Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-11-03

to those acquainted with Colonel Hoi-
den the matter was very plain. He had
bcen through life nm inveterate jester;
hia humor must needs tinge his will.
Noting with favorable eye young Bon
nifeld's attentions TO Barbara--as yet
in their first bud and priding himself
on his sagacity, he had in a fit of jollity
revoked all former testaments and in
dited this: chuciling to think that,
should he die ere things were settled,
how delightfully."-, under these arbitrary
conditions, he had arranged for his
"dear young folks" And he had died,
suddenly, leaving this surprise.
Barbara understood IL; unfortunately
Hugh Bonnifeld demurred. His deli
cacy was to bo his frat stu nbling-
block. There was no joy in his coun-
tenance when he heard the startling
news; he appeared TO fathom but one
point.
II seems very ridiculous, Mr. Great
orex," he said. "that should offer TO
forego all claim TO Miss Barbara Hol-
denis estates, but this is, in my view,
the proper course. Please manage IL
rs informally rs possible, else we may
make matter Of importance ont Of
farce"
Hugh GreatoroI was not surprised.
"a fine young follow, Mr.. Hubert
BonniHeld," he mused, privately; "but
Holden did not know him as we'll as I.
The case stands thus: Ho can have
pretty Miss Barbara tomorrow FOR the
asking; but ask her he never will, with
out some advance on her part-so
thing to satisfy his nice soul. Undoab..
edly she will miacomprohend him; and
so the chances are that We shall see a
genuine love-ma.cA nipped in the bud.
Bat perhaps after settlement, in time
stranger things have chanced."
And Hugh Greatorox bustlcd of to
Barbara with tho news.
Not an over-pleasant mission for the
little lawyer, who knew this case so we'll.
For. as Hubert Bonnifell had ignored
the willis first condition, he must necos-
sarily do the same he must smother
suggestions, at least till the open point
was ruled. Bu. he was i'll prepared for
tho decision which was to rule this out.
To Barbara, under the most delicate
stAtings, Hubert Bonniheld's action
would have caused ofIense in its bare,
legal representation, it grew 4 mighty
thing. Believing tina. he loved her,
she had anticipated but one course all
the day she had been awaiting him,
wondering that he did not come.
From her lighter nature the delicacy
of his motives was hid; bewildered,
indignant, beses by varied emotions
she took refuge in the defiance which
so amazed Hugh Greatorex. aud which
eliminated as We have seen.
Bat as we have seen, resentment
faded; wistiully down the roadway.
Barbara stood gazing. where the flowers
had fallen, where they lay waiting,
revengeiul agents, though she dreaded
it not.
Little Thought BAEbarl - hand
would fad his rss. - -
their feelingbe. Tkoughl
into night, she sat vaitif s .
away at last, but with the
murmur:
"He will surely come tom
surely as tomorrow comes"
Tomorrow, but not Hubert Bonni-
field week OF to-morrows, and still
he did not como. A week; and then
on the passenger list Of European
steamer she read his name.
II had been all a mistake; he had
never loved her, ho was only too glad to
yield up the estates, that he might
be freed from her. So reasoned Bar
bara, Is she read. Not strange, perhaps.
since she lacked the hint that Hugh
Greasorex should have given her; ignored
her hasty words; suspected not the
flowers that lay in wait that night.
Amid her pain the realization OF her
late caprice flashed upon her. Old that
IL should be q comfort; but so it proved
to Barbara, and she clung to it persist
emily; over and over she repeated:
"I will never have the estatesl HUI
bert Bonnifeld shall take them, or the
will will be forever void"
In vain Hugh Greatorox pleaded;
Barbara was firm. The homestead was
vacated. and with an old, faithful ser.
want, she went to reside few miles
from thence.
4 year passed, and still the late COM