The Lamar register., 1893-09-16
her OWN RIVAL.

love for the irst time in my life. and
with girl whose name l do not even
know
1 spoke Of the young lady who had
been my companion during a long stage
coach journey in the far West, and
from whom l had just parted. | did
not exacgerate; l had given her my
whole heart. and unless my vanity mis-
led me. she had not found ms disagree
able. To be sure she had been very
reticent; she had listened to my con
ndences without making any return
for them.
had told her that my name was
Richard Whitworth, and she had smiled
and bowed. ms if introduced, hut had
not T1id me her own name had told
her that was going TO sSe 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:
ssAh. then you are uamcd after himT
I told her il was awkward not to
krow the name of any one with whom
one was convensing. and she only
laughed.
However this proved TO me that she
was weIl brought up. Indeed. | should
have approved OF such conduct in ats
ter
Travelling alone in this wild country,
IT would have been ridiculous TO be
have exactly rs she would on an or
dinary journey. She needed our prothc-
ton. in fact. But | thought she drew
the line beautifully In saying nothing
about herself or her connections 10 a
stranger. And, rs l said. IL l remaii,ed
with my grandfather as long as l sup
posed should, would soon become ac-
quaintel with her in so small plsce.
And so l simply did my best to be
agreeable for the rest OF the journey.
The stage stopped at the hotel, that
those who were going farther on might
dine. and l saw my fellow passenger
step into a vehicle that seemed to be
waiting for her, and drive away. After
this. as | did not wish to arrive at uis
grandfather's in state OF starvation.
/ took my dinner, and then lighting a
House.
Straight on" the landlord sad. '-and
when you reach the top Of the hill you
Will see the chimneys, and tbe trunk
and bag win he sent to you
So. glad TO stretch my limbs after
having cramped them so long awhile
on the narrow roof-seats OF t..e stage,
l stallled away
The road was longer than / thought.
however. and 1t was after four O'Clock
when l opened the gate at the Whit
worth mansion and saw a stout. fine
looking old gentleman seated upon the
porch reading a newspaper.
walked up the path and stood before
him lie looked ut me for Il moment
and then started up, holding out both
his hands.
1T must be little Dick" he said.
And you are my grandfather" l
cried; ''and you look no older that, l
remember you when l was baby--in
fact, not old at all
sie sighed.
But / am Older he answered
Events. not years, change man.
am all alone here now-wife and chill
dren have passed away. / want you to
stay with me; I have presentment
that it will not be long"
He patted me kindly on the back as
he released my hands.
All, but you look very well. grand
father 1 said. wonderfully WELL
He sighed again.
For all of that, / want to have a Sc
rious talk with you" he said Il have
been afraid | should not have it. You
don't mind my beginning at onceT'
Just as you please. grandfather" l
replied.
Only you must eat something firs.,"
he said.
II have dined at the hotel-' l :tn-
swered
Then you are in good condition for
my talk" he commcntd. Come, them
l followed him across the hail and we
entered a room the walls of which
were lined with books. The doors
wera hung with portieres. and 4 great,
soft Persian rug covered the floor Our
feet made no noise upon il. 1t was the
very place for n tete-a-tete
Now, Dick, make yourself comforta-
bic" said my grandfather, and listen
Gou are the only son of my eldest boy
the only surviving relative l have ON
earth-and have already made my will,
leaving you everything. You will be
very rich man, and, meanwhile. you
can have all the money you want. so
that you will be in no hurry for me to
step out"