Sharp County record., 1888-07-05

AL lllIo ptlooCu LllOu-A ONSh C"J
toms mind two years after it had oc-
Cured. He had had a hard struggle.
With all his brilliant talents he had a
time of it to make both ends meet. He
was brave and hopeful, and he nurt-
ured these by thinking of the brilliant
woman he had not met since he parted
with her at Saratoga He heard of
her often, but he purposely avoided
meeting her
What's the use?" he would ask
himself
Jack" said his mother, as he went
home one night, "Ihave never spoken
to you about your father because the
subject is q painful one to me. But l
have heard news to-day through his
fathers lawyers that you should
know"
We'll, mother, what's the news? !
have never taken any stock in my
father, because you never told me any
thing about him, and l concluded that
he must have wronged you very deep
ly."
"He did, Jack. H. thought he loved
me, but he did not H married me,
and when he found that his rich father
would not sanction the marriage he
deserted me. For twenty-five years
he has lived in Europe. He drank
very hard, so l have heard. He never
wrote to me, but his lawyers have paid
me a small sum every quarter, you
know"
"Well, yes" said Jack; Il know
you drew the money, but | didn't
know he was living and that he is rich.
l shall institute action torecoyer your
rightful share of his money"
But he is now dead Jack"
"Deat ?"
Yes; he died in Paris a month
ago"
When Jack entered his Office the
next morning his head was full of the
news his mother had told him and of
projects to look into his father
affairs to protect his own and his
mothers interests. He had hardly
got settled down to his work before
spruce young man in footman' 5 liv-
cry presented himself and handed him
sealed letter. He read the letter
with mingled emotions. He put on
his coat and hat and followed the
servant to the pavement and entered
the magnificent carriage in waiting
The carriage stopped before a rich
house in one of the fashionable up
town streets. and the doors flew open
as Jack approached to them.
He was led to large bedroom. He
walked to the side of the bed, around
which two physicians and one or two
servants were congregated. Every
body made way for him. A shrunken
hand was extended to him, and he
grasped it
Young man." said faint voice, "a
am your grandfather. | wronged
your mother when she was young.
Your father is now dead. He was
rascal. l have kept track of you
through the years since you were
born. l have not long to live. ]
want you 10 forgive me before die. ]
will not ask your mother to forgive
me, because l have occasioned her too
much sorrow. All my wealth is yours.
You have only to see my lawyers,
jerks & jerks. You will find every
thing in shape, for my house has been
in order a great many years against
this hour.
Jack sank down by the side of the bed
thoroughly unnerved. He was astrong
man, but in this hour, when the past
was to be atoned for and death hov-
cred about the grandfather who had
wronged him, but whom he had never
seen before, he was weak as child
Forgive" and the spirit of James
Dayton left the frail and wasted body.
where it had lodged for seventy years
before he could finish the sentence.
Three months after the mortal re.
mains of James D ayton had been con-
signed TO the earth from which they
came Jack Dayton presented himself
at the Fifth avenue residence Of Gussie
Vandorn. His head was in fearful
state of agitation.
After short time, which seemed an
age to him, the young woman entered
the parlor He arose TO his feet and
advanced TO meet her.
Miss Vandorn, will you pardon the
liberty take in calling upon youP'
"Mr. Dayton, you have been free to
call upon me- by invitation, for the
past two years. ."
But l thought you may have for
gotten"
Il have not forgotten
Jack gazed into her eyes moment
with all the earnestness of the days
since they had parted. Her eyes
dropped beneath his. and her face was
suffused with bushes. She had not
forgotten. He said with simple elo.