The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1891-07-01
LOVE TRIUMPHED.


1t was day without sun. Not
once had the cheerful sun shone
through the clouds. There was
neither warmth nor light in the
sky, rain fell, and the earth, numbed
by the cold, damp air, was devoid
of gladness. Nature was repressed
and unsympathetic.
Near the window of stately
mansion was an old man, whose life
was typified by the dreary day.
Seated in an invalid's chair, his head
propped by pillows, he wearily
watched the rain descend. He had
a hard, bony face, firm mouth,
thin lips tightly drawn over his
teeth, and eyes to which the softer
feelings were evidently strangers.
His aspect, grim and repelling, was
q physical revelation of his charac-
ter.
Muttered sternly, his thoughts ran
thus:
"My decision is final. 1 will
speak to her once more. / will give
her one more chance. If she yields
she must yield, unless totally lack
ing in common sense, / will leave
my property to her; but if she shall
persist i'm Drawing my authority,
will disinherit her; / will not leave
her penny"
"What did you say, grandpa?
Did you say you would not leave me
even a penny?"
1t was a remarkably sweet voice
through which quivered note oi
pain.
"You heard Alright" cried the old
man in tones that were energetic,
in spite of his extreme feebleness.
"That is-that is my decision unless
you will agree-not to marry Edward
Browning. Itrests with you whether
you will live in poverty or be the
most wealthy heiress in the State
You are like your father impracti-
cal and visionary. If there were
any of myself in you, you would
not hesitate for moment as to the
course you ought to pursue
Elijah Pendergrass closed his lips
grimly, and there was look in his
face that sho we'd that the conscious.
ness of his own superior wisdom
gave him much satisfaction.
"Are you certain, grandpa, that il
would be better for me were more
like you?"
Mr.. Pendergrass was surprised by
the question. He had expected that
Laura's first remark would be 10 be-
seech him to yield to her wishes.
"My great success in life suf
ficiently answers you," he replied
with the egotism of one who think,
that what he has said has left nc
opportunity for further argument
| @You really think you have sue.
ceeded?"
Laura's tone was slightly sarcas
tic.
Mr.. Pendergrass was still more
surprised. He frowned.
"of course 1 have succeeded
Why do you ask SO childishly?"
al beg pardon if have irritatct
you, but l feel that what am ask,
ing is important. And now if yor
will please tell me 1 would like tc
know what You regard as success.
Mr.. Pendergrass was very much
surprised, and at first it seemed as i
he might petulantly refuse to gratif,
his granddaughter. But after think
ing a moment, he resolved to com
ply with her request.
"To succeed is make n pood
living, to accumulate handsom,
property and to allow no one to ger
the better of You in any transaction
have always maintained that .
level.headed man would not cheat
himself"
"Do you think you have never
cheated yourself?''
Hardly that. 1 never knew /.
man that did not make some mis-
takes; but my errors have been few
am thankful to say"
81 do not share your confidence
grandpa l think you have cheated
yourself"
Mr. Pendergrass was astounded