The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1880-04-15

moment Oh the threshold, in the vain
hope Of receiving a look from the blue
eyes that were obstinately bent Upon the
floor.
"What pity he's married he's just
as much in love with you As ever :"
whispered Ruth, upon whom this little
by-play was not lost.
"for shame" responded Mary, turn
ing very red.
At this moment Mr.. North entered.
When Mary made known her errand,
he stared al her for some moments with
out speaking.
"Are you Miss Mary Delevan, Of
Wilton? ?1
'sYes.u
How old are you?"
"Hwenty-two."
"Humph Any one else there Of that
name >"
''Not that I know Of" responded
Mary, a little beWildered at this cross
questioning, but ending IN suppOsing il
10 be lawyers way.
Then a moment later:
"The-the boy you mentioned, where
"Boy?D
YES; AIRS. Cady's grand-nephew."
"Oh, yes Well, your ward is a
pretty big boy, madam. I'm expecting
him IN every minute, then be can speak
FOR himself Excuse me, madam"
And out Of the room he daTted.
"Did you hear that, Ruth ," faltered
Mary, in a tone OF dismay. "a big boy!
! What can / do with him? ? Eve half a
mind TOTO run away"
Nonsense! Mary don't be fright
ened. Didn't I tell you that I'd take
charge Of him? pm not afraid Of any
boy, big or littler
Here a young man entered, who,
glancing at the speaker, advanced Gag
eTly towards her.
truth 90
"Charliew
never thought TO find you here 90
"NOr / you.n Then, suddenly re-
membering Mary, Ruth added: Miss
Deievan, Mr. Smith"
"Also your ward, Mrs. Cady's grand
nephew said Mr.. North, who was just
back Of him.
"Impossible :" cried Mary, looking in
helpless bewilderment at the smiling
face that WAS all of a head higher than
her own.
"That is the way the will reads, at all
events" said the lawyer, smiling.
"Alrs. Cady had some very peculiar no.
tions her nephew is twenty-Oue-just
your own age, / believe-but he is not
to come into possession OF his property
until he is twenty-five, or marry with
out bis gardian's consent II he's as
wilful as most young men on that point,
you'll have a lively time Of it.n
"pm not in the least wilful; Miss
Delevan will have no trouble with me
at all,n iuterpOsed Mr.. Smith, whose
countenance was expressive Of the most
serene satisfaction.
IL think there must be some mis-
take,n stammered Mary, looking from
one 10 the other.
"'1hat is what I think" said Mr..
North. 81 have a strong suspicion that
Mrs Cady had in view, when she made
her will, your Aunt Polly, as she was
generally called, but whose real name
was Mary, and who died about the same
time. However, there being no other
Mary \. Delevan in existence, there is
no one to dispute your right to the Office
in question, unless Mr.. Smith decides 10
DO so.n
(which I have no intention Of do
ing" was the gallant response. with
one eXceptiOu"-here he glanced az
Ruth, "there is nobody else that
would rather have for my guardian
angelo
81 think shall transfer you to her."
laughed Mary. ever since / bad the
letter Pve asked myself over ana over
again what I should 10 with you now
I've found out"
"Nou promised 10 take him of my
hands, you know" she added, turning
to Ruth.
Mr.. Smith eagerly protested his entire
concurrence with this arrangement, and
il Ruth was silent, her smiles and
bushes were quite as eloquent.
The three now took themselves down
the stairs to where the pony-chaise was
standing, and Mr. BrOckley followed
IL was Ruth's turn now.
"pm IN going back with Charlie,n she
said, as that individual drew her arm ia
his. Judging from appearances,
don't think you'll miss me much.p
Guided by that roguish glance, Mary
turned toward Mr.. Brockley, who was
standing quietly by the carriage, her
eyes very bright with indignation at
her heart.
'AIr. Brockley, how is your wife?"
"Aly wife that is TO bel hope-is
very well, thank you. In fact, she
never looked so well in my eyes as now. I"
Then IN another tone:
81 am not married, Mary; aud, what
is more, unless you marry me, 1 never
shall be !"
Too happy for words, Mary suffered
the speaker to assist her into the car
riage and take place by her side.
What was said during the long and
delightful drive that followed, is none Of
your concern, reader; but the satisfae-
tory understanding that resulted from
10 can be inferred from the double we'd
ding that took place a few weeks later,
when Mary became Mrs. Brockley and
Ruth Mrs. Smith.