The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-07-09

Edith had fulflled James prophecy
and married psor man for love-a man
of good family. but feeble character,
whom her father had given a place in
his mercantile establishment, though he
was ill-fitted for it.
While Jane had lived in modest cot
tage neither her sister nor mother had
thought it incumbent on them to keep
up those intimate relations with her and
her family which the natural ties ofclose
kinship would have seemed TO demand.
Bot she, having regard to her filial duty,
had not les that Influence her conduct,
visiting her old home as frequently as
circumstances permitted, though she
could not help feeling that she was not
as welcome as she should have been.
Her marriage-low marriage her sisters
chose to consider it-had not only shut
her out of the charmed circle Of fashion,
but seemed to have affected her stand
ing in the family circle as well.
Her mother had treated her with
condescending affection. but her fathers
manner to her had never changed. The
quiet, undemonstrative old man had
seemed to look upon her frequent appear
anee among them as a matter of course,
often returning her calls, taking tea with
her and her husband, and staying some
times until quite late talking with them,
so that Jane was won't to wonder if ever
he did disapproye Of her marriage to
John Ward.
The coolness-if it may be so called
on the part of the female members other
family had, in measure, disappeared as
Wards worldly circumstances had i'm
proved, though neither James mother
nor sisters could entirely get over the
fact that his father had been brickma-
son. When the two girls were married
they affected to look upon him as the in
ferior of their own husbands, though one
was a worthless scamp, and the other
poor, characterless fellow, who had spent
the greater portion of his life thus far in
lounging about and looking handsome
for the delectation of just such silly wo-
men as theywere.
One evening John and his wife were
sitting alone, he looking over some draw
ings and she sewing, while they talked
together. 1t was late the little ones
had long been in bed. and they were
somewhat surprised to hear the tinkle of
the door bell. John answered the sum-
mons himself, and returned to the sitting
room accompanied by Mr.. Lewis.
:" 1t is rather late" said the old gentle
man, kissing his daughter-an unusual
demonstration of affection on his part
" but l was passing, and thought that
l would drop in on you for few min
utes."
"We are always glad to have you
come, papa" said jane and ! only
wish we lived near enough to see you
every day"
Mr.. Lewis was silent for few min
utes, and then he inquired, rather sb-
ruptly
Isn't that cottage over on the corner
of the street for rent ~ indicating the
direction of the corner in question with
his thumb.
Yes, Mr.. Lewis" said Ward, looking
curiously at his guest it has heen for
rent several months. Nobody seems to
care to occupy it, it is in such dilapida-
ted condition"
"But it could be repaired and made
habitable."
"Of course-but at considerable ex-
pense."
What interest can an old house
like that have for you. papa" inquired
Jane.
81 was just thinking it might be made
a very pleasant home for people of mod
crate means, replied Mr.. Lewis. " 1t is
a pity it has been allowed to 60 to rack
This place belongs TO you, John, doesn't
it?"
Yes" replied Ward. l bought the
lot with the first money that | earned
over and above my expenses. But al.
ways thought you knew it belonged t.
me-us, l should say, for what is mine IL
James and what is hers is mine. Their
is no division of interests with us-i:
there, Jane ?'
"No. indeed" said Jane, laughing
and if there were should be a pau
per-"
The next moment she regretted the
/ last words, for she saw a look Of pair
fit across her fathers face. Jane haC
received nothing from him, and as h'
was believed to be very wealthy man
what had Inadvertently escaped her lip'
seemed like reproach.
What I meant" said the old man
hesitating little in his speech now
"was that there is NJ incumbrance-nC
mortgage ?"
& None whatever said John, a littl
proudly. The property is ours, in fe'
simple, every plank and every nail ii
it."
THAT'S well, that's WE'LL" said Nj
Lewis Every imarried man shoul'
have home Of his own, if he possibly
can-no matter how modest it may be
"Your father seems a little odd to
night" said John, when the old man ha'
gone.
~Do you think there can be anythin
wrong with him ?' asked Jane, rathe
anxiously.
Well, it did appear to me that ther
WAS a troubled look in his face"
"oh," said his wife, but you kno
that Is his usual expression
at was something more than usus
tonight said John. But have bee
very foolish to tell you this. my dear
will only worry you, and, perhaps, aft
all, it is merely fancy of mine"
But Jane had noticed the trouble
look on her fathers face, though she ha
tried to persuade herself that it was onl
his usual gravity little more pronour
ced' perhaps, yet nothing to cause an,
. iety, at all events.
About a week after this visit, the mi
ister who officiated in the church whiC
/ the family attended called upon Il
Wards This was nothing unusual b