Little Falls transcript., 1886-04-02

Ehie's veritable double On the street,
at church, Mr.. Bert Gwynne was always
| present, and. he assumed the attitude
| with such an of-course-it-is-agreeable-
/ to-you air, that Effie became incensed,
and determined to give him piecs Of
her mind. IS ~ -
One day he commenced to poke fun at
"Old Gabe Barker" Then the dyna1n-
4 ite exploded. r. ,&'..& -.
''He's not DID, she flashed.
''Forty if he's an hoHr," insisted the
provoking.
II say he is not" declared the frank
little lady. "Anyhow he's not pre-
suming boy;'' great acrimony in the
| last words.
''He'll make you marry him after a
while; now you see. He bought up
every one of those notes." cried the
badly-conducted.
''What notes? Tell me!' Ef1ie was
afame.
Your fathers. Who do you sup
pose paid the debts? Why, Gabe Bar
ker, out of his own pocket. This very
house belongs to him. continued he.
''You are wicked person, and don't
believe one word you say" burst out
Etfie.
'It isn't such mighty thing after all.
I'd do ever SO much more, Efhe, if you'd
let me. But you called me presuming,
and it made me angry
$50 you are. hate you, and I M 60
ing this minute to Mr.. Barker" She
flung on her hat.
II wouldn't Let it alone He's
we'll able to do it if he wishes" Bert
thought he had never seen EAie so de-
sirable, as with that angry pout and the
infinite air of scorn with which she re-
garded him.
''Mr. Barker, is it so? Tell me.
will know with tear~fushed face she
raided in upon him. ''rhey say that
papa died-insolvent, and-and you
bought up his no-otes. and-tell mel"
Sue AlnplOicu p:ISslOuaIoly.
''Efie, don't! you will be ill. Who
told you such cruel things?' He shut
fed his papers in agitation.
| "Bert Gwynne; he says it is the talk
of the place, and"
Heavens! What has she almost said
''He'll make you marry him after a
while" He marry her! such an insight
fcant nobody.
! "Effie, listen; I am not going to deny
what have done"
Then you did! OH" She went
down by the stiff old clients chair in a
heap, and hid her face In her hands.
''Child, what could dop The credi-
tors threatened. There was nothing to
pay them, and you looked so little and
helpless. Besides, it is only discharg-
ing an old obligation. Your father
was very kind to me when was poor
lad. Effie, don't be angry"
(Sob, sob from the rounds of the
chair).
els the house yours too?"
by heavens, Efie, if you ask me any
thing more I'll deny everything," des.
perately.
''Is it, say?" tempestuously.
"Yes.'
Gabriel Barker was as abashed as il
he had been confronted with selling H.
y legal whisky.
Is11o hold thoco .,r%oc03s
(''Confound that meddlesome
Gwynne boy; I'll thrash him tomorrow
if I liye). Yes, Effie, but they are
yours. l have left them to you in my
will. Here they are," laying bundle
in her lap.
'Take them away. I will not have
:, them.' she said excitedly. "Unless-
MIR. Barl1er-you tell ME how-I-can
--pay-you.'
''Will you, if I tell you, Ef1ie?"
=, He opened his arms, and she crept
,, close to his heart, whispering:
, "Yes, Gabriel
"How could you afford it? Didn'
it take quantities of money!"
p, "You remember an uncle who died i1
= California a year ago? He lett me {
hundred thousand dollars. I have saved
twenty-five thousand and the house; SC
you won't be quite destitute, sweet
D heart -
, Destitute? Sheba's queen was mo-
as wealthy. She didn't own my Cab
, riel.''
: They were married in the morning.
! That evening, as they sat together il
the library (for they took no wedding
journey, he leaned toward his white
, robed treasure.
"Eftie, will you burn those notes fo1
. me?"
q He kind]ed bright blaze on the wide
hearth, and Efie took the fat bundle
q and commenced, woman-hke, to unite
: it.
r ''No. no!'' he objected, ''burn it so. ,
But it will burn quicker The will
full little fingers tugged at the strings.
. II desire you not to open it, Efie.'
'But, Gabriel I will.'' Out dropped
6 sealed letter, directed to s'Miss Efit
Ford Underneath was scrawled, TT
Z be delivered in case of my DEATH" The
r despoiling fingers closed upon it greed.
; lily. ss5.s#.. :. =. -E.t ..+.'.< -.
I No, Effie," he pleaded. i
{ Gabriel" solemnly. .'listcn, my idol
and believe me; / shall never be really
n happy unless read this letter.