The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-03-13

full heir. Nay, dearest, I may lose name
and wealth, but | would rather die than
suffer a single stain on my honor as
gentleman"
"You have done right, Philip" said
Edith, with sparkling eyes. ave will
wait, and hope on, happy in loving one
is shel What is her name2"
That's Just what didn't stop to in
quire. l will write again to my lawyer
to ask these questions, and to direct that
a deed of conveyance be instantly made
out; and then, darling"
His lips quiyered a moment, yet he
manfully completed the bitter sentence
Then l will begin the battle of life
over again.
And Edith's loving eyes told him
what she though of his noble self-abne-
gation-a sweet testimonial.
L" IIeml" said Doctor Wyllis, polish
ing his Eyeglasses magisteri&lly with a
silk crimson pocket handkerchief; 81
didn't suppose the young fellow had so
much stamina about nina very honor
able thing to do. Edith, l have never
fell quite certain about Phil Acres being
worthy of you before
"Papa"
"But my mind is made up now.
When Is he coming again2'
This evening, sir,n faltered Edith,
the violet eyes softly dropping.
"Tell him, Edith, that he may have
you next Wednesday, just the same as
ever! And as for the law practicing-
why, there's time enough for that after
| 81
your kisscs-keep EN- for Phil"
lie looked after his daughter with
/ eyes that were strangely dim.
Tried--and not found wanting" he
muttered, indistinctly.
4 =
/ The perfume of orange blossome had
died away, the glimmer of pearls and
satin were hidden in velvet caskets and
travelling trunks-and Mr.. and Mrs.
Acre. old married people of full a
months duration, were driving along a
country road in the amber glow of a
glorious autumn sunset
" Halo! which way is Thomas going3
said Philip. leaning from the window, as
the carriage turned out of the main road.
II told him the direction to take,
Phil" said Edith, with bright, spark
ling eyes. "Let me have my own way
just for once We are going to our new
home"
care WEI" said Phil, with comical
grimace. at is to be love in a cottage,
| suppose"
'Wait until YOU see, sir, ;" said Mrs
Acre, pursuing up her little rosebud of a
mouth. And Philip ''waitedn duteous-
ly.
"Where are we2' he asked in aston.
ishment, when the carriage drew up in
front of a stately pillared portico, which
seemed not entirely unfamiliar to him.
"Surcly this is Mortimer Placem
81 shouldn't be surprised it was!m said
Doctor WylIis, emerging from the door
way. "Walk in, my bOy-come, Edith
Well, how do you like the looks of your
new homer
"Our new home?" repeated Philip. 81
do not understand you, sir"
/ "Why, l mean thai your little wife
yonder is the sole surviving relative of
Thomas Mortimer, although she never
knew it till this morning. Her mother
was old Mortimer's cousin but some alb
surd quarrel had caused a cessation of
intercourse between the two branches of
the family. | was aware of the facts all
along; but wasn't sorry to avail myself
of the opportunity of seeing what kind
of stuff you were made of, Phil Acre
And now, as the deed of conveyance isn't
made out yet, don't suppose your law
yer need trouble himself about it. The
hciress won't quarrel with you, I'll be
boundw
Philip Acres check flushed, and then
grew pale with strong, hidden emotion,
as he looked at his fair wife, standing
beside him, when the sunset turned her
bright hair to coils of shining gold, and
thought how unemingly the hand of
Providence had Strengthened out the
tangled web of his destiny.
Out of the darkness had come light!