Smyrna times., 1899-08-30
ALMOST
A BURGLARY
An Old Lady Has Her Way
and Her Niece Has
a Wedding Present.
Eo*o*o*o*o*o%o*o#oxo~oxo*

TO%O%O% x OK ~ Q y o x OK OK X X o X o *
Mrs. Driscoll had mind of her own.
Some uncharitable people went so far
as to say that if she had not had SO
much mind her husband might have
been living today. Be that as it may,
he died and left her sole mistress of a
handsome property, with no one to op-
pose her will.
She adopted one of his nieces and
loved her as well as she could love any
one but herself.
The niece grew up winsome lassie
and had lovers, az maidens will.
Luckily her choice was her aunt's as
we'll, and the day was set for her mar
riage with Harry Winship without op-
position, the only condition being that
they should return to Mrs. Driscoll's 8
home after a brief wedding tour.
"Well, Kate, said the stately lady
the day before the wedding, "every-
thing is ready, and l must say that
never saw preparations more complete
not even for your uDcle's funeral,
poor mani l always meant to give you
handsome marriage portion. So get
your hat. Well 60 to the bank"
What girl would delay under similar
circumstances
The carriage was speedily ordered,
and soon stopped before the bank.
Except the bank officials, there was
in the building only George Travis, one
of Kate's discarded suitors, who was
getting an insignificant check cashed
Mrs. Driscoll was not slow to see an
opportunity to flutter her sails, as her
worthy husband had been accustomed
TO say.
Drawing her checkbook. she smiling
ly wrote a check for e2, 900 and pre-
sented it to the cashier.
payable to Miss Kate-a marriage
portion, l presume. All, very generous
of you! Miss Kate, congratulate
you" said the cashier. "Shall l make
the new book in your own manner"
"She wants no book-at least not
yet" retorted Mrs Driscoll sharply.
when l give a thing, give it.
want good, solid money for that check
bright. yellow gold"
"But t-why-you live fully mile
from a neighbor. Have you-do you
think Of the temptation" he said hest
tatingly.
"Did l ask your advice?" snapped
Mrs. Driscoll. 81 am able to take care
of my own property, and if it will no'
break the bank want it in gold. "
Certainly, madam. My conscience
is clear if you wake up to fine
yourself murdered tomorrow morning
This bank can pay ten times that sun
at sight, madam" was the dignifieC
reply, to which Mrs. Driscoll listened
in curt silence.
The cashier went into the vault
closing the door behind him.
George Travis having counted tn
money received on his check, went ou
without glance at the two ladies.
"Therel Now I reckon Travis begin
to realize what he has lost, nodde'
Mrs. Driscoll.
Kate blushed slightly.
"But, aunt" she said uneasily
wouldn't il be better for me to take
book with the money left to my credit
Harry will not be here until tomorrow
and-and think of the risk 1t is IN
safe"
"How long is it since came to b
told my duty by miss of 1871" breathe
Mrs. Driscoll scornfully. "What COW
ard you arel If you don't want tn
money, say so, and I'll let it renal
where it is If you do want it, hol
your tongue and help me take care {
it until 1 can give you both into Harr
Winship's keeping.
Further conversation was prevente
by the cashiers return.
He carried a strong iron box.
Count It'll" commanded Mrs. Drii
coll
One by one the golden coins wer
counted under her admiring eyes.
"There, that is money That is liz
wedding giftr" she CALCULATED In
satisfied tone.
Better let me give you receipt rC
it and put it into the safe tonight
suggested the cashier.
"Put il into my carriage" was tf
sharp order to the bank porter.
The man obeyed and watched with
puzzled face the carriage out OF signt.
''She beats all / ever saw" he sai'
II don't wonder her husband died.
Meanwhile Mrs. Driscoll returne
home we'll satisfied with the world an
herself in particular.
She had had her own way.
81 shall not put this under my pi