The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-10-05
ABEL MITCHELL'S WILL

Abel Mitchell called to his typewriter.
You may go, Miss Norris he said. He
did not look up from the papers before
him.
The young woman turned to the clock
with little start of surprise. 1t was only
430. But she quietly put on her hat, and
with a murmured good night, left the
room.
Abel listened to the departing rustic of
her skirts with a thoughtful expression.
There was sensible girl. girl who never
grated on his feelings. A girl who asked
no useless question. She had reached the
age of discretion. If Jim was determined to
marry a poor girl, why couldn't he have
taken one like Emma Morris?
Abel opened heavy envelope and drew
forth a folded paper.
Jim never was confidential with me-"
he grumbled. perhaps 1 didn't invite his
confidence. 1 don't know. Now he has dis
obeyed my direct command. That can't
be overlooked. When he told me about this
girl 1 said wait. How long,? he asked
Until you reach years of discretion
cried, and turned away. Jim is "a. Twenty
four. And l married at q. Yes, and ran
away, too. But it was different with me-
My father had nothing to give me. 1 was
quite independent He was glad to have
me shift for myself. Jim's father is a rich
man. Jims father mas given him dollars
where my father begrudged me pennies
Jim owes me filial obedience He has dis
obeyed me to his bitter COST"
He unfOlded the paper that he had taken
from the envelope and ran his keen gray
eyes down the closely written lines.
He has given up his father for a pretty
face" he murmured. Let him stand by the
consequences. Who is she? What is she?
1t matters not. No doubt they trapped him
into this marriage. "A rich mans son., he
chuckled. But they'll find they're fooled
Father, he said, 1 am going to be married
tomorrow night. Win you come with me
to the wedding?' l turned on my heel.
Then l looked back. You know the price
you pay?' 1 cried. Yes, father he said
with his head high up. I know. Good
by and God bless YOU He asked bless
ing on me! Ha, ha, ha; that's too rich.
But he'll get evil for good this time
I'll cut him off with dollar Let him
sup on herbs for awhile. That'n take the
veneer from loves young dream. I'll draw
up a new will at home tonight and have it
witnessed before l sleep. And to let him
know what his foolish fancy has cost him.
I'll write him letter-a letter he can show
a letter."
and his eyes upon the paper. rustic of
skirts in the doorway drew his attention
He did not look up. 1t was way he had.
"Ah, Miss Norris he said, back again?
He had quite forgotten that he had sent
her home
The young girl In the doorway did not
answer. Her bright eyes were fixed upon
the old man. She expected him to look up
II he had done so he would have seen a
charming vision. She was very pretty
girl-dainty and neat from the tip of her
new hat to the tips of her new shoes. But
he did not look up.
''Just in time" he added, II want to
dictate letter before you CO..
He paused and the young girl, as If
seized with sudden fancy, quietly stepped
into the room and seated herself at the
typewriter.
You have heen with us so long, Miss
Norris" the old man continued, that we
view you as confidential agent. Besides.
this will be public property very soon. I
am going to write to my son. Last night
he married an unknown girl against my
wishes. I am going to tell him that 1 wash
my hands of him and his; that tonight
change my will, cutting him OF with a
solitary dollar. Are you ready?"
The girl at the typewriter gave the in
strument a preliminary click or two.
James MITCHELL began the old man,
''as you have seen fit to disobey me. to
cast my fatherly wishes in my teeth, de-
sire you to know that I have nc wish to
hold further communication with you. While
I cherish the impression that you were
lured into this unhappy marriage
The typewriter stopped.
unhappy marriage the old man re-