The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-08-19

died, leaving one child, lnez, ana since
then he had led precalious career, devot-
ing much time 10 the composition of an
opera, a song from which Arlington had
heard the first day he saw them.
Within two weeks the young man had
become welcome guest at the home of
| the composer, and the lovely Inez had
learned TO greet his coming with flush OF
conscious delight
The old composer seemed to have but
one hope in life-to produce his opera.
IL certainly was wonderful compost
| ton, and Maurice Arlington determined TO
assist him in his laudable designs.
Through friend in Boston he secured
for II a hearing at an opera house in that
city. Mr. Vincent was in falling health, in
fact was dying of consumption, but his
dropping energies seemed TO revive when
the word came that the opera house PEOPLE
in Boston desired him TO go there at once
to superintenG preliminary hearing of his
opera.
Inez was to remain for the present in
New York. Maurice Arlington never for
got her deep emotion as she thanked him
with tears for all his kindness, as she told
him how happy he bad made her father,
how her life's devotion was his for all his
benevolence and care in their behalf.
1t was the first time after leaving her
that evening that Arlington realized his
emotion.
He was amazed to find what comfort and
happiness these two people had brought of
late into his life, and vague sense of deep
regard for the beautiful Inez caused him to
wonder if he had not involuntarily fallen
in love with her
But rude shock to this vision came be-
fore the evening had passed away.
A strange revelation was made that very
hour which so materially changed all his
plans of life that he was dazed and bewil-
dered at its sudden manifestation.
The Office of his dead uncle was located
in the family mansion of James Rosster
aud here Arlington resided.
Usually, when he returned home in the
evening, Blanche Martin had completed
her work and gone home.
Upon the evening in question, somewhat
to his surprise, as he entered the house he
noticed light in the office, and went thith-
er TO ascertain its cause.
Seated in the room, and apparently wait
ing for some one, was Miss Marvin.
You here, Miss Marvin" said Airing
ton. You have remained late this even
ing"
There was peculiar look in the woman's
face as she replied:
Yes, Mr.. Arlington, / have been waiting
for YOU"
For me? Some business concerning
the tenements-"
mo, it is something that concerns your
self. Mr.. Arlin gton, please be seated, and
prepare for a rather unpleasant revela-
ton"
Arlington obeyed her, silently, repres-
sively.
Her eyes were filed with an expression
he could not mistake. Ardent, longing
love trembled on her lips as she said, in a
low, unsteady voice:
MIR. Arlington, you know that my re-
gard for you has always been more of
friendly character than OF the nature of
mere duty"
You have certainly been most consider
ate in relieving me of much of the annoy
ing details of the tenement leases, Miss
Marvin" replied Arlington courteously, yet
wonderingly.
For you personally could not resist
trying to do more than my duty. For your
sake, now, Mr.. Arlington, am going to
make great sacrifice"
He stared at her IN bewilderment.
II do not understand you, he said.
Then let me ask you this question:
You have a cousin, resident of the far
West, named Ernest Travis?"
ayes, but have not seen him for years"
"He is, except yourself, your uncle's
nearest relative. He was here few years
ago. He asked me to become his wife. did
not love him, and refused him"
And now"
"Now l have made a discovery which
would tempt most women, for Ernest
Travis is heir 10 an immense fortune"
Tl,, 10 al, .,t,~
her dark, earnest eyes beaming ardently
upon him.
Mr.. Arlington" she said. "the fortune
that is left to your cousin he knows moth
ing Of"
of"
"He will never hear of it, if you say the
word"
81. Miss Marvin? What is this mys-
terry"
Il alone know that Ernest Travis is heir
to a million. To bestow it upon him means
for me 10 rob the man l love. / can dis
guise the truth no longer. Maurice Airing
ton. my heart is breaking for one kind
smile from you. / love you. l loved you
since the time ! first saw you. Am | un-
womanly? Then the vital circumstances of
the hour so make me, for to-day | have
discovered tnaJ YOU are not the real nelr 10
the wealth of your dead uncle, james
RosSiter!'
She had expected that Arlington would
start and pale with surprise and dismay.
Instead his calm face betrayed the very
slightest amazement. and he said steadily.
"Then a new will has been discovered"
eyes, Mr.. Arlington"
and later one?"
Several months later"
Making my cousin the heir to the Rossi-
ter estates?"
Eyes"
"You discovered this will, Miss Marvin"
Il did, to-day, among some old papers"
"Then take il at once to the family law
yer, and let Ernest Travis be notified OF his
good fortune"
And you, Mr.. Arlineton?"
81? Why, will reture to my art, salts
fed that wealth could never make me
happy"
Blanche Marvin stood overwhelmed.
What strange man was this, who, without
a tremor, heard of poverty, and faced it
indifferently
"Stay" cried Blanche, impassionately.
"Do you not understand that YOU and l only
know of this will? Why should you beg
gar youiself' Say the word, Maurice Ar