The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-07-08
INVESTMENT.

Walter Hartman's tone of SORROW
full amazement made his young wife
spring hastily to her feet. She had
not heard him come in, and was
kneeling beside great armchair
sobbing as if her heart would break.
"Oh, Walterl" she said, Aunt Ju-
llia-n and a fresh burst of sobs
interrupted her.
Waher's face cleared. 1t was not
sorrow of her own. then, that over
whelmed this pretty blue eyed dar-
/ ling be had married six months be-
fore.
well, Elsie" he said, taking her
in his arms and caressing her, what
about Aunt Julia2 Do not sob so,
dear; you will make yourself sick. .
"The fire." said Elsie, keeping her
sobs somewhat more unGer control
t"You know | was very much wor-
Iried when heard of it, for | could
not tell by the papers whether Aunt
Julia's house was in the burnt dis
Itrict or not.
For the great Chicago fire was
not a week old, and the whole coun-
try watched for news.
j well, DEAR" said Walter kindly.
1T is as bad as it can he, Walter
Aunt Julia writes to me that her
house was totally destroyed, her
very clothing burned up, and her in
surance papers not entirely made
out. She is absolutely without any
thing in the world except the clothes
| she had on. Actually fed by char
ity. Oh, Walter"
Here the sobs came again, thick
and fast, and Walter could offer no
comfort but such as was conveyed
| by silent caresses. After time
these were so far effectnal that Elsie
could speak more calmly.
"Now, little one" Walter said.
"tell me why this troubles you so
sorely ? Do you love your aunt so
very dearly ?"
"She had been everything moth
er could be TO me since my parents
died, Walter. But while was with
her xe were very poor Out Of his
own scanty means she fed, clothed
and educated me until | took the
situation of nursery governess OF
| your aunts children and married
YOU. Bot Just before We were mar
ried an old friend of Aunt Julia
died in Chicago and lett her ten
thousand dollars. When she went
to claim her legacy she saw the
house she purchased. and liked it SO
lmucn she bought it, her legacy COW
ering the expense of house, lot and
furniture, while her own little in
come would support her. But, up
fortunately, she was persuaded to
draw out her tiny fortune and invest
Lit in two lots adjoining her house.
Now everything is swept away"
"She took care of you when you
were a child? ?"
"For seventeen years, Walter, de-
nying herself to feed and clothe me.
Walter did not speak again for
many minutes. holding Elsie close
in his arms. AT last he said, very
gravely:
"If | were rich man, Elsie.
would not stop to think in case
like this, but say at once Bring your
Iaunt here But you know, little
wife. my salary, though sufficient
for all our wants, with margin for
pleasure and saving a nest egg, is yet
not large. If I invite your aunt
here the difference of expense must
fall heavily upon you because ! can
not give you mary pleasures you
enjoy if l have one more to support
IConcerts aud jewelry, little gifts and
pleasures, viii be beyond our means
then. But if you will be happier
knowing your aunt has home,
will go myself to Chicago and bring
her here"
"Oh, Walter. how kind, how gen
erous you arei will never be able
to thank you"
Then / am 10 60. All right.
will get a leave of absence tomorrow
In the meantime | will telegraph
your aunt to meet me at the depot
if she has sent any address,
"The address is the lawyers who
arranged her legacy for her, and wht
did not live in the burnt district
Morse & Hunter "
A few days later as fast as steam
would carry Walter to Chicago anc
back, Elsie was waiting to welcome
the travellers. A telegram had in
, formed her that Walter had founG
Julia waiting at the depot, and by
what train to expect him home. Th.
( only spare room in the pretty lirtl,
: house at Harlem, where Walter hac
! brought his bride, was in dainty or
= der. Jennie, the servant. was cook
ing the choicest supper Elsie could
devise, and the little wife herself
neatly dressed, was running TO th'
S door every minute watching for th'
carriage.
: 1t came at last and Walter handed
out the lady. She was white as ash
es her hair Elsie remembered blacl
as coal one year before, streakeC
! with gray, and her eyes sunken al
! with long illness. When the water
proof cloak fell from her shoulders
her shabby dress was most unlik'
Aunt Juliat habitual nes stness. Blu
the first shock of surprise over, Elsi'
had no words too loving to Welcom,
her aunt, while soft, tender kisse'
fell fast upon the pale face
j. "She is very tired, Elsie" Waite
whispered, seeing hos vainly tn,
. white lips tried to frame words. sGe
her 10 rest, dear. a. soon as you can.
So Elsie, tearfuIly loving, mad
I her aunt lie upon the lounge, ant
brought her the most tempting o
tea trays. stopping the broken word
of thanks by kisses and caresses
Walter, too, by hundred delicat
sttentions and few spoken word