Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-09-15

Laura went to the parlor, aud immediately
returned with Browning. He was a strongly
built young fellow, with a bright, intellectual
face, and was manly in his bearing.
. have sent for you, said ldr. Pcuderrrass.
looking at him scornfnlly, sin order to toll
you briefly and bluntiy just what the situation
is. If You aud Laura marry shall not leave
her cent have arranged everything. II
she cannot wisely be entrusted With the prom
erty, then it will go TO the fofeiga missionary
society. AS / am q religious man. have al
ways taken great interestin the heather. and
] hope the money may be the means of con-
ycrting many of them"
q 1 myself feel more interest In your grand
daughter than in the heathen," said Browning.
gailantly, although he twas very pale, ' and
certainly do not wishrto promote the missions
airy cause at her expense, But wish you and
her both to understand that am no furtune-
hunter, aud that II che loves me moro than she
does the money, love her enough to marry
her without it and to rejoice then"
Spoken like my own true lover" cried
Laura, her heart swelling with pride and affec-
ton. ~
She ran to Browning. and he ciasped her in
his arms.
'Alr. Pendergrass,n the young man cried,
I" here Is something money cannot buy, that Is
worth more than your whole fortune. 1t is
pure, disinterested love"
The old man gazed at the young couple In
astonlshmont.
Is it possible that you value what you call
love more than all of my money and tho power
it would confer on the possessor of 1t 2"
:" 1t is" they cried together, aud they looked
fondly at each other. The old man at last was
touched aud the scales fell from his eyes. He
realized the truth of what Laura had said in
regard to his having denied himself of tho
greatest blessings OF life. He comprehcnded
that his life had been iailnre, aud that hc
had cheated himself In spite of all his precau-
tions. This young aud unworldly couple poe-
sessed tho secret of happiness which ho had
never found.
He became greatly agitated, aud tho effect
upon him in his weakened condition was very
serious. He put his hand to his side md cried:
ga Fpasm is coming. believe am dying.
Run to lawyer Andrews and tell him to bring
both of my wills"
Laura hesItated. a
"Do us you arc bidden," saiG her grand
father sternly. /" 1 have dono wrong but
may be able to leave you the property yet"
Laura obeyed him Fortunately lawyer An
drewslived in the next house and was at home.
He rushed to his SAFE took from 1t a bulky en-
yelopc, and followed the frightened Laura to
her home.
Mr.. Pendergrass was sinking fast when tho
lawyer arrived.
Have you both willslH the dying man
asked eagerly.
dyes" ~ Hi @ $50
A look of great relief came over. Mr. Pendcr-
grass's face
"Then tear up the last will that dscriminates
against my granddaughter aud retain tho will,
made several yenrsago, that leaves tho prop
crty to her unconditibnaily."
As Laura bent over her grandfather, tears
streaming from her eyes, he CAPPED tue word
g Forgive"
She pressed his hand and he was dead.
At this moment a ray of sunshine, for tho
first time that dreary day, burst through tho
clouds, as the great orb sank beneath the west
ern horizon, and the general gloom was slightly
relieved. There was little soul in the day
after all, and so there had becn,a lIttle In the
hard, selfish man who now lay In the embrace
of DEATH