The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1893-10-21
HER OWN RIVAL.

4 am in love with her!' I cried. I'm
love for the first time in my life, and
know
I spoke, Of the young lady who had
been my companion during long stage
coach journey in the far West, and
from whom had just parted. I did
not exaggerate; I had given her my
whole heart, and unless my vanity mis-
led me, she had not found me disagree
able. TO be sure she had been very
reticent; She had listened to my con-
fdences without making any return
for them. >c*
1 had told her that my name was
Richard Whitworth, and she had smiled
and bowed, as if introduced, but had
not tt0old ME her own name. had told
her that was going to See my grand
father, and supposed that she knew,
or at least, knew of, old Richard Whit
worth, who had been so fortunate in his
mining speculations; at any rate, her
father would, and she only said:
''Ah, then you are named after him ~
I told her it was awkward not to
know the name of any one with whom
one was conversing, and she only
laughed.
;. However, this proved to me that she
Wan well broug Indeed, Il should
have approved Of such conduct in sis
ter
Travelling alone in this wild country,
it would have been ridiculous to be-
have exactly as she would on an or
dinary journey. She needed our protec-
ton, in fact. But I thought she drew
the line beautifully in saying nothing
about herself or her connections to a
stranger. And, as I said, if I remained
with my grandfather as long as I sup
posed should, would soon become ac-
quainted with her in so small place.
And so I simply did my best to be
agreeable for the rest of the journey.
The stage stopped at the hotel that
those who We're going farther on might
dine, and I saw my fellow passenger
step into vehicle that seemed to- be
waiting for her, and drive away. After
this, as did not wish to arrive at my
grandfatherS S in q state of starva ton,
L took my dinner, and then lighting a
cigar, asked the way to WhitWorth
House.
'Straight on rhe landlord sa:d, ''and
when you reach the top of the hill you
will see the chimneys, and the trunk
and bag will be sent to you"
So, glad to stretch my limbs. after
having cramped them so long awhile
on the narrow roof-seats of tue stage,
[ Stall1ed away
The road was longer than T thought,
however, and it was after four o'clock
when I opened the gate at the Whit
worth mansion and saw a stout, fine
docking old gentlem man seated upon the
porch reading newspaper.
l walked up the path and stood before
him. lie looked at me for moment
and then started up, holding out both
his hands,
1T must be little Dick" he said,
And you are my grandfather,' I
cried; "and you look no older than T
remember you when I was a baby-in
fact not old at ALL"
He sighed.
But I am older,'' he answered.
"'Events, not years, change man. I
am all alone here now-wife and chill
dren have passed away, I want you to
stay with me; have a presentiment
that it will not be long" \
He patted me kindly on the back as
he released my hands.
'Ah! but you look very well, grand
father" said, wonderfully weI.'
He sighed again.
For all Of that, want to have Sc
rious talk with you," he said. II have
been afraid I should not have it. You
don't mind my beginning at once?'
Just as you please, grandfather" I
replied. !.
''only you must eat something first"
he said. .e.-> ~-s, = 49,.
II have dined at the hotel,'' I an
swered. .->fz
Then you are in good condition for
my talk he commentd. "Come, then"
D followed him across the hall and we
entered a room the walls of which
were lined with books. The doors
Wer hung with portieres, and great,
soft Persian rug covered the floor. Our
feet made no noise upon It. It was the
very place for a tete-a-tete. s@.s* =
Now, Dick, make yourself comforta-
BILE, = said my grand father, ssand listen.
j You are the only son OF my eldest boy
the only surviving relative I have on
q earth and have already made my win,
+ leaving you everything. You will be q
very rich man, and, meanwhile, you
can have all the money you want, so
that you will be IN no hurry ter me to
step out. s 5sss2 ss