St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-01-01
THE MISER'S MONEY.

with the world in general. In the first
place, he was going to marry the girl he
loved, and very Opportunely old Thomas
Mortimer, relative he had only seen
once in his life, had died and left him a
fortune.
1t was just week before his wedding
that his betrothed, Edith Willis,
was seated in her fathers draw
ing-rOOm working on some lace and
singing softly to herself. Few but would
have praised the taste the young man
had shown in selecting such beautiful
wife. She dropped her work with a
glad cry as her lover entered the room.
Her face Saddened as she noted the
tired expression in his eyes.
''Philip, you look worried" as h e
kissed her cheek.
''And feel so, darling. 1 have come
on sad mission. To say that our we'd
ding must be indefinitely postponed"
but why?" was the fearful question.
Until can realize enough of an in
come to support you, dearest. as you
deserve. | have found out to-day that [
am not Thomas Mortimer'S heir. That
distant cOuSin-a nearer relative-eX-
lists, and / will see that she comes into
her property" And he sighed.
But, Philip, the will has made it le-
gally yours?"
Legally, it has; but Edith, could I
reconcile it to my ideas of truth and
honor to avail myself of cid Mortimer'S
fanciful freak at this woman's expense?
might take the boarded wealth, but l
should never respect myself again,
could l dream of legally defrauding the
rightful heir. Nay, dearest, | may lose
name and wealth, but l would rather
die than suffer single stain on my
honor as Christian gentleman"
You have done right, Philip" said
Edith, with sparkling eyes. I'VE will
wait and hope on, happy in loving one
another more dearly than ever. But
who is she? What is her name?''
| will write again to my lawyer to ask
these questions, and to direct that
deed of conveyance be instantly made
out; and then, darling 3"
His lips quivered moment, yet he
manfully completed the bitter sentence
Then | will begin the battle of life
over again."
And Edith's loving eyes told him
what she thought of his noble self-ab-
negation-a sweet testimonial.
HEMP said DR.. WylliS, polishing
his eye glasses magisterially with silk
crimson OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES; Il didn't
suppose the young fellow had so much
stamina about him-a very honorable
thing to do. Edith. 1 have never felt
quite certain about Phil Acres being
worthy of you before"-
''Papa!"
''But my mind is made up now. When
is he coming again?"
This evening, sir" faltered Edith.
the violet eyes softly dropping.
Tell him, Edith, that he may have
you next Wednesday, just the same as
ever! And as for the law-practicing-
why, there's time enough for that after
ward. Child, don't Strangle me with
your kiSseS-keep 'em for Phil"
He looked after his daughter with
eyes that were strangely dim.
''Tried--and not found wantingr' he
muttered indistinctly
The perfume of orange blossoms had
died away. the glimmer of pearls and
satin were hidden in velvet caskets and
travelling trunkS-and Mr.. and Mrs.
Acre, Old-married people of a full
months duration, were driving along a
country road in the autumn glow of a
glorious autumn sunset.
Halo! which way is Thomas
going?" said Philip, leaning from the
window, as the carriage turned out of the
main road.
Il told him the direction to take.
Phil" said Edith, with bright, sparkling
eyes. Let me have my own way, Just
for once! We are going to our new
home"
''Are we?" said Phil with comicaI
grimace. 1T is to be love in a cottage,
SUPPOSE"
''Wait until you see, sir" said Mrs.
Acre, pursuing up her little rosebud OF a
mouth. And Philip ''waited'' dute-
ously.
Where are we?' he asked in aston
lshment when the carriage drew up in
front Of stately pillared portico, which
seemed not entirely unfamiliar to him.
Surely this is Mortimer pIace!'
II shouldn't be surprised if it wasp
said DR.. Willis, emerging from the
doorway. "Walk in, my boy-come,
Edith! Well, how do you like the looks
of your new hOme?"
Our new home?" repeated Philip.
81 do not understand you, sir.''
'Why, l mean that your little wife
y0nder is the sole surviving relative of
Thomas Mortimer, although she never
knew it till this morning. Her mother
was old MOrtimer's cousin, but some
absurd quarrel had caused q total cessa-
ton of intercourse between the two
branches of the family. l was aware of
the facts all along; but l wasn't sorry
to avail myself of the opportunity of
seeing what kind of stuff you were
made of, Phil Acre! And now as the
deed of conveyance isn't made out yet.
don't suppose your lawyer need
trouble himself about it. The heiress
won't quarrel with you, I'll be bound 70
Philip Acres cheek flushed and then
grew pale with strong, hidden emotion,
as he looked at his fair wife standing
beside him, when the sunset turned her
bright hair to coils of shining gold, and
thought how unerringly the hand of
Providence had Strengthened out the
tangled web of his destiny.
Out of the darkness had come light!