Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-12-08

she does not deny it, it becomes a legal
marriage There was a witness In the
train that day-the old lady mentioned
Mr.. Mitchell is Scotch, and was deter
mined to have his rights
Il could not believe aunt was in earn
est. but it seems she was, and what is
worse. they all beset me every hour in
the day with speeches to the effect that
it is of no use to try and escape my des-
tiny; Mr. Mitchell has the law on his
side, and the sooner. for appearances
sake, consent to another marriage cere-
mony In church, the better.
81 have asked you to meet me here
this evening, Mr.. Stanley. to tell me
truly If there is any ground for their say
ing am Mr.. Mitchell's wife. -
st is the most preposterous, cowardly
lie ever heard OFF, exclaimed Owen.
quite boiling over with Indignation SIN
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."
'sOh, I'm so glad and thankful you as
sure me that this dreadful man has no
power over mer' said Louise, with a
profound sigh of relief.
"You poor little friendless thingl" As
if of its own accord Owens arm encircled
the girls waist, and be tenderiy and
reverently kissed her unresisting lips.
''And now I must fly back to the
house. Dear mel 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 another
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 eyes-from Uncle Raymond
He dashed into the perusal of this last
at once. and discovered that, after year
and month, his former friend and ben
efactor, his fathers only brother, was on
the track of the fellow who had commit
ted certain forgery-a crime Of which
Morris Raymond. in hot. sudden anger,
had accused his nephew. Strong cir
cumstantial evidence against Owen was
not wanting, and thus. suffering for the
misdeed of another, he was thrust out for
a rough struggle with the world.
Now, through the merest chance, the
real culprit had been discovered, and the
letter in Owens trembling hand con-
tanned ample apology for past injustice,
and an earnestly expressed desire that old
relations be renewed.
cas- you are reinstated with the old
boy"-an extract from Travers' letter
II suppose we shall soon have you among
lis again. 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 affec-
tons to Mortimer"
81 think have found some one who
will console me for the tickle Nelly"
said Owen to himself. "Did ever q
stroke of fortune come at q luckier mo-
ment2"
Old Cruncher's hat played the role Of
post box on several occasions after this;
there were other tetes-a-teees upon the
messy log, and here Owen told Louise
the old. old story-told and listened to
with tender, sweet delight. Uncle Ray
mond's letter emboldened Owen to
prompt measures in depriving Mr..
Mitchell of his SO called bride, and Mr..
Cr,lncher 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 VIC
tory.-Lucy Blake in Frank Leslie's.