The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-02-26
LOVE TRIUMPHED.

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 de-
void of gladness. Nature was repressed
and unsympathetic.
Near the window of stately mansion
was an old man, whose life was typltied
by the dreary day. Seated in an invalid's
chair, his head propped by pillows, he
YEARLY watched the rain descend lie
had hard, bony face, a firm mouth, chin
lips tightly drawn over his teeth, and
eyes to which the softer feelings were
evidently strangers. His aspect, grim
and repelling, was physical revelation
of his character.
Muttered sternly, his thoughts ran
thus:
INV decision is final. l will speak to
her once more, l will give her one more
chance. If she yields, and she must
Weld, unless totally lacking in common
sense, will leave my property to her,
but if she shall persist in Drawing my
authority, will disinherit her; l Will
not leave her evena penny"
"What did you say, grandpaP Did you
say you would not leave even penny to
me?'
1t was a remarkable sweet voice,
though which quivered note 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. ltrests
with you whether you will live in pow
erty or be the most wealthy heiress in the
State. You are like your father, imprac-
tical and visionary. If there were any OF
myself in you, you would not hesitate for
a moment as to the course you ought to
pursue"
Elijah Pendergrass closed his lips
grimly, and there was look in his lace
that showed that the consciousness of
his own superior wisdom gave him much
satisfaction.
Are you certain, grandpa, that it
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 to beseech him to
yield to her wishes.
my great success in life sufficiently
answers you,n he replied, with the ego
tism of one who thinks that what he bad
said has left no opportunity for fur
ther argument.
''You really think that you have sue
ceeded?"
Laura's tone was slightly sarcastic.
Mr.. Pendergrass was still more sur
prised. He frowned.
"Of course l have succeeded. Why do
you talk so childishly?"
81 beg pardon if have irritated you,
but feel that what am asking is i'm
portant. And now, if you will please
tell me, would like to know what you
regard as success"
Mr.. Pendergrass was very much sur
prised and at first it seemed as if he
might petulantly refuse to crafty his
granddaughter. But after thinking a
moment, he resolved to comply with her
request.
ITO succeed is to make good living,
to accumulate a handsome property, and
to allow no one to get the better of you
in any transaction. have always main
tanned that level-headed man would
not cheat himself"
do yon think you have never cheated
YOURSELF"
Hardly that. l never knew a man
that didn't make some mistakes; but
my errors have been few, am thankful
to say"
Il do not share your confidence, grand
pa. think you have cheated yourself. y
Mr.. Penderdrass was astonished. He
had not supposed that Lena could be so
audaciOus.
81 will tell you," continued the girl,
why think you have cheated yourself.
For the sake of making money you have
deprived yourself of the greatest
blessing You have abstained from
doing kind and generous acts,
consequently you have grown
hard and selfish, and have cheated your.
self of the much joy that comes to one
who endeavors to benefit his fellOw-men;
you have not cultivated a love for read.
ing, and have cheated yourself of much
interesting knowledge and intellectual
pleasure; you have not cultivated a love
for the beautiful in art or nature, and
thus have cheated yourself of something
invaluable that can be obtained without
money and without price; you have moi
cultivated any friendships, and you have
cheated yourself of the satisfaction Of
knowing that men regard you with az
lection and esteem, and, above all, you
have never known the heavenly Joy ex
perienced by one who loves deeply anC
is loved as deeply in return"
Laura forgot the fear of her grand
father which she customarily felt, anC
spoke with enthusiasm.
The old man noticed her glowing
cheeks and sparkling eyes with scarce
look in his face. Could it be that he wa