Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-03-29
AN OLD MAIDS MONEY.
Why She Didn't Leave 1t to Her
Nephew.

Nnt VI DAtNo Vi NOiHNth NpAht
and jerk in the rocking of her chair
that spoke volumes TO those acquainted
with Aunt James peculiarities of tenn
per. II was early In the forenoon and
generally the estimable maiden lady
was busting about her handsome
house at this hour, and making the
servants lives burden for the day.
But ON this particular morning they
washed dishes and swept rooms In
peace. The spasins OF anger grew
more violent and frequent, till finally
the worsted work. was made into
ball, tossed to a corner OF the room,
and Aunt Jane burst into a at of weep
ing.
She was still sobbing when the door
was opened and n pale little blonde
came into the room. Looking at Miss
Jane Montgomery for moment, with
lip curled CONTEMPORARY, she sud-
denly drew over her face, like mask,
an expression of tender sympathy, and
rushing across the room knelt beside
the weeping lady.
"Dear Miss Jane" she said, anxiously,
what can be the matter"
Aunt Jane everybody called Miss
Montgomery Aunt Jane-sat erect with
a start, her eyes swapping and her
voice sharp.
Tom is gomez
"Gone?'
"Yes, he's gone! We had n fearful
quarrel, and he would have his own
way; so told him to go, aud never see
my face again"
Would have his own way!" echoed
the little blonde.
Eyes, he will marry Mary Hill, and
he won't marry you! I've done with
him. lie has $1,000 his mother loft
him, let him try living on that, and see
how he likes 1t after living here" and
Miss James sobs broke out again ITO
think of that boys flying in my face in
that way, after being like my own son
for twenty years,
Gle is wicked, unGratciul man."
said Miss Julia, cncrgetically.
"Ilc is nothing Of the kind, snapped
Aunt Jane.
Julia was somewhat startled, but
said:
ITO marry against your wish is un-
grateful" 60,
"Why shouldn't he marry the girl he
lovcs?' cried the Inconsistent spinstcr.
"Im an old fool. I've sent him away,
and I'll never see him again"
1t seems us II Aunt Jane was right In
her conclusions. The stately house
echoed no more the ringing voice and
light step of Tom, tile nephew and dar-
ling OF his maiden aunt.
II Aunt Jane had been alone Tom
4 i. 10, h.tntal ~
and recalled; but Julia kept the anger
alive She was hatterer in chief in
Aunt James court, and she made her
cooling voice and soft step almost ne
cessity In Toms absence Miss Jane
was very rich, and had no relative but
Tom. II she could be persuaded TO
make a will, who knew but friends
might have legacies. Miss Julia famed
the flame of wrath, not openly, but in
covert, sly, remarks. that kept the sore
ranking.
Aunt Jane did not guess how Tom
wondered over her obdurate silence, and
she fretted and worried and grew gray
err and more wrinltled. Two years
told upon face and figure, and from n
dark-haired, viXenish old maid, she al
tered TO a white haired, whining old
woman. One of her friends, remarking
thoughtlessly upon this change Of APP
pearance, said;
"You have changed SO much l scarce
ly knew YOU"
A luminous idea struck Aunt Jane.
Tom Montgomery in these two years
had settled down into a pretty, com
Portable house. made home by a gentle
wife and u growing baby. lie had In
vested his little fortune in a partner
ship In n dry goods house and was
making money.
To his house one cold December
evening came an old woman, dressed
shabbily, and asked for the proprietor,
mot at home" the servant said.
81 will wait, II he will come In
soon"
A sweet.iaced lady opened the door
Of CHEEKY sitting-room
"Will you walk in here and waltz
Mr.. Montgomery will soon be in"
The old lady came in feebly.
"You are tired" Mrs. Montgomery
said kindly "sit here by the fire. II
is very cold"
Very cold Is that your baby?"
The mother turned down little the
snowy sheets Of q pretty cradle and
showed the dimpled checks OF th'
sleeping child.
YES, this is my little girl"
What Is her name2"
Jane"
'Jane is an awfully ugly name"
III Is not very pretty, but she 4
named for an aunt of Mr.. Montgom
ery's, OF whom he is very fond"
Thinks she'll leave h or her money,
thought the old lady, but che did no
speak, for Il door opened In the hal
and firm step crossed to the sitting
room.
Rosy, painting, cold and beaming wa
Tom as he came in, kissed his wife
chucked the baby under the chin, AM
skinned or his overeoat before he saw
the old lady.
cha thnlsSht kkA was nitarod Ia