The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-03-29

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claim to 1t now. Whnr accepted the be-
quest was under the impression thu no
living heir existed learned to day that
Il distant COUSIN a woman Is still alive, al
though, my lawyer tells me, in ignorance
Of her relationship to Thomas Mortimer.
Of course l shall transfer the property to
her Immediately"
''But Philip, the vii. has made it legal
ly yours "
'Legally 1t has, but Edith, could l
reconcile it with my Ideas Of truth and
honor TO avail myself c. old Mortimcr's g
fanciful freak at this woman's expcnsc2 l
might take the boarded wealth, but should
never respect myself again could dream
Of legally defro '"g tho rightful heir.
Nay dearest, name and wealth,
but would ratl suffer single
stain on my hont christian gentle
man"
You have done right, Philip" said
Edith, with sparkling eyes. ave will
wait, and hope on, happy in loving one
another more dearly than ever. But who
is shea What Is her name2''
That's just what didn't stop to in
quire. will write again to my lawyer to
ask these questions, and to direct that
deed of conveyance be instantly made out :;
and then darling"
Ills lips quivered moment, yet he
manfully completed the sentence ''Then
Will begin the battle of life over again."
And Edith's loving eyes told him what
she thought of his noble sclf-abncgation-
sweet testimonial.
| "Hum |" said DR.. Wyllis, polishing his
eyeglasses maglsterially with a crimson
silk handkerchief. 81 didn't suppose that
young fellow had so much stamina about
hinl-a very honorable thing 10 do, Edith.
l have never exactly felt sure about Phil
Acres being worthy of you before"
Papa -
"But my mind is made up now. When
is he coming again?"
| ''This evening"" faltered Edith, the yio-
let eyes softly dropping.
"Tell him, Edith, that he may have you
next "Wednesday, just the same as ever,
| And as Tor law practiclng--why there's
time enough for that afterwards Child,
don't strangle me with yonr kisses, keep
them for Phil"
lie looked after his daughter with eyes
that were strangely dim.
"Tried- and not found wanting he
muttcred instinctively.
The perfume of orange blossoms had
died away, the gliumer of pearls and sat
in were hidden in velvet caskcts and tray
| clling trunks, and Mr. and Mrs. Acre, old
married people of months duration, were
driving along country road in the amber,
| glow Of glorious June sunset.
'sHalio! which way is Thomas going p
said Philip, leaning from the window, as
the carriage turned out of the main road.
IL told HIM the direction to take, Phil"
said Edith, with bright, sparkling eyes.
'Lct me have my own way just for once.
We are going to our new home"
care we2" said Phil, with a cemcal
grimace. lit is TO be love in cottage, l
suppose"
"Wait until you see, sir,' said Mrs.
Acre, pursingh her little rosebud of a mouth.
And Philip waited dutiously.
"Where are WEI" he asked In astonish-
ment when the carriage drew up in front
OF stately piared portico which seemed
to be not unfamiliar to HIM. ''Surely this
is Mortimer Place."
81 shouldn't be surprised if it was" said
DR.. Wyllis, emerging from the doorway.
"Walk IN, my boy-come Edith. Well
how do you like your new homer
Nul uCW nolllc ! repeated Inll. II
DO not understand you, SIR
"Why, mean your little wife yondcr is
the sole surviving relative of Thomas Nor
timer, although she never knew it until
this morning. Her mother was old Nor
timers cousin, but al absurd quarrel had
caused cessation of intercourse between
the two branches Of the family. I was
aware of the fact all along, but 1 wasn't
sorry to avail myself Of the opportunity Of
seeing what kind of stuff you were made
OF, Phil Acre. And now, as the deed of
| conveyance isn't made out yet, do not
suppose your lawyer need trouble himself
about it. The heircss won't quarrel with
you, Ill be bound"
Phil Acres check flushed, and then
grew pale with strong hidden emotion, as
he looked at his fair wife, standing beside
him, when the sunset turned her bright
hair to coils of shining gold, and he
thought how unerringly the hand of Provi-
dence had Strengthened out the tangled web
of his destiny. -
Out of the darkness had come light.