Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1880-06-04

her queer ways" said Prissy, when Tom
tried to make excuses for his cousins re-
missness.
But her greatest popularity lies in
her not liking you, Prissy," said Tom,
kissing his brides soft cheek. "And l
can't quite forgive her lack of TASTE"
All went well with the young couple
for more than year. They began house
keeping in a modest cottage Tom was
paying fer by installments, and were so
prudent that they managed to gather
about them many little comforts which
made their home pleasant.
But fortune seldom smiles long at a
time, as we all know, and reverses will
come to every one. One bitter night in
December, Toms house caught fire, and
was burned to the ground, nothing being
saved except a few clothes belonging to
Prissy and the baby.
Of course, Mrs. Baldwin opened her
house to them at once, though it necessi-
tated much crowding. Prissy suggested
an appeal to Miss Silence, bnt Tom en-
phatically declined to make it. He was
far too proud to ask for the help which
he thought should have been earnestly
offered. His law books and papers had
all been destroyed in the fire; for he had
used room in the cottage for an office,
and getting living was rather uphill
work. Christmas was dreary enough
that year, and even Prissy's courage sank
as she thought of the future.
Tom Lowey will have a chance to
show now what kind of stuff he's made
! Of" said Miss Silence. ''He burdencd
himself with wife and baby, and he'll
have to look out for 'em. l told him I'd
never give him a dollar of my money
and I'll keep my word, no matter what
happens"
Miss Silence had thought herself proof
against the weakness of falling i'll; but
in March she caught severe cold, and
pneumonia ensued. She felt she should
never get well again, and the doctor did
not deceive her with false hopes, but told
her frankly that in all probability she
would live but few days.
II want to see the lawyer at once, if
that's the case," she said. II must make
a new will"
Mr.. Simons, who had managed her
business for years, came as soon as
he received her message, and the will
was made. He had hardly left the house
before Tom called.
I'm worse, Tom" said Miss Silence,
feebly; "but I'm not afraid to go. Per-
haps I'm peculiar in that as in other
things. Deacon Bonney and the minis
ter, Mr.. Craig and Mr.. Darby have all
been here urgin' of their several claims
1 told each one o 'em I'd consider the
matter"
"Will they be disappointed, Cousin
Silencep" asked Tom.
Poor fellow! he was in such sore
strait that he could not help desire to
have some small help from his cousins
hoard. He hardly dared hope she had
left him cent; and yet he was her only
relative.
THAT remains to be seen," was the
unsatisfactory reply he received to his
question. But don't you cherish no
hopes, for l aint left you cent"
A bitter smile curled Toms lips, but
he made no reply.
Il suppose you think me peculiar in
in not leavin' you my money, seein'
you're the only kin I've got" went on
Miss Silence, but you've taken such
precious care to convince me that you
don't want it, that I've believed you and
acted accordin'."
Tom went home and repeated the con-
versation to Prissy, who shed few
tears, but tried to cheer up her husbands
dropping spirits with hopes of more law
business in the spring.
That night Miss Silence died; and the
whole town turned out to her funeral, g
few days later.
l expect Wolfboro academy will fine
itself able to erect new building wher
Miss Silence's will is read" said old Mr.
Craig. "She told me she'd consider th,
matter, and know she was impressed
with my arguments"
II rather think you are mistaken,
said Squire Darby, ''for | feel morally
certain she's left her money to found :
library"
The minister, who stood near, smiled
to himself. He had not the slightes
doubt that the debt which had hun!
over his church like pail would now b
lifted through Miss Silence's will.
Tom did not want to go to the reading
of the important document; but Priss.
insisted, and so they went together
though neither of them looked yer.
: cheerful
Mr.. Simons made no objection to tn
3 presence of Squire Darby. Mr.. Graf
| and the minister chuckled as Deacol
Bonney entered, with a pleasant smil
y for Tom, who well knew what sarcasti
Y triumph lay beneath it.
The will was dated a few days pre-
f vious. and every penny in the bank, an
: the large farm, were left unconditional
t to Prissy Lowey. Her husbands nam
/, was not mentioned.
n Toms face was study, while Priss
almost tainted from this sudden relief
,s all her troubles.
d The faces of the other men presel
were studies, too. The deacon left IL
,s house without a word, and the squi
a Il.