner.
: eyes, but | do mind, and you, toe
; must. | had given up all idea Of becom
! ing my fathers heir. That was nothing
but / knew, sir, that never would yo
= permit Annie to become the wife of
! poor man; so l resolved to reform, an
. make fortune to lay at her feet. M
house in town needs mistress; | nee
> some one to help me spend my none.
Annie, long ago, promised to be mine
she had your approval"
y "She has it" groaned John.
{ as it year 90 soon?"
Annie stole her hand in his for al
! ! swer. At least Johns daughter was nc
= beggared.
|