Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1879-05-03
THE TWIN BRACELETS.

.. al will not threaten you, Hilton. Years
aeo made my will, aud you will be my heir.
will not alter one line Of that document,
because will not bribe you to do my will, or
even 10 be an honorable man. You may marry
whom you will, may defy my wishes 10 every
way, aud lose my love aud respect, but the
money will be yours"
The quick, indignant flush on Hilton
Graeme's face, the sudden erectness OF his
figure. told that bis uncle had well calculated
the effect of his words.
Truly, with his frank, brown eycs. bis SEN
sitive mouth, his broad white brow, he looked
little likea mau to be bribed, bat II was as
easy to read .ha. be could be ruled BY bis
affections.
When he spoke his voice was low and his
tone pleading. "Do you mean, uncle George,
that shall lose your love aod respect il !
marry Ada WiIle;?"
"Or any other woman that is absolutely
nobody. What do yol know Of ler y
Only that she is the lovelest, noblest wo-
man ever saw. II you knew her you would
love her"
"Yes-yes; but I mean what Go you know
Of her family p
mother died Of poverty, after struggling to
support herself by her needle. They were
mserably poor for long time, and then Mrs.
Willet. began 70 give work TO Ada's mother-
When she died Mrs. Wllet took Ada to her
own home, and after giving her every advan-
tago her own child could have enjoyed, adopted
her"
"What was her own uamc2 ?"
Smith"
bah :" said Mr. Hilton. with every eZ-
preston Of deep disgust. well, marry her
ii eou will. Your present allowance shall be
doubled. but you need not bring her here -
and with a sudden ferccnoss he added, 81
want no woman here to remind me OF past
hoped had forgotten 49,
Never 10 all bis recollection Of his grave,
quiet uncle hal Hilton seen him so moved
liz voice was sharp with the pang Of some
sudden memory his eyes flashed, aud bis whole
frame trembled with emotion.
"You are . man, now, he sail. with enc o!
those strange impulses to confidence that often
seize the most reserved men, "a man seeking a
wife. | will tell you what has never before
passed my lips 20 any living being. have r
wife. somewhere, and q child. It may be-"
Utter astonishment kept Hilton silent.
at is all my own fault" Nr. Hilton con
,pued, that am a looely, miserable mao
instead of happy husband and father
Twenty years ago, when was past fo.ty years
old iell 10 love. Fell in love, for ! was fair
~ insane over Myra Delano when bad seen
her three times. cOurted hefwiih eager
attention, rich presents, ilattery, every fascin-
ation I could command. ! was not an un-
attractive man at icI.y. bad travelled ex-
teusiyely. had been a close student. was
emphaiically society man, successful
LAWYER. and commanding large wealth. Myra
was twenty-five, superbly handsome. accom-
thought she loved me. thorgh. there
vas only trust and devotion in the loye-light
of her large blue eyes, the varying cqar upon
her cheek. We were mairiel, Travelled two
years on the couiiDent, and then returned here
% this house, aud opened j,s doors u society.
Our child was Dearly year old when We came
home, aud what love coult spare from Myfa,
we were very popular being hospitable
and generous. gathering around Us refined
necnle. and both exerting ourselves 10 she
utmost for the pleasure Of onr guests. But
while we were travelling. all 10 all 10 each
Other, there was sleeping 10 ny heart demon
wko ftirred. to life when We returned. ] ~.
"s,rons rs my love found my iealor'y.-
I was on idiot-a mad. jealous jdiot-fof !
stune proud, sensitive wonac 70 conienps oil
"a, opinion, defiance Of ny unworthy suspi-
eIous. Vow ! can see that Myrs was but
filing her proper place in society as hostess OF
guest; but then, blinded by my jealousy, !
eru5eed any other man pleasant look or a
eheery word. cannot tell you now Of every
cone tia, turned her love for me to fear aud