The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1884-09-24
Marrying an Heiress.

The twilight, stealing softly through
the heavy silk window draperieS OF the
library at Abbott court, became trans
formed into sort of crimson duskinesS
the clear, low burning fire glimmered
like coral, all aglow-and the two ruddy
sparks that betokened the whereabouts
of the two gentlemen and their cigars,
shown steadily from the cushions and
chairs on either side of the hearth. Din
ner was Just over--the clock in the hall
had chimed seven-and Mr.. Abbott and
his distant cousin, and adopted son were
alone together ir
My dear Gerald, you must be crazy"
said the elder gentleman, in a tone of
great, though repressed irritation.
"0Ly dear Mr.. Abbott, | never was
more sane in my life"
''But just look at the advantages of the
thing l tell you she is young and pref
ty, with an Independent fortune in her
own right
''May never sink so low as to become
a fortune hunter !" calculated Gerald,
ferventlv.
Pshaw-nonsense and Berkeley and
| have both set our hearts upon it..
"Mr. Abbott, / would rather walk up |
to lannon's mouth than have a wife
thrust at me in that sort of way-it is |
repellant to every manly feeling of my |
nature"
~ only ask you to see her, Gerald
she is coming to New York in a week, |
and"
"And shall take particular pains to |
leave town in weekW
The elder gentleman fired up instan-
taneously.
'Geraid, forbid you taking any such
foolish step, at the peril OF being turned
out Of my house"
Gerald colored high. 'NEr. Abbott,
you have been very kind to me for years
| feel that / owe you almost son s duty
and allegiance-but inthis matter / can
not be dictated to"
'"Take your choice, sir" calculated
Mr.. Abbott, who had wrought himself
into atowering passion; either Heavenly
house and protection or comply with
my wishes about this young lady; and |
give YOU until tomorrow morning to
think It over"
Gerard was silent; he could not trust
himself to speak-and it was relief to
him when Mr.. Abbott rose and left the
room.
The next morning when the coffee and
newspaper were brought in, no Gerald
made his appearance, only a note instead,
thanking his benefactor for the uninter-
rupted kindness of years, and announ-
cling his intention, for the future, to de-
pend on his own eXertions for liveli-
hood, rather than to contract marriage
so opposed to all his wishes and predi-
lections.
Mr.. Abbott read the note through,
with a contemptuous "humph ~ then
tore it in little pieces.
"The young scamp" he muttered !;
'he'Il be back fast enough, | warrant
Famine ona;c own lvinU lent cucb
an easy affair to man who has been
brought up as he has, and so he'll find
it. ! never knew such obstinacy in my
life-the ungrateful, reckless young vag-
abond ~
Nevertheless, the old house seemed
very sad and lonely without the light
footsteps and cheerful voice of the adop-
ted son.
II didn't know / was so fond of him,
the more fool am" grumbed Mr.. Alb
bolt. "But he may go his own gait fol
all me-"
Meanwhile. Gerald, full of spirit and
ambition, was sitting in dismal hotel
paror where the chimney smoked
and the paper was peeling off the wal
in widowed spots, taking down various
memoranda from the advertising col
umns of the newspaper.
"Among all these wants | should
think might manage to satisfy one OF
two at least, he exclaimed gaily to him
self as he rose, buttoned his overcoat
and drew on his gloves. ''At all events
/ am ready and willing to work.
Clones 4 Cobb" the first place, looked
obviously over the four spectacle glasses
at the young applicant; they could not
think Of employing a young man who
could not bring solid references from his
last place.
"Solomon & Co. - the next on the list
n "wanted no raw hides" and politely
IN motioned Gerald to the door.
y Parker & Swift" gift enterprise
4 establishment, required deposit OF one