Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1889-01-24

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berry bushes-containing two acres,
more or less-which borders my wood
lot. (As Janet always had weak.
ness for gooseberries she will appre'
clate my gift) 1t is my desire, how
ever, that she should have the bushes
uprooted and the land piowed and
sowed with wheat. Failing to 90 this
in two years. time, the land also be-
comes the property of Rachel
All felt that it was decidedly un-
just will. That arid strip of land,
where naught flourished but MULLEN
stalks and gooseberry bushes. was
barely worth accepting; while the
farm, with it, numerous acres of till
able soil, its vast meadows and its
valuable wood lot, was worth several
thousands.
Involuntarily Dick Holmes sturned
from the girl he professed to loveand
went over to Rachel, whose face wore
an exultant look.
Let me congratulate you, Miss
Finkle-Rachel' he said. with these
mesmeric eyes of his fastened upon
her. as he bent low over her CHAIR
You know how glad l am of your
good fortune
Yes she returned quietly, though
into her eyes shot fash of contempt,
i realize just how glad you are. 1t
Janet had been grandfather's heiress
instead of me, you would have made
love to her. AS happen to come off
victoriously, you, as tortune-hunter,
naturally turn to me. l did love you
and would have been your wife glad
Ily, had you been sincere IN your pro-
testations of affection. AS 1t is, los
ing her calmness and raising her voice,
l despise you! loathe you as | would
some Shiny reptile in my path! You
have played fast and loose with both
of the lniser's grand. daughters, not
knowing which would turn out to be
his heiress. Now, if you wish Janet
to be your wife, you have that privi-
lege. If not, you traitor, get out OF
my sight! This is my house, and |
never want to see your face in 1t
again as long as | live!
He stepped to the door, was open
ing it, when another voice, sweeter,
clearer than the FIRST, bade him stop:
DO not 60 just yet, Mr.. Holmes; |
have word or two to say to you. Ii
l had been the heiress it would have
done you no good to court me. For
husband, mere fop would not suit
me. Adieu'
She relapsed into silence, and the
humiliated man took his departure,
realizing that he had failed signally in
securing an heiress.
'Janetp
1t was the voice of Bob Temple that
broke the stiffness. She sat alone in
the sitting room absorbed in thought.
well? she smiled, as he hesitated
to proceed.
IL love yon. Now that you are
not the heiress l can tell you so.--
Janet, will you be my wife?'
Janet put her hand conGdingly in
his and softly whispeded, Yes
So nothing in the way to prevent,
they were married, and went to house
keeping in a pretty little cottage, sur,
rounded by few acres ofground, and
off of which Bob expected to earn
their living. In the course of time
he prepared to cultivate the land pre-.
sented to his wife. He tore up the
gooseberry bushes with energy, and
began to p,ow the lot. One old bush
proving obstinatd he had recourse to a
picks and began to dig about the
roots with his might and main. Il
struck against something that was
neither ground nor stone. What was
J it? He pecked away wonderingly un
til wooden box was disclosed, which
with considerable excitement, he pro
ceeded to haul out and break open
when a smaller box of metal emerged
to view.
1T is Janet's fortune he cried
dwelling on the eccentr.cities of the
defunct, as he hurried home with the
box as fast as his feet would carry him
Il was sure he never meant to leave
, her out in the cold
In the presence of Janet he opened
the box. What sight met their eyes
1 1t was literally filled with glitterins
y gold pieces; IN the midst Of which was
$ strip of parchment, on which were
{ traced words to the effect that if she
3 Janet, presented herself at - bank
New York City, she would find there
an equivalent FOR her goodness 10
; lonely old man.
To her unmitigated surprise sa
found the sum of twenty Thousand
=, dollars deposited there for her use
He left no explanation as TO his con
duct Janet, however was sure tina
, she had the key to it.
sHe knew the box would be found,
she said, 'and he was afraid I woul(
Z marry Dick Holmes if he openly pro.
claimed me his heiress. '---Johh A
Peters, in Albany Evening Journal.
-e-N~
Reducinr the Surplus,