The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1884-02-23

Two hours passed slowly to the soli-
tary watcher in the sick-chmber; then
the old man awakened, and feebly called
her to his side. Lola bent over him.
"What is it, uncle ?"
t'Lola, feel such strange sinking,
think I must be dying" he mutter-
ed, in voice scarcely audible. "Child,
you have been kind to me-you have
stayed by me, and did not desert me as
she did. 1t was only little while
she might have stayed with me to the
last. Bend closer, Lola, while I tell you.
Once my heart softened, and l made
my will in her favor; but it is all right
now. You have all there is. Biggs
was in time. 1t is all right"
Flashes of heat and cold went over
the young girl as she listened to his
strange talk. She thought of the will
now burned to ashes that would have
gwen her an unquestionable right to
uncle's wealth-and she with her own
hand had blasted her prospects while
seeking to wrong another.
With parched lips she asked hoarsely,
! vvaa at Uncle. did you make a will after
ter the one you made when came
eyes, yes, Lola; but it's all right
now. l have made another, giving all
o you again."
'What became of the other will, un-
sle--the one in Jessie's favor?" She
sked in strained voice, trying not to
show her trembling eagerness.
"Biggs kept it-said I might want to
burn this one and change back again;
but never shall. l could not if |
would for, Lola. 1 am dying"
A shiver ran over the young girl a
she saw that he was indeed dying, and
all was lost. A groan escaped her pale
lips.
A wild look came into the old mans
eyes, and he began to jabber incohe-
rently. He talked of Jessie-again she
was little girl, and beside him; then
he would reproach her for leaving him
in his old age. Lola had begun to think
that she must summon somebody when
a glaze came over his eyes, then they
slowly closed, and with a slight shud
der all was over.
Like one in dream, Lola went to
call the servants. One thought was
uppermost in her mind-the destroyed
will. Oh, if she had only looked at
it before she committed it to the flames
But it was too late now for vain regrets.
She had only one hope; perhaps the
old man was wandering in his mind
from the first in what he had said.
When Biggs was summoned, Lola
saw him search beneath the bed for the
will but he said nothing when he
found it missing. He did not for one
moment doubt but the old man had
caused in to be destroyed, as he, Biggs,
had supposed he would when he had
time to think it over.
The funeral of old Martin Dillon
was over, and with terrible suspense
Lola waited for the reading of the will.
Her worst fears were realized. Jessie
offered to divide with her, but Lola,
not naturally depraved, began to see
that her punishment was only just, and
refused even the offer of home, which
Der cousin ircicted she should accept
/ FfUr1r 11cr hands.
Lola Desmond went out into the
cold world alone, and bravely fought
the battle for bread. Purified by suf-
fering, her life grew full of noble works
and when, a few years later, Jessie
husband, two years widower, sought
her out, and asked her to come to him
and comfort his lonely life, she thank
ed her Heavenly Father that he had for
given her sin, and at last granted her
neace and hanniness