Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-06-10
MIscEILAHEou
THE MISSING FINGER JOINT.

~ T was my FIRST visit to London since had
= taken up my abode aud entered on tie
practice Of my profession as solicitor at South.
ampton.
In London had very dear friend, my
old friend, my college chnm, George Dick.
son, and, as he was the only person knew
in the great metropolis, of course lost no
time in looking him up.
Three years had passed since our last
meeting, but ten could have hardly produced
a change more marked than had taken place
in the appearance aud manner of my friend.
Our first greetings and friendly inquiries
over. l longed, yet forborc. to ask the cause
of my friends melancholy. 1 felt sure in
due time OF being made the confdant OF the
secret, provided 70 motive or delicacy
prompted its coucealment.
That evening, in my room at the hotel,
George told me his story. He had formed
an attachment for young lady, whose grs-
ces of mind and person he portrayed with all
the fervor Of lovers elcquence. She had
returned his affection, but her father had
opposed his suit. having set his heart on the
marriage of his daughter to n nephew Of his
This nephew was young surgeon OF protii-
gate character, my friend assured mc-had
loug but unsuccessfulIy wooed his cousin, to
whom his offers were repugnant ~ 10 her
father they weIe acceptable.
Some months since Mr Parsons, the young
ladys father, had gone into Hampshire on
business, accompanied by his nephew. At
Southampton he had been seized with q sud-
den illness which Terminated fatally in three
days On the day preceding his death he
had executed a will (Which had since been
duly proved by the depositions of the attest
ing witness) containing n solemn request
IL l., - ,La g
his nephew in marriage coupled with the
provision that in case the latter offered and
she refused within n specified period to enter
into the proposed union the whole estate de-
vised for the daughter should be forfeited to
the nephew.
To sacrifice her fortune 70 her hearts
choice would not have cost Julia Parsons q
moments hesitation, and nothing could have
more delighted George Dickson than an op-
portunity of showing how superior his devo-
ton was to all thought OF personal advantage
But her fathers dying request. in Julia's
eyes, was sacred. 1t had surprised aud even
stunned, it is true. for in their conference on
the subject he had never gone beyond tho
most kindly remonstrance, and never hinted
a: anything like coercion.
Young Parsons. the nephew, had not the
mngnanimity to forego his unjust advantage.
He might have been content with his cous>
in's fortune alone, but his right to that do
pended on his offer and her rejection to an
alliance which she felt in conscience bound
10 accept. The brief season of grace which
she had been compelled to beg with tears,
had already slmost passed and few more
days would witness the condem nation of two
lives to hopeless misery.
At the conclusion Of my friends narrative,
il 81 1n
developed. l felt a peculiar interest, I pre-.
vailed on him to accompany me to place of
amusement, to which had previously pro.
cured tickets.
When VIC reached the theatre the per-
forDance had already begun, but VIC sue
ceeded in finding seats which commanded q
fine view both of the audience aud the stage.
10 few EioEents George touched my ell
bow.
Observe the gedtlensn nearly opposite,
IN the front row, seated next in the column.
leaning his arm on his cane," he whispered.
looked in the direction indicated, aud
saw face whose striking resemblance to one
l had seen before caused me 20 start with
surprise.
'Who is it?" asked
"Etb1idge Parsons" was the reply.
''The nephew of whom you spoke?"
"Does he resemble his uncle?" / was on
the point Of inquiring, but just then the
stranger drew the glove from his right hand
and saw that the frst joint of the middle
foyer was missing, circumstance which for
sufficient reasons absorbed my attention.
"Do you know the exact date of Mr.. Per-
sons death!" asked, when we had gained
the street at the close of the performances.
Yes" said George. sit was the 2sd of
December. Ills daughter received tele-
| gram from her cousin announcing the fact
the same day. Bot why do you sskF'
! 81 have reason which may or may not
prove good one." returned; and stating
| that l had business engagements for the
whole OF the next day parted with my
friend, promising to meet him on the follow
! ing evening.
NEXT afternoon found me at the house of
Mr. Parsons, the nephew.
MIR. Parsons presumed" were the words
with which sccosted the gentleman l had
seeD At the theatre.
"Yes, SIR"
"You may not remember me Mr. Parsons,
but I believe we have met before"
q beg your pardon iii, for net rsco,lsctiDs