Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-18
LEAFS INHERITANCE.
1mpetuous Actions Are Often Fol-
lowed By Remorse.

w ClCOmC AOlAO, Ivy anu l
hope you will be happy"
A gray. elderly man uttered the
words, as he lifted a slender, dark girl
from carriage-the Rexford coupe
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
Il 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
ings but dimly. She had not seen
them since she was child of twelve.
She had been at school for five years.
did my grandfather live in these
dark rooms, full of black mahogany
and books? 1 should have thought he
would have died." she said.
Her uncle looked at her for a mo-
ment in silence.
Your grandfather lived to good
age. Lea. He was seventy-fve."
The girl, who had placed her hat
and scarf on chair. was examining
the candelabra on the manseL
"How old and quaint! BY the way,
Uncle Ambrose, did 1 tell you how
fond Harold ia of
DO you mean Mr.. Feldon, Leap
Yes
why do you call him Harold."
''Wby?" repeated the girl well,
because am engaged to him"
She spoke with 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 years
old" he said, gently.
Seventeen-yes, she answered,
carelessly. bending to examine dark
old picture set up on the floor Harold
Is very fond OF queer old things that
have 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 filed him with regret was
quite as certain
Lea" he said one day, when she
Id = -,
was often her custom. II am sorry to
limit you. but am myself limited.
had no idea you were such spend
thrift" he added. smiling.
II only want my own money-some
OF it," she answered, with faint look
of surprise. That which papa Ief,
me, you know. Uncle Ambrose. / am
buying some lovely things for the
roOms-tO brighten them up. They
need it."
A dull red covered the elderly mans
cheek. He laid the glittering little
purse down. well filed once more, in
silence, and turned away.
And Lea drove to town in the plain
but handsome Rexford carriage. and
purchased marble Clyte, pair OF
Venetian glasses. and Sevres vase,
and also the most superb roses she
could find to overrun the latter.
Aren't they beautifule Don't you
admire them, Uncle Ambroses See
these glasses seintillate! Hove beauti-
full things! aud the Clyte is just
what that shelf needed. / am going
to have things as pleasant as l can for
Harold. He is coming tomorrow.
..And when all is done your Harold
will be taking you away to adorn an
other house with your vases and roses ,
mot while he is poor. He is quite
poor, you know-artists generally
are, am afraid" said Lea. assisting q
heavy bud to hold its head up. There
is INV money, of course; but he viii
not touch it. Oh. but we are young,
and don't think of marrying yet
Fame and fortune will come by the
tins we are ready.