The National tribune., 1891-04-16
GBOST OF SILAS, SR
Terrible VisitatiOnS Upon Dishonest
Nephew.
BY FLORENCE uUNTLEY.

said Tho ucighbOrs when Alice Bertrand clOped
with "a handsome penniless young fellow aud
was Glsiahcrilod by her austcre aud ayaricious
old father who, already a millionaire, was
grasping for more.
Young Silas. AT once namcsako and nephew,
YVES Immediately Installed by the now child
less widower in the daughters place, and for
five years ei0yed all OF sons prerogativos.
after which the old man died leaving his ncph-
ew sole heir 10 his fortune with ono proviso.
la Codici b. his will, attached only ia the
last week OF his life Silas sr betrayed the tardy
soitening of his linty heart, and proclaimed
that should his daughter become a widow, her
cousin was 10 Immediately divide equally with
her the property and money remaining, or IN
the event Of both his daughters aud her Eu,-
bands death, her share was TO be equally
divided among the heirs Of the said Alice l}er-
traud Lyle Although this uudIeamed-of codi-
ell was a humiiating surprise to the equally
ayaricious nephew, he could not prevent the
proper legal steps for the discovery of the dis
owned daughter
Al the end Of a year no trace Of the co.hcir
20 old Bcrlrand's fortune was found, and the
entire estate passed into the hands Of young
SilHs
Nor was be any longer young, ten years
having elapsed since his cousins clopcment
aud his own rise of fortune. Silas. jr., had
justified his uncic's confidence by marrying
y
than diminished tho Bertrand treasury.
That Mrs. Silas was plain woman Of uneven
temper aud had married SilaS, IT,, less for love
than from dread OF Old maideuhoOi, did not
seriously trouble either the old gentleman or
his cougenial nephew. Tho money making
young man was probably not aware that peo-
Pic ever married from higher motives than
comfort or convenience.
The years rolled on until eight had elapsed
since the old mans deaih-eghtccn since the
marriage and disappearance OF Alice, has only
child.
That Alice was dead silas, ir, no longer
doubted, nor did he any longer fear her re.
tGrH, hut was now enjoying the full control Of
his large fortune.
Five children had but increased the iiscOrd
between the parsimonious husband aud the
sharp-tongucd wife. Averice aud sc0rn, with
their nervous suspicious, selfish brood sat be-
hind the massive doors Of the old Bertrand
mansion. Nothing but tho oil OF unlimited
means kept that household machinery from
crcaking wofully, aud money was the couI-
mon fetch Of tho family.
One windy March afternoon, while Silas
Bertrand sat in his library making certain
calculations that were 20 bring more dollars,
De WAS interrupted by the announcement Of 4
/ lady visitor, which announcement was imme-
diatcy followed by the entrance Of a pale bat
lovely and delicate young girl.
The millionaire Faled, staring at the girl in
silence.
" am Alice LYLE" said the fair intruder.
timidly-" Alice Bertrand Lyle-my mother
and she glanced AesitatingIy about the luxu-
r.ou- room was your cousin"
What dih you say?" inquired Silas, jr.,
eagerly. why, how -
MY mother is dead, sir. She died nearly
eight years ago, after dreadful illness; her
her mind was gone"
And your father?" quickly.
The girls lips quiyercd. He too is dead.
Just month ago be left me all alone in Cali
iomia."
"IIow and Why did yOa come here2"
colby.
Why. sir papa urged me TO- never
l.ncw until thea who were my mammals people.
They were never spokoa of 20 home. Then,
mamma passed away not knowing me, nor was
papa there for many mouths.'
All" TIE millionaire brcathed freely.
"Thi,. then. was the cause Of the silence"
% Where was your !atherg" cnriously.
Ia the mines: hut he lost sl his money
was robbed bat whcn hc came back aud found
mamma gone his heart broke; lac was never
wei again"
" Aud your proofs. Miss Lyle, of oil this
story ~
The Young girl looked up confidently into
the hard face.
WAY PAPA said you sll would know me
from ny likeness to mamma. / have none Of
her letters or marriage certificate nor that Of
my birth; poor mamma, not knowing burned
al Of hers and papa's valuable papers, letters,
and piciures'
Over the face Of therich man shot a moment
airy smile, hut a smile more cruel than fruwn
" And why are you hercy" iHsistenty.
The girl glanced up with frightened look
4 in her violet eyes.
" was all alone. I did not know what else
10 DO. Papa said that mamma was al only
child, aud that her papa-my graudpapa-
would receive me-
$50 this is why you csme?"
Yes. SIR appcaling!y, and will he not
forgive has daughter for marrying my dear
papay"
The personal devil theory is exploded. but
there are certain evil promptngs ia the hearts
of men that must hereafter 20 unexplained
/ IL was this impersonal current Of satanic cum
ming that prompted the next question Of Silas
/ Bertrand.
For marrying, did you say?"
The girl started.
"Why, child the words cut the air dis.
/ tiactly-" it was just because your father did
not marry her r"--
"Oh! my God" IL was the sudden sharp
cry Of breaking heart, aud the pale, childish
suppliant Tor love and care, as If blinded By the
cruel words reached for 4 chair close a. hand
/ but. missing that support, She staggered for an
instant, then fell heavily unon the floor.
Ibemans face was hard as flint. lie touched
the bell, then stepping out and closing the door
/ said 10 the servant, "Soud Mrs Bertrand to
me al once: she will know what 10 do" he
muttcred. Then e-entering the room he lifted
/ the unconscious girl IN his arms aud laid her
4 on a couch.
/ What passed in that luxurious apartment
! during the next two hours is not recorded. but
ht the end Of that timo young Alice Lyle passed
| slowly out Of her mothers old home There
was new sorrow on her sweet face. She