Daily Republican., 1883-11-10
HER UNCLE'S HEIR.
DY GUINEvERE.


Pretty Laurie Mernott stood before
the mirror adjusting dainty marvel Of
lace and rOse-buds on her waving brown
hair, when her mother entered, tall,
erect and stern looking, not naturally y
90, for her face usually wore . mild,
pleasant expression, but now the lips
were compressed and the eyes dark with
annoyance.
"That Linton Perry Ia at the door
with his carriage" she said, sharply.
Have you promised to ride with h m,
Laurie ?"
"Yes," Laurie answered.
Mrs. Mernott advanced, and her eyes
flashed.
Laurie, what do you mean by this
Op position 2" she demanded.
F" You never forbade my riding with
him." said Laurie, quietly.
Perhaps not in formal words, but
you know the less time You spend In
his company the better pleased | am.
That he is q poor man is bad enough,
but when you are engaged"
~ Am not engaged" interrupted
Laurie, triHe impatiently. "Recause
two persons took the notion that q
marriage between myself and my
second cousin, Claude Lelander, would
be a good thing for family affairs, we
need not consider ourselves bound to
agree "
"But you we're betrothed long ago
when"
1--WE were helpless and couldn't OBJ
ject," put in Laurie. have not seen
Claude for ten years; he was a pretty
boy then, and has probably grown up
70 noble manhood, but do not expect
to love him any more than anticipate
he loves me, with sort Of cousinly re-
gard and friendliness. .
at Is useless to argue with you, "
said her mother, with shrug OF her
shoulders. "But, Laurie, this Is your
last ride with Linton Perry. We are
going to Oaklawn to.morrow.
"To. morrow-so soon ?" fAltered
Laurie, and her bright color faded a
trifle.
"Yes, 10 make your adieus to-day"
Mrs. Mernott turned away coldly,
and Laurie, drawing on her gloves,
went out to meet Linton Perry.
While they were riding down the
well.shaded avenue, Laurie told her
story:
"You knew about the foolish girl and
boy b.trothed between myself and
cousin Claude" she said "mother has
been arranging with uncle Jasper to
have US meet, and of course they expect
US to consumate their plans. So we
are going to Oaklawn tomorrow; he is
there now"
81 knew your mother desired To
separate u.s." answered Linton, quietly,
"a natural desire, considering the cir.
cumstances. But" half playfully,
"suppose you and your cousin do find
yourselves willing"
"Hush, Linton" demonstrated
Laurie, blushing, you know better
than that But really, am sorry tc
disappoint uncle Jasper and mother.
1t will be a double disappointment u
her, for my uncle threatens to dis
inherit the first one who refuses to com.
ply his heart is set on the union, and
he is very obstinate -
"I know that we'll Jasper LelandeI
of Oaklawn is a distant relative OF my
fathers by marriage. l never thought
that he and your uncle were the same
in fact you spoke Of him so seldom,
never thought of him at all. Ny father
went to him once to ask favor; the old
man demanded certain things to which
he would not agree, and believe they
had . sort Of quarrel. But, Laurie,
cannot let you 60 like this; IL yonl
mother once effects separation be
tween us, she will be careful not to le
us meet again.
"Do you think SOP" asked Laurie
startled. "Oh, Linton, Linton, don
want 70 leave you at all.
There were tears in her eyes and hel
voice qui vered. Linton, bending ovel
her. whispered a few re-assuring words
she started and flushed, shook her head
sadly and then looked down medita
lively. Whatever was his inquiry ther
she finally answered "yes.'
Laurie returned from her ride gu 'e'
and thoughtful. She shook hands will
Linton and said farewell, showing st
little emotion that Mrs. MernOtt from
her post of observation behind the par
lor curtains was delip hted.
On the morrow they started ior OAK
lawn. Despite her grief, Laurie could
but wonder how her cousin would re-
ceive her, and if she would find augh
| in him TO like or admire.
He was probably handsome, nearl!
all the Lelauders we're; dark, regular
featured and willful.
She wo dered little that he was no
at the station to meet them, and still
more when upon reaching the mansion
they found it we'll lighted as if In honol
of their arrival, yet no host waiting t.
receive them.
Mrs. Bronson, thu housekeeper, me
them at the door.
"Mr. Le.audcr is in his room with
sick headache, she said. " He begs
that you will excuse him tonight
Certainly" answered Mrs. Mernott
we could not think of disturbing him
but where is his nephew ?'
Master Claude is not at home,
answered the hOusekeeper, evasively
and led the way to their apartments
returning to send up tray OF cake an'
wine.
ct seems little strange suggested
Mrs. Mernott, sinking back into a low
cushioned chair, aud surveying th'
elegant surroundings with pleased com
placency.
She was gratihed to see that Laurie
too, admired the grandeur it nigh
reconcile her to Linton Perry 'sabsence
"Mrs. Bronson did not mention
Claude's whereabouts, she continued
al presume he has gone to the city fol
a few days or off on trip through thu
country
81 think he might have stayed herr