Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-02-01

Was it fatality. Or was 1t awkwardnssss
As he puts up his hand he touches the
painting, and tine string that supports it
swapping suddenly. the picture falls heav-
ily to the ground-so heavily that the
back parts from it, and leaves it rather
diIapidated object on the hearth rug.
But something else is on the hearth
rug too. A piece of yellowish parchment
tightly folded. has slipped from between
the picture and the frame. George and
Monica, both STOPPING to pick up her
grandmother, see this paper at the same
instant She being the woman. is natu-
rally the most curious, and therefore the
swiftest to snatch it.
Now she says gayly. putting it be-
hind her back, "what do you say it ia
legacy or hundred pound note, or mere
padding to keep the portrait steady ?"
Mere padding" guesses he:
"A fairy gift" declares she.
Then they stoop over the lamp and ex-
anime it cautiously.
When Norwood has opened it and read
two or three lines OF the writing it con-
tains, he utters an ejaculation and turns
to Monica with eyes bright with excite
ment.
What was the date of our grandfather's
will % he asks eagerly. Il mean how
long before his death was it written and
signed?"
Three years. says Monies, gazing at
him in wonderment.
..And this is dated six months before
his DEATH says he, with something in his
tone that resembles awe. This is an
other and later will. Monica, and it be-
queathes all to your father.'
1t was quite true. | suppose the old
man when feeling sickness come on him
that first attack OF paralysis that sug-
gested to him the possibility of death
had repented him Of the betrayal OF his
promise to the wife. dead and gone for
seven long years. but green still in his
memory To leave all to the son of her
heart-the first, and therefore the dearest
babe that had lain upon her bosom-was
her prayer. And the father, though es-
tranged from this son for many reasons to
numerous to mention here, had succumbed
as husband should to the love of his
youth and had sworn to her that justice
should be done.
Yet it was gall to him, the doing of it.
Gladly would he have got out of the prom
Use given to the dying woman, but even
though the grave closed upon her, she
had a hold over him. born of memories
when spring was glad with flowers, and
the sun shone, and all was youth and love.
And yet the gall rose to the top; and
after a bit, so strong was it that he looked
about him for way to fulfil his promise
to the dead and yet work his own desire.
He would make new will-so far she
was obeyed. poor soul Leaving all to
the eldest son. whom he so deeply de-
tested, and it should be given into his own
hands, but in such wise that he should be
none the better by it.
His mothers's portrait was made the
medium. Behind it, in between the wood
en- back and the picture, the old man in
secret hid the will that vexed him, and in
the first document that suited his pride he
inserted codcil leaving portrait, con-
cealed will and all to his eldest son.
Yet Fate is strong, and Time brings all
things to perfection.
Julia, when matters were made clear to
her, took it all very badly. Having a
very good income Of her own, and an i'm
placable temper, she refused to be COM
forted, and went abroad to Egypt. or Tan
giers. or somewhere. and may now be
married to swarthy prince tor all |
know.
Pretty Monica has married her lover.
and when last saw her, was teaching
her little son to ride a cock-horse to
Banbury Cross" on his grandfather's
knee Temple Bar.