The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-04-08


of Mr. Lorraine, nor did he press me to spend
the time ut Herstal Abbay. But certain
feeling, if not Of of-gratitud., Of what seemed
right and proper, in luced mo to stay there
on several occasions There was really little
apparent change in the relations between
Mr.. Lorraine aud myself What change
thers might bs was perhap; for the better.
was accepting his benefits, but accepting
them because considered 1 had a right to
them. Moreover vas determined that,
when the time came, would be quite lndc'
pendent of bis favor I endeavored now
and again to show him my feelings on this
point; and, in spite Of the mocking emile
with which ho received my hints, do not
. think he ikel me the less am not sure
but in time sincere friendship1migh have
sprung up between US; for, whatever may
have been Julian Loraine's inner nature,
when he chose to meet any one on terms OF
equality aud companionship he could make
himself ono Of the most charming men In
the world. His talk, although dangerous
. ond bitter, was witty and brilliant
But time would not allow this incipient
feeling to grow up just after my twenty
first birthday was summoned in hot haste
from Oxford. Mr.. Lorraine was dying:
T. i reached Herstal Abbey just in time.
NY My,bepefector-yes, must call him go
was Just sensible, but speechless. bent
I over him and took his hand. Bis fingers
gaTe mine faint pressure. Even at that
solemn moment wondered at this show OF
feeling. And I wondered at the strange
look in his darS eyes. They met mine
( yearningly, and knew that the dying man
had much he wished to say to me; yet
eomahow knew it was not about myself he
\ wished to speak. stoopei down close to
him. His dry lips moved, but could not
articrdate he gave. a faint sigh; bis eye
lids aickered, and all was over. Whatever
were those last worls he wished to speak
they remained unspoken.
rose and left him. I walked to the
room which was known rs Mr.. Julian's
room, and, am thankful to say, wept.
After oil, this man had given me much.
But for him I might have been consigned
to Ffhe workhouse; might now be nothing
more than mason's apprentice. Julian
Lcfaire had at least given me the means to
start fairly in life. Yes, he had teen my
benefn ctor.
Ny grief, if not.as deep as it should have
bean, was really sincere. It was some time
before I began to reflect as to the imme-
diate consequences his death would bring
to myself. I had money in hand, for the
allowance made me by Mr.. Lorraine had OIL
ways been an ample one-so large, indeed,
that when the truth of my birth was
known to me, had asked him to reduce
it. The right presumed to claim fell far
short of this. Mr.. Lorraine told ME scorn-
fully not to bother him about money mat
r l. 4 lan tta fn f0I1oJy OnE hn
plan which had laid down-of taking from
him only sufficient for my needs. Never
thelesS ] had not spent the surplus, and 1T
would now serve me in completing my edu-
cation. From him / expected nothing.
had shown him. both by act and word, that
expected nothing. Who were his heirs,
or to whom his wealth would tie left, were
matters about which troubled little. Now
that Julian Lorraine was dead, could with
full heart thank him for all he had done
for Sme. Then I could resign his name
and force my own way in the world.
= His solicitor came down and gave instruc-
tions concerning the funeral. He did this
of my request Knowing that shortly l
should be an alien in the house., ] would
assume no responsibility. The only order
Fas thing s;should' TO done
Quietly and simply. knew tho dead mans
ideas about conventional obsequieA
The funeral over, we looked for the will.
I.would not have paper moved until then.
We soon found it 80.
'.Not that it makes much difference, !
suspect" said the solicitor, "you being bis
| only son"
He was opening the envelope as he spoke.
I said nothing.
Shortest will ever read" said the
solicitor; 'made by himself, too, but all
quite right and legal"
He handed the paper to me. Irea1:
II bequeath all my real and personal
estate to my adopted son Jul an, commonly
known as Julian Loraine.n
This, duly signel and witnessed, was Mr..
Loraine's will. I sank on chair, feeling
dizzy and confused Mr. Lorraine dead was
greater puzzle to me than Mr.. Lorraine
living. BY few words-dashel of, it
mi. Int be- OIL tic spur Of the monont-he
hal Left me all his wealth. Was it from
affection, sense of justice, cynicism, or
what!
"Iditl not know YOU w.rc an adopted son,
Mr T:...,::an," so d tho lawyer, IN tones Of
| surprise.
YES" i'll, collecting myself. 'Do
you think III he right i'll accepting this
lequcaf'
''WhY not:''
"kra ther. no closa relatives! Although
pass4l rs his son, know so little about
Lin"
81 suspect know less. But Inever heard
.:Ir. Lorraine speak Of any relatives His
adoption of you proves you entitled to the
noacy."
1 sat in deep thought. 1t was all Sc
strange, so sudden.
by the BY, Mr.. Julian" said the solici-
tor, "without wishing to intruie ny lvice,
should, il were in your place, say nothing
to let people know was not Mr.. Lwaine's
son. He evidently wishel it to he thought
you were. fancy that bv saying nothing
| you will best carry out his wishes. 1 my
self shall keep silenca on the matter"
weighed his counsel, and at last rightly
or wrongly, decided to follow it. No one
could be harmed by my continuing to pass
rs the dead mans SON The fact of his bav-
ing left mo all his wealth showed, or fan
c:nd IL shouad thet he lOokei unOu ma nc a