Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-08-24

wear plain gowns, she has the air of an arch
duchess. Where did she learn such manners,
papa dear?"
From the hills and fields and streams.
Dame Nature is noble teacher. Hope Austin
has no other way. my little girl, replied the
doctor fondly.
There was something very touching in the in
terccurse between this father and daughter.
Each seemed to be perpetually striving to get
back to the precious years they had lost, the
years OF dearest companionchip between parent
and child.
Med, hesr you have a report from Wash.
iugton. What DO the authorities say at iast?''
inquired the doctor.
Il don't think you will want to hear it all, -
replied Ned, drawing cumbrous document
from his breast pocket THE sum and SUB
and we now have to wait three years longer, to
perfect the contingent entry made in our father
name"
''who stands here living testimonial to the
wisdom of the decision" supplied the doctor,
smiling upon his whilom nurse.
Ned, cheerfully. '.This season has put us well
ahead. We can make the house more comfort
able now, and add room or two. We have
been figuring It out, Martin and 1, and we
think that next year we can count upon clear
income of more than SlOU0. -
And an increase every year. began Mar
tin.
mot too fast my boy,'' warned the doctor.
'Phylloxera may lay hold of the vines, hot
norihers strike the fruit, new pests develop,
Recollec, too, that the state is settling up fast;
the day for fancy prices has gone by"
''At any rate, we are sure of a comfortable
home and an independent living" said Hope.
acres.'' resumed the doctor. with kin look at
Hope. at will not be many years before your
level land will be worth $1,000 an acre. You will
be rich.'
81 don't believe I could possibly feel any
richer than do now. feel like a millionaire
twice over" said Hope, drawing letter from
her pocket, which she read aloud:
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. -, 1885,.
My DEAR MISS HOPE After due consideration
with my gardener, who Is also an enthusiast
over our black rose, we have decided to offer
you $500 and royalty OF 20 per cent on all our
sales. for the exclusive control of the plant.
am sure that you have sufficient confidence in
me to accept my offer that take the liberty to
enclose my check for the frst-named sum. 1
should like TO have the plants, young plants,
shipped at once, that may get them safely
housed for winter growth.
Please convey my warmest regards to DR..
Sherwood and his estimable wife, whom have
known from her childhood; also to their charm
ing daughter, whose companionship know you
will prize.
Present my respects to your father and your
brothers and accept for yourself the assurance
of an old soldiers stoutest devotion. Your
obedient servant. ROBERT L. MARSHALL.
And what are you going to do with your
check, Hope? Bank it, or invest in gold mine,
iewelry-whatf'' guizled the doctor
"a buggy replied Hope seriously. 1.-THE
most comfortable that can be found, so that
father can drive about every day. Oh, he thinks
he Is as strong as anyone, but he isn't, doctor,
and he needs to be watched and scoided like
child -
Cheerily as Hope spoke, Bessie Sherwood.
who was watching her narrowly, saw a troubled
shadow on her sweet young face.
There was one clause in Col. Marshall's letter
that Hope had suppressed, but that she could
not put from her mind. 1t weighed upon her all
the lime like prophecy of coming trouble.
Tucked away in a postscript, at the end of the
page, there had been few words addressed to
her alone:
MY nephew insists on repeating his visit to
California this coming year. He is a noble fell
low. Be good to him, my dear.
That was what made it so hard. If he were
less worthy, she would not care SO much. But
means of running his whole life.
Suddenly Bessie Sherwood, still absently
watching Hopes face, saw it brighten, and fol-
lowed the direction of her eyes.
Tom Bateman was coming up the path.
Yet Tom had less 10 say to Hope than to any
of the rest. When he had exchanged greetings
with them ell he turned to Ned
"What news from Washington? Is your claim
established?''
prove up, =" was the reply.
''You are lucky TO get through SO soon, Ned.
There seems to be no limit to the time ordi-
nary man requires TO prove up'-to his own
satisfaction, to say nothing of anybody else,"
observed Tom, seriously, and his eyes for an in
slant sought Hopes, which were at once shyly
averted, while his mute question remained I'M
ans.gered.
1T isn't ques tion of years. 1t is a ques-
ton of lifetime. om,' said the doctor, earn
est1y, but the quick touch of his wife's hand
upon his own, and her look of loving confidence,
seemed to deny the assertion.
THE END.