Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-09-22
wATCHMAN STATE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER % 1880

A wicked thought crossed her. What II
she took IL ? No one would ever know. The
lawyer would think Mr.. Vanwirt had de-
stroyed II, as he said he might, and Laura
could not get the Vanwirt fortune without
IL. Besides, that will in her possession
might somehow help her to win Lewis Van
writ after all.
At that thought she snatched the will,
and hiding II in the folds of her dress, she
hurriedly retraced her steps.
| She was too Hurried now TO be as cautious
as she was when she came out, but, az it
happened, she regained her room without
any one seeing her. Laura still slept.
CHATTER II.
Ethan vanwirt had been dead about a
month. His grandson had entered into pos
session OF the estate without any hindrance.
There were rumors about will, but when IL
could not be found Mr.. Scribe concluded
that the old man had destroyed it, and re-
fused, when questioned, to tell who was
named in it..
Pauline Ruble was still visiting Laura
Work, although, to tell the truth, her well
come had grown somewhat cold, both on
Lauras part and Mrs. Works.
Laura was very unhappy. Lewis Vanwirt
scarcely ever spoke to her, except in the
most formal manner though he came to the
house as formerly. Apparently it was to
see Pauline now and though the gentle
girl strove to feel the same toward her false
friend she could not quite do so.
Mrs. Work, beholding the detection of
young Vanwirt from her daughter, wished
most heartily that they had none of them
ever seen Miss Ruble.
xrau -. I'll #
Laura's, named Robert Lester, who about
this time took advantage of the situation to
renew his devotion to her. Laura had never
liked him, and liked him less than ever now
but in spite of her GOODNESS he was always
beside her now, and more than once she
fancied that Pauline had deliberately con-
trived to fasten him upon her for the
evening.
al must bring matters TO a crisis soon,"
thought Pauline one night, as she wreathed
her brilliant face with smiles, and pretended
not to perceive Mrs. Works unusual cold
manner to her.
Presently, when Lewis Vanwirt called she
was watching him, and drew him at once
into the garden. g" want to tell you some
thing" she said, in her soft voice i" and,
besides, Laura and her lover are so happy
in there by themselves, il would be pity to
disturb them"
Lewis Vanwirts handsome face turned
quite white.
" Has she consented to marry him at
last 2" he asked, bitterly.
"Oh, of course; told you she would.
He is such very moral young man, and
dear Laura is 30 very strict in her ideas.
believe she thinks he has not vice in the
world, and ! know if she thought he had
ever touched card she would not have
him now
Lewis WINGED
"Mr. Vanwirt," Pauline said, suddenly !;
edo you know To whom your grandfather
left his money in that will that has never
been found ?"
:" | do not know"
al can tell you"
"You" He stared at her.
1T gave everything to Laura Work"
Impossible ! How do you know ?"
Never mind, do know" Pauline said,
lifting her beautiful black eyes to his in the
moonlight. Moreover, that will is in ex-
istence."
He stared at her harder than before.
81 know where it is"
"You do ?"
"Would you like to see it ?" slipping her
hand into her pocket.
al certainly should"
How would you like TO see Laura and
Robert Lester lording it at vanwirt House ?"
Lewis ground his teeth with involuntary
rage That decided the false bold girl be-
side him.
"Lewis Vanwirt," she said, off that will
could be put in your possession to do what
you like with it would you marry a woman
who loves you better than Laura Work ever
could ?"
She felt him start as she leaned upon his
arm, and her hand frightened upon what was
in her pocket. His face was slightly averted
so that she could not see its expression. His
answer came after some moments, but in
voice so husky and changed she would
scarcely have known it.
81 would"
Trembling with j,y she drew out the
folded paper aud put it into his hands.
He held it up in the moonlight moment,
and then thrusting it inside his breast,
turned suddenly and began to go swiftly
toward the house. Pauline could scarcely
keep up with him. An awful misgiving
seized her.
"What are you going TO dol"
"You shall see," he answered sternly,
and she read his stern determination in his
eyes.
"What fool was" she muttered, but
made one effort more.
"Laura and Lester won't thank you for
interrupting them"
No answer, as he strobe on and entered
the drawing-room through one of the French
windows. Laura sat there with her mother.
She had been crying No one else was in
the room. He laid the will upon her lap
al find" he said, hurriedy and in a
shaking voice, that my grandfather left
the money to you. There is the will that
has been missing so long. | hope, Laura,
that you will be great deal happier with
Mr.. Lester than you would have been with
me. But he will never love you better than
do"
Laura was white and spsechless with be-
wilderment.
"Laura detests Robert Lester" said Mrs
Work, taking in the situation at once.
She has never cared for any one but you,
Lewis Vanwirt, and you ought to know it,"
ooh, my darling" CALCULATED Lewis,
wildly extending his arms ais it true ?"
In another moment Laura was sobbing on
his shoulder
Pauline went quietly to her own room,
anu ePeht INC hlRht III packing. when, tne
next morning, she announced her approach
ing departure, no one objected.
Lewis Vanwirt looked somewhat embar-
rassed when Laura told him of the promise
she had made his grandfather the night he
died.
al don't think am in any danger of be-
ing gambler" he said, "but am willing
to pledge myself never to play again"
Which he did, and kept his word.-Se-
lected.