Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-07-08
CHAPTER VI.
A SURPRISE.

your mothers papers, and we are now in q
position to let you know exactly how you
stand. l have waited before calling you
down, in order that might be able to satisfy
your mind in all particulars, and not merely
read over documents to you which would
deal in general terms without making the
fact of the case clear. I think as your
mother has made very special communion
ton to you about her affairs-a communica-
ton which she wished her executor to read
before showing it to you'll think may now
read her letter, and thus it will be she and
not who will tell you how you are left
Shall read the letter, or will you read it for
yourself!"
"Read it, please" Sophia replied, trembling
with excitement.
Goldmore drew the candle closer to him
self, adjusted his glasses on his nose and
began:
MY Dear Sophia-1 have for long time
felt great anxiety about you and your future,
when shall be taken from you. For Caro-
line and Sibyl l am not concerned; they are
happily married, and will never want either
wealth or counsel With you the case is very
different You must be aware that your
course in life has not been such as I approved
that you did not marry when you had
favorable opportunity, and you know well
that, in acting as you did, you cast aside oil
my precepts, and, indeed, disappointed all
my hopes. But am bound to say you never
forgot yourself, and your behavior was as
mild and daughterly as possible under the
circumstances; and cannot but tell you that
your affection for me at that time touched
me deeply, although was angry. You gave
me the idea of girl who, though acting from
mistaken principle, was doing it in high
minded way. And since then, every day,
have had fresh tokens of your love and care.
"'You three girls will have at my death a
thousand pounds apiece. The whole If my
remaining income goes back to the family of
my first husband. hoped to have seen you
married and settled before I died; but, as this
was not to be, could not think of your e.
ing left in so miserable condition. For this
reason, while my income was still very large,
I resolved, without telling any one, TO reduce
my expenditure, and lay up Ii tie money
for you. have already accumulated rather
more than eight thousand pounds, and be-
fore l die this sum will no doubt be III
creased. You will be my residuary lncateA,
and Mt my death the sum have save! viii
be yours absolutely. must charge you to
he cautious with it. Submit yourself inn
plicitly to the guidance of our good Archi-
bald; and, as you love my memory, and re
member the sacrifice have made, you must
not, in any freak of affection, let the fortune
slip away. 1t is meant for your comfort.
You will i'll repay me if you allow any other
person to squander it. ...-.
"'You have chosen your way in life; and,
although it is not mine, hope you will be
happy. OF course l have no right to force
my views on you. You have got to live your
own life, and to get enjoyment in your own
way The great thing in life is by some
means to get enjoyment out of it, which
sincerely hope you may do. Try, anyway,
to be credit to your mother. Remember,
whatever else you do, always dress hand
somely and keep up appearances, and think
sometimes of your old worldly mother,
f'.I "'BARBARA TEMPLE"
Goldmore laid the letter on the table, and
then, with his most imposing air, took up
another paper, on which were some columns
of figures set out with great care. He re-
adjusted his glasses, and began afresh:
"The property you receive in this way" he
said, amounts to about twelve thousand
pounds, and the manner in which it Is in
vested is most satisfactory. should like you
to glance over this" .afr
70, Archibald, not just yet, Sophia said, in
great agitation. "To-morrow-another time
will do. feel little upset. win you give
me mammals letter, and then excuse me for
whilea don't think I can speak very much
just now" 1-' -aj' '..-. a.
With an agitated bow to the man of law