Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1889-07-13
LEAFS INHERITANCE.
lmpetuous Actions Are Often Fol-
lowed By Remorse.

"Welcome home, my dear! And !
hope you will be happy"
A gray, elderly man uttered the
words, as he lifted a slender. dark Girl
from a carriage-the Rexford oupe-
which had stopped below the Rexford
terrace, The girl ran swiftly up the
stone steps, and her companion fol-
lowed.
Uncle Ambrose" she said, "why
do you have those dark yews against
the windows? ! would cut them
down.
Why"
Because they darken the rooms,
and | like the sunshine
81 had never thought Of it, but it
Shall be done, Lea
Lea passed into the open entrance Of
the Rexford mansion, looking about
her She recognized her surround
lngs but dimly. She had not seen
them since she was a child Of twelve,
She had been at school for five wears.
Did my grandfather live in these
dark rooms, full Of black mahogany
and books? should have thought he
would have died" she said.
Her uncle looked at her for a mo-
mcnt in silence.
Your grandfather lived to a good
age, Lea. He was seyenty-fYe."
The girl, who had placed her ba,
and scarf on a chair, was EXAMINING
the candelabra on the mantel.
How old and quaint! By the way,
t"cle Ambrose, did | tell YOU how
fond Harold is of Antiquities"
'Do you mean Mr.. Feldon, Lea?n
yes
why do you call him Harold?o
"Why?' repeated the girl. well,
because am engaged to him"
She spoke with a low, musical laugh,
and looked with open, smiling fearless
ness into her companions face. He
looked startled and then grave.
Lea, you are but seventeen wears
Old" he said, gently.
"Seventeen-yes," she answered
carclcssly, bending to examine a dark
Old picture SET up on the floor. Harold
is very fond Of queer old things that
have "a history"
Ambrose ReXford was silent, but re-
garded the girl earnestly.
And that look of scrutiny, deep and
mute, was often upon his face during
the next month.
That he admired his niece there
could be no doubt; her dark imperious
beauty challenged admiration. That
she soon filled him with regret was
quite as certain.
Lea he said one day, when she
handed him her purse to replenisb, ~
was often her custom, "a am sorry TO
limit you, but | am myself limited. | f,
had no idea you were such Il SPEND ,
he added, smiling. ,
81 only want my own money-some ,
IT, she answered, with a faint look
surprise. That which papa left ,
me, you know, Uncle Ambrose. I am =
some lovely things for the +,
rooms-to brighten them up. They !
need it," ,
A dull red covered the elderly mans 5
lie laid the glittering little .
purse down, well filled once more. in (
and turned away. :
And Lea drove to town in the plain =,
'ut handsome Rexford carriage, and '
purchased a marble Clyte, a pair of I
Venetian glasses, and "a Sevres vase.
ma also the most superb roses she =
find to overrun the latter. !
Aren't they beautiful? Don't you I
them, Uncle Ambrose? See 9
lhese glasses scintillate! Hove beauti- ,
.ul things! And the Clyte is lust /
Vhat that shelf needed. | am going ;
o have things as pleasant as | a for ,
harold He is coming Tomorrow |
And when all is done your Harold i
will be taking you away to adorn an
'ther house with your vases and roses ,
mot while he is poor. He is quite
Door. you know-artists generally +
ire, | am afraid" said Lea, assisting n ,
leavy bud to hold its head up. There
5 my money, of course; but he will ,
lot touch it. Oh, but we are young. I
nd don't think of marrying vet.
anne and fortune will come by the +
line We are ready"
A half-sad, half-tender smile passed c
yer Mr.. Rexford's face. 1
MIR. Feldon is a promising artist"
'as all he said.
And whon Harold Feldon came to
ne old mansion he was very kind to +
i'm.
The young man was already welded b
to his work-and the girl was half d
that he never forgot it. He
xetched and copied local colors in all h
walks and SO enjoyed himself v
his enthusiasm communicated n
self 10 her. |,
he admired the fields and fells