The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1884-09-05
FOR HER SWEET SAKE.

A group of three-Ronald Sylvester
and his two sisters, Blanche and Grace
were seated in the room which did
threetold duty as parlor. library and.
dining-room, in the tiny house which
had been willed TO them by their grand
father. Added to this bequest was a
sum of money invested in the funds.
the interest of which. with strict econ
omy. would feed and clOthe the recipi-
ents. The remainder of tho old gem
tlcman's property went TO Reginald,
the child OF his son Jasper. and was to
accumulate until he became of age,
with the exception of what was neces-
sary for him to disburse for living ex-
penses.
When he was to reach his ma ority
he was to enter into possession Of his
large inheritance, provided he should
consent to fulfill the instructions con-
tanned in a sealed note, which was not
to be opened until then.
If, however. he refused to obey his
grandfather's wish, the money was left
TO other and indirect heirs, with the
exception of an amount equal to that
set apart for his cousins Ronald,
Blanche, and Grace Sylvester.
The brothers. Jasper and Richard
Sylvester, had died several years before
the demise of their father. and the four
children named in the will were re-
spectively twelve, ten, eight, and six
years of age at the time of their
grandfather's death.
Consequently they were not old
enough to realize the injustice which
had been done to three of them al
ready, and which might eventually be
melted out TO the one apparently favor
ed by his grandfather above the Others.
For, until the sealed note should be
opened, who could tell how willingly
it's spirit could be carried out by the
young heir?
Ronald Sylvester had decidedly
literary turn and undoubtedly would
have brilliant career at college, but
the only chance for it lay in his own
exertions later on; but, nothing daunt-
ed by his poverty. he studied indus
triously TO prepare himself.
Reginald was ut The Oaks the time
our story opens. and was expected at
the cottage momentarily. He had
reached home the night before.
Ronald was busy with an abstruse
problem, and. some Greek and Latin
exercises were piled up on the table.
turning it. for the time being. into q
most literary-looking depository.
Here he isl" exclaimed Oracle, who
had been on watch at the window. Il
really believe he has grown whole
head taller since he was home last
1--WE have all changed. So it would
be wonder if Reggie stood still, |"
answered Blanche demurely.
"Do YOU think have grown much
taller, Blanche?"
you will never BIO anything but pet
tie, Oracle"
Now. Blanche darling, don't tell
me that am to be little, unless you
want me to pout all the rest of the
day."
whats that about pouting, Ora
ciep" asked a voice at the open door
with something so CHEEKY in its tones
that the sisters frightened as flowers
might ut tho breath of the spring
breeze fresh from the land of perpetual
summer.
blanche was telling me something
disagreeable, Reggie" said Grace.
springing forward, and putting out
both her hands to welcome her cousin.
"She says am going to be an insig-
nilicant little atom, instead of growing
up tall and stately like herself"
"How do you do. Rcgiep" said
Blanche, advancing. in her turn. to
greet him. II am glad to see you.
But you mustn't think l said anything
so vain-sounding as Gracie's words
would indicate. l said she would al.
ways be petite"
THAT was O real compliment, Grace.
II you should be anything but what
you are, |. for one. should break my
heart. Ronald. old fellow, how are
you?"
Fine" answered Ronald senten-
tiously. Look here!' And he point.
ed to the mute evidences of his hours
of study.
Nov, Ronald, let us girls have Re-
gle little while before YOU pin him
down to teach YOU" Then, without
giving Ronald time to gainsay her.
Grace said coaxingly: "Come out into
the garden and see our new roses. y
with bright glance which her cousin
could no more resist than could q bit OF
steel hold back from magnet
'Tll be back soon, Ronald" he
said, and followed Grace.
Poor boyr' he said to her as soon
as they were out of hearing distance,
she ought to have had my chance, he
would have made better use of it."
Nov, Reggie, you shan't undervalue
yourself. You are just splendid, and
we all of us think So"
.I'n prove what i think when I an
of age. Ronald shall have every ad.
vantage my money can give him. Al
any rate. he should have had it by
right as much as /. 1t all came from
our grandfather.
sHave you ever wondered what
might be in the sealed letter grandps
leftP"
Yes; but don't worry about 1t.
don't imagine it is anything very seri
ous."
"What If he had some one in view
for you to marry. Regiep"
Reginald's face expressed his sur
prise at the idea; but he was prompt In
his answer:
unless it should be the girl love
| would lose my fortune rather thar
L