The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-09-02
ALAN SINCLAIR,S LEGACY.
BY G. F. 8.

Mr.. Alan Sinclair knitted his brows
very pcrplexedly, as for perhaps tn,
llalf-dozenth time lie read the long,
closely-written sheet of paper thai
lay before him ON his desk.
Then Inc walked up and down his
| library several times, that perplexcd
frown clearing off his handsome fore
head and finally he sent word to his
housekeeper, Mrs. Viney, to attend to
the matter he had mentioned to her
an hour or SO before.
Which order given, Mr.. Sinclair re-
sumed his chair again, to think over
and definitely decide the plans for
the future, which this long, and we'll
filled letter had made necessary.
And the origin of the necessity was
that, dying, his old friend and chum.
Edward Maynard, had left him-in.
plOring him not to refuse the legacy
his daughter Winnie, utterly friend
less, utterly homeless, unless in heay-
ems mercy, Alan Sinclair's heart was
turned i'll pity towards her.
But to bring q girl-a delicate
awkward, silent child into the house.
for Mr.. Mayne had written plainly
and frankly about little Winnie. Ii
1t had been bOy-a wide-awake act
i've boy-whO could have been his
companion Us he grew older, in whose
sports AMI lessons lie could have taken
q decent share OF guardian-l like inter-
est, and who might have, sOme-
times, with his tutor, accompanied
him OH those tours abroad he was SO
fond OF taking.
But girl mot at all pretty, or very.
interesting, but shy and old fashion,
cd" Mayne had said, "but good as
gold" and he (Sinclair) OH the eve OF
another three years tour over foreign
countries.
Well, he philosophical himself into
making the best of 1t. He telegraph
ed that Miss Winnie should he ready
to accompany the escort that he would
send to bring her home to Roseleigh,
ut three that afternoon and then, af-
ter long, serious talk with good,
Mrs. Viney, who had been
for his father before him,
this highly-favored young gentleman
the mOmentous affair set
tied, dismissed it from his mind as
much as possible,a and went on with his
for leaving home early
on the morrow for that wandering
abroad, in which, having unlimited
means at ready command, he SO much
When his dead friends child ar
.ived he went to her at once, and the |
instant he crossed the threshold he |
net her eyes-great, mournfnl dark |
yes, decp-sct and bistre-circled, with |
! look i'll them that was q strangely
mingled one of utter friendlessness
md sorrow, and necessitOus resigna-
ion.
She certainly was not pretty in the
east, and in her thin angular figure.
,ropped SO awkwardly in q big-cush-
oned y-chair-in the sallow,
,eaked face, and shortcut, stubborn,
light hair of q nondescript color, and
straight was scarcely
promise of future attractiveness.
She arose and courtesied gravely as
Ar. Sinclair advanced, scanning her
and swiftly deciding that
he was q hopelcssly ugly little soul
even homelier than her father had
all, all alone in the world
tut for him. And the thought un-
lent bright, sympathet-
c smile to his greeting.
"And this is little Winnie that las
ONE to live at Roseleigh, is it? l
Ope they took good care Of YOU OH
he way, and did not allow you to be-
ONE very tired. You shall have IA
nous times here at Roseleigh," he en-
continued, as lie smiled
a her solemn, forlorn face. "YOu
now / go abroad tomorrow for q
fhiie, and during my absence shall
rant you to enjoy yOurselfall you can.
'ou will have to have a nice little
Ony carriage, and some big dolls, and
Dts of fairy tales to read, and money
, buy candies. Then. after you get
,ronger. aud feel perfectly ut home.
on can have your lessons and learn
, be a nice, accomplished young lady.
Ton't your"
But instead Of an answering smile,
,ars gushed from her eyes, and her
ale lips quivered piteously.
"Oh, please, Mr.. Alan, indeed I
on't want any thing at oil. 1 don't
ish to be any trouble or expense. 1
link would rather-please- would
ther die and sec papa than anything.
nj pray every night l may-very
Onw
And then the smile died out of Mr..
nclair's handsome eyes, and the
ans heart felt pang of pitiful con- ,
leratiOn for this patient, cold little
aif.
my child you must not talk like I
at. Ii it is heavens will that you
re, you should not repine. You
we been sent to me-perhaps to be q I
ry great comfort and happiness to I
all. Why not try-why not decide i
IL will bef Why not make up your 3
ind you will accept the advantages h
erred you to grow up into q lova6le,
vcly, accomplished wOlnan-a bless L