Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-06-26
FOR HER SAKE,
FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.

MT. HflCo QOQO6u.
"It was my grandfather's wish that we
two should marry, and for one looked for
ward to the day when could call Clarlce
wife. Yet she was always cold toward me
and one day she told me all. She was IN
love with a poor young artist and dreaded
her grandfather's anger should he hear OF
their engagement. She begged me to keep
her secret until her lover had gained a bet
ter position, and then the old man snouio
know everything. All unconscious OF my
love for her, she asked me to act as me-
diator between her and her grandtathers
anger.
The next day grandfather sent for nae,
fiercely impatient to know how my woolng
had resulted, and told him had changed
nv mind, and would not ask Clarice to be
my wife. There was scene l try to TOR
oct, but was resolute, grandfather furi-
GUS, and finally l was ordered to go on the
instant and propose to Clarice, or leave the
house forever. I seemed to myself to have
no choice. To marry Clarice, knowing she
loved Lawrencs Chase, was simply impos-
sible; to turn my grandfather's anger upon
her by making her refuse me was equally
out of the question. So l accepted the
alternative and left home. l had an in
come of three hundred dollars year from
some property of my mothers, and l SOLD
that out, and with my money went to Cali
| fornia. I have done well. there, though
| I am not a rich man."
iIYou are rich man now," said Mr..
Price, sWhen you left here four years
ago your grandfather made will leaving
ali his property to his beloved granddaugh-
ter, Clarice Elliott"
"He told me he intended to do so"
"But about month before he died he
altered his mind. He made new will,
dividing the property between you and
your cousin, should you marry each other
| Should Clarice marry any enc but you, the
whole property goes to you. think ne
had some suspicion Of another lover. The
new will was given into my care and sup
nosed the old one destroyed. l put my
| documents into q safe place ana Informed
NV mariner of its whereabouts. as left foI
Enrope a few days later. AS have said,
NV partner died suddenly a short time
afterward and Mr.. Elliot week later. On
NV return found the old will had been
taken for the last one and your Cousin
Clarice in possession of the estate. l ad'
vertised for you at once and you came II
time to prevent your cousins wedding TO-
morrow"
"Prevent it! Does she marry Lawrence
Chaser"
eyes"
sFaithful for four long years."
ssShe waited the last year out of respect
for your grandfather's memory. 1t is thir'
teen months since be died."
"What is my grandfather's estate
worth?"
"Nearly half a million. Butt did not
mention it before-there is clause in his
will that prevents you from settling any
part Of the estate upon your cousin. She
| is absolutely disinherited if she does not
marry you If you give her any portion of
the money you forfeit your claim, and the
whole estate goes to charities
| "Will you let nae see the will?"
Mr.. Price opened tin box, and from
various folded papers selected one that be
handed to his client. Harold Elliot open
ed it, read every line and word, and then
said:
"The old will holds good if this one is
not produced?"
sCertainly. Butt
The words he intended to speak did not
pass his lips, as. with his mouth half open,
he saw Harold Elliot cross the room and
deliberately lay the paper in his hand up
on the glowing Goals of the open crate.
$780," he said; ''Clarice shall not have
her happiness tonched by my hand"
An hour later there was Cry of welcome
and delight in the little sittingroom where
Harold and Clarice had parted four years
before. A tall, bearded man held 10 biz
arms q little, fairylike bloude, who wa:
laughing and crying at the same time.
"Harold! dear, dear Harold! l was afraic
you were deadp' Clarice cried, "but vol
are here at last. You will not go away
hot Is 10
Grandfather had no right to leave all hi
money to me, Harold, and I am pas
twenty-one, SO 1 can give you half"
s'You dear little goose" said Harold
gently. II have more money now than
can spend. l came to give you away
Clarice, since | am your nearest relativ
and to bring this" producing broa'
leather case.
There was a cry of delight over the Par
nre of pearls displayed when Clarice open
{ ed the case; and while she was still lost i
e admiration Lawrence Chase entered tn
room. There were not many hours 70
| Harold and Lawrence to become friends
f but before they parted they had foun
much to make them so.
True to his promise, Harold gave th
bride away. It was Harold who led tn
o guests to Clarice at the reception, Harol
!. | who arranged about tickets and baggag
4 when Mr.. aud Mrs. Chase started npo
their wedding tour, Harold who stood O
the platform and waved the last salutatio
t as they steamed away.
Mr.. Price had been one Of the few VIII
I went to see the wedding party off, and
. was his arm Harold took as he turned
white face away from the departing trail
He drew one long, deep breath, aud sale
:. 81 will say farewell here. l sail on tn
a Silver Star from New York tomorrow, an
a l take the next train in half an hour"
y One week later the news came over til
II wires that the Silver Star was lost. All o
10 board perished-