Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-09-22

come so soon or 80 dire. He succeeded
in finding the aforementioned foot
man (who had been dismissed from
bis home for incompetence and suspect
ed poaching) and go worked on bis igno-
rant fears that he consented on the pay
ment of a certain sum OF money 10 sail
at once for America. Having success
fully gotten rid OF that witness, Ashbur-
ton felt his vengeance proceeding finely.
BY this time Colonel Creighton had heard
of the missing viii, and his graspng ma
ture was fully prepared 10 enter into a
bargain with tho villain Ashburton,
which was the promise Of the Colonel to
pay one third the value Of the Grandi-
son estate to Hugh on the latter's burn
ing the will in his presence. This infa-
nous bargain was carried out 10 the let
ter and on the rcceiptof fi00, 600 Hugh
Ashburton sailed for Australia. Here
he entered into the wool business, but a
wild life, including oil manner OF dlssl-
patton. broke him completely down.
After travelling in almost every land he
returned 20 England, a prematurely
aged man, in utter poverty. And now, "
continued Cartoons visitor, "comes
the strangest part Of this most strange
story. 1t seems that the rcat will OF Sir
Charles Grandson had never been de-
stroyel. The ex-secretary, who was an
adept at ponmanship. had forged the
paper which he had burned IN Colonel
Creighton's presence, intending to keep
the real document to use as a whip-cOrd
over that gentleman's shoulder in case
he (Ashburton) ever needed more
money. He was on his way to Ireland
for this very purpose when his last i'll
ness overlook him. Being convinced
that he had but few hours to live, he
had sent for me TO give me this coDfes-
sion, along with the real will, begging
me to see the wronged righted. He
WAS 80 exhausted 10y the struggle he had
made 10 tell me all that he had only
strength enough left to add his sigma
ture aud deliver me the papers and will,
when he breathed his last. IL will be
only few weeks now before you are put
in possession Of your lawful rights, Mr..
Carleton. Here" handing the young
man q package" are all the necessary
papers, And with sigh the elder man
elapsed into silence.
" Mr.. Ashburtcn, exclaimed Erie i'm
pulsively, holding out his hand, "can
xou ever forgive me my unjust suspi-
cions? Really ! thought l had almost
positive proofs.
81 have nothing TO forgive, my young
friend, said the elder, "any one with
the same light would have judged as you
have done. Even Tina, after seeing my
half-brother's portrait in the library at
the Park, thought there could be no
mistake. We were always considered
very much alike e; at any rate | am un-
der lasting obligations to you, for have
YOU not saved q life dearer than my
own? Besides, / cannot forget that
the man VINO did you such a lifelong
injury WAS my half-bIother.
Here Mr. Ashburton sighed sadly.
The two gentlemen we're here inter
rupted by a gontle knock Mt the door.
Ere they could answer tho summons
there walked into the room such q vision
Of loneliness as man does not often see.
A lovely little figure in dark-blue velvet,
pair OF roguish brown eyes peeping
out from q soft felt Gainesboro' hat.
rushed into Mir. Ashburtou's arms and
gave him bear like hug then. turning
shvlv to Carleton, held out little gloyed
hand. The Young fellow was almost
speeehless with deep emotion. He had
never seen Tina looking 80 beautiful,
and the load of trouble which he had
carried for over year had been so re-
Gently lifted that he was almost mas
tered by cOntending emotions. But
eummoning up all his strength, and with
his soui shining in his beautiful dark
eyes. he took IIna's little hand and led
her up to her father. saying manfully:
"Mr. Ashburton, will you give your
daughter to me ? love Der AS man Of
NV temperament loves only once IN lie
time If you will give her to me ! will
GUARD her rs the one treasure Of my
life. We have been down in sight OF the
dark valley together. We love each
other DO not separate us.
Carletons voice was deep with emo
ton. Tina had grown very pale, but
the lovely eyes full of tears, were raised
TO Cartoons face, and the little hand
clasped his firmly.
Mr.. Ashburton gave one long look at
his daughters face, and what he read
there must have settled the question IN
his mind forever, for without Il word he
enclosed them both In his embrace, say
ing solemnIy:
"May Heaven deal with you as you
deal with her, my SON.
One moro scene will close this story.
A lovely June night! How different
from the one on which it opened Then
nothing but darkness and tempest and
dread alarm. Nor all is peace, light,
and happiness. Ashburton Park ia one
blaze of light. The beautiful grounds
are hung With fancy lights and music
and dancing reign within. The only
daughter and heiress Of these wide do
mains has lust been united 10 the hand
some and wealthy Mr. Carleton. The
story Of his coming in possession at last
Of the,vast Grandson estates was a nine
days' wonder Many Influential friends
vino had known his parents and who re-
membered the suspicion of missing
will came forward TO congratulate him.
IN a little uncovered arbor Sit the two
whose fortunes We have followed during
few dark month. OF their lives. They
have stolen out in the cool for few
ouet moments. How beautiful Tina
looks in her bridal robes Of point lace
Carleton draws her to him aud passion
ately kissing her ruby lips murmurs
How little, my darling, wo ever
thought to be so happy. How kind
Providence has removed every difficulty
in our paths"
"He has indeed, dear Erie, lifted Us
out of the darkness into tho light.
THE END.
WAR RECOLLECTlONS.