St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1893-03-04

smile. lie LuTueu HIS o'il cJCo Io""l"o
the gentleman and chrckled at what he
childishly supposed was his nephew's
chagrin and modification.
"Who dye s'pose will get all my place
and all my money! Come, now, who
dye s'pose? Ye were such sneaklng
boy," he went on, without waiting for q
reply, land played SO mean that yell
fare bad, but Millie-my bound girl
Millie, wi no is none Of our blood, mind
yell git it all-all-all!" screamed the
old man, with frightful emphasis on the
| last "all."
II certainly hope she may" said the
gentleman, "for she doubtless deserves
| It. but for me, Uncle Zeke, | am able to
| take care of myself, so do not imagine
that | want anything from you except
decent treatment; but good day, | shall
not trouble you any longer" and he rose
| to go.
At that moment he was conscious Of
some one entering from an inner room,
and turning he saw lady standing on
the threshold.
Strange meeting this of the playmates
| of long ago, for it was Mile who stood
in the doorway! Mile, grown tall and
graceful, much different from the chubby,
good-natured girl whom Adolph had
cherished so lightly in the memory all
these years. The delicate features, the
sympathetic eyes, the charm of beauty
hard to define, yet quickly sensed by all
who came in contact with her, affected
him strangely. He read in the patient
face and strange surroundings the self
sacrifice of years, and out of the shadowy
depths of the past came flood of tender
memories.
He was in tie presence of one thrice
more dear to him than he had ever i'm
agined. Perhaps, after all, a kind fate
had led him here His heart was filled
with a nameless longing, and he spoke
almost appealingly: 'Don't you remem-
Der me, Millie9 l am Adolph."
The panied, frightened expression on
her face gave way to one of pleasure and
she advanced with outstretched hand.
"And you are Adolph," she said.
The old man for the moment had been
forgotten, but he stumbled to his feet al
most black with rage and raised his
oaken staff. "You hussy !" he screamed,
"do you dare act friendly to him when I
ordered you years ago to spurn him like
dog if he ever returned? Touch his
hand and I'll disinherit We; yen leave
my roof forever. Dye hear I'd skin
him." he Kissed, elf he were only under
me now"
Mr.. Grifis withdrew his proffered
hand in embarrassment, for he saw the
trouble he was liable to cause the COM
panion of his childhood. Their eyes met,
and the look of sympathy he gave her
told more than words. Mile turned to-
wards the old man and spoke quietly:
81 shall 60 elsewhere if you wish it. l
do not want your money; but you are
getting old and | remained for your
sake"
1t was the first time Uncle Zeke had
ever spoke threateningly to her. Bad and
bitter as the old man was towards his
enemies, he had refrained from speaking
harshly to Mile until to day. How
could he live without her Who could
| fill her place by his side when those ter
rible cramps returned, when every NOV
ment of his body incurred excruciating
pain
All, Uncle Zeke forgot in his wrath al
his debt of gratitude, and although she
had spoken in pleading tones, he turned
on her fercelv: eyes, leave, both OF ye,
and never darken these doors ag'in."
They looked at each other hopclessly
| for moment, and then at the old man,
but their delay only enraged him the
more Don't ye hear?" he cried, IF
We don't leave, I'll strike ye.'
Mile turned and left the room. Mr..
Griffis passed out into the open air, down
the lane, and tarried at the roadside. A
few moments later Mile came hurrying
towards lin. her face pale as death.
"Come quick" she cried, breathlessly,
"and see uncle; something has happened
to him. lie ran back to the house and
found the old man lying upon the floor,
Uncle Zcke had been stricken with
paralysis, and, although he lived some
weeks, there was no hope of recovery.
Miles gentle face was always at the
bedside of the sufferer, and just before
he died there was momentary relaxation
of the disease and he was just able to
couch, ;'FeSSrEfihRse lean leaned low over his
Il do, l do" she cried, the ,v.-- rain
ing down her cheeks, and, with linger-
ing look of gratitude upon his face, he
passed away.
There was no will, and the property,
despite the old mans intentions, reverted
to the next of kin. Adolph, however,
settled it all on Mile, but as Mile be-
came his, it amounted to the same thing
in the end. They lived happily ever
afterwards, and the merchant never re-
GREETED the day on which he left his
desk to follow the leading-strings of
fate