Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-06-07
were not for the charity of my rela.

tions!'
THE bruter'
IF l was so silly rs not to know on
which side my bread was buttered-it
was often diff cult to tell-he would
turn me out of-doors. and that would
perhaps bring me to my senses. But
why need tell you the particulars of
this and many another most painful
scene? / was silent and undecided
for awhile. and at last found courage
to tell Mr. Mitchell that I could not
marry him.
He listened with disagreeable
smile, and replied: My young lady
will not find refusal so easy as she
thinks.
Owing to rusty conduct on the
part of your amiable uncle" inter-
polated Owen.
Il belived this was his meaning.
until the next day. Then my aunt
informed me calmly that was already
married to Mr.. Mitchell"
is that good lady subject to such
fits of mental aberration?"
Il stared at her in amazement when
she proceeded to explain to me that.
according to Scotch law, if man in
the presence of a witness says a
woman is his wife, and she does not
deny it. it becomes legal marriage.
There was a witness in the train that
day-the old lady l mentioned-Mr.
Mitchell is Scotch. and was dete rmined
to have his rights.
Il could not believe aunt was in
earnest, but it seems she was, and
what is worse. they all beset me every
hour of the day with speeches to the
effect that it is of no use to try to es-
cape my destiny-Mr. Mitchell has
the law ON his side. and the sooner,
for appearance sake, 1 consent to
another marriage ceremony in church,
the better.
'1have asked you to meet me here
this evening. Mr.. Stanley. to tell me
truly if there is any ground for their
saying am Mr. Mitchell's wife,
1T is the most preposterous. cow
ardly lie ever heard of ~ exclaimed
Owen. quite boiling over with indig-
nation. I'm some parts of Scotland,
long ago. some such rubbish as they
tell you might be true; but we are not
in Scotland. To have this rich mans
money in the family, your reprobate
of an uncle is trying to play upon
your innocent Ignorance. knowing or
believing you had no one to enlighten
you. He ought to be exposed and
prosecuted for his villainy."
oh. I'm so glad and thankful you
assure me that this dreadful man has
no power over me!' said Louise, with
a profound sigh of relief
You poor little friendless thing!"
AS if of it's own accord, Ovens arm
en- circled the girls waist, and he ten
derby and reverently kissed her unre-
sisting lips.
"And now l must fly back to the
house. Dear me! the half-hour is long
past"
For Heavens sake. don't let them
persuade you to commit any rash folly.
Trust in me-" said Owen, taking an
other kiss in farewell.
Arriving at his lodgings. he found
two letters awaiting him; one from
Travers. a special chum in the old
luxurious days. and the other-he
could hardly believe his eves-from
Uncle Raymond!
He dashed into the perusal of this
last at once, and discovered that, after
year and month. his former friend
and benefactor, his fathers only
brother. was on the track of the fellow
who had committed q certain forgery
"a crime of which Morris Raymond,
in hot, sudden anger, had accused his
nephew. Strong circumstantial evil
dence against Owen was not wanting,
and thus suffering for the misdeel of
another, he was thrust out for rough
struggle with the world.
Now. through the merest chance. the
real culprit had been discovered. and
the letter in OWENS trem bling hand
contained ample apology for past in
justice. and an earnestly expressed de-
sire that old relations be renewed.
'.As you are reinstated with the old
boy" an extract from Travers' letter
i suppose we shall soon have you
among us again. l hope it will not
break your heart to hear that Nelly
Welland has given you the slip.
When she heard of your misfortune she
transferred her affections to Nor
timer"
Il think have found some one who
will console me for the tickle Nelly"
said Owen, to himself odd ever a
stroke of fortune come at a luckier
moment?"
Old Crun cher's hat played the role
of post-box on several occasions after
this; tn are were other tete-G-tetes upon
the messy log. and here Ow told
Louise the old. old story-told and
listened to with tender, sweet delight.
Uncle Raymond's letter embolden ed
Owen to prompt measures in depriv-
ing Mr.. Mitchell of his so-called bride.
and MIR. Cruncher Of his niece.
Violent opposition, rage. bitter re-
proaches of ingratitude. battle OF
angry words, waxed fast and furious
for a time at the red house with the
yeller chimney-pots. but love gained
the victory. Blake. in Lestie's
Weekly