The daily morning journal and courier., 1899-09-21

Besides, this will be public property
 very soon. l am going to write to my
 son. Last night he married an un-
 known girl against my wishes. I an going to tell him that l wash my hands of him and his; that tonight I change
 my will, cutting him off with a soli- tary dollar. Are you ready?"
 The girl at the typewriter gave the in- strument 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, l desire you to know that l have no wish to hold further com- munication with you. While I cherish the impression that you were lured into this unhappy marriage"-
 The typewriter stopped.
 Unhappy marriage the old man re- peated and the clicking re-commenced; yet l cannot accept this as any ex- cuse for your undutiful conduct To- night l change my will and you may rest assured that your name will be passed over with the smallest possible financial consideration, I prefer to have you understand this here and now. It l will prevent you and your new friends from cherishing any false hopes. This | Is all have to say, and no reply will be expected ABEL MITCHELL"
 The young girl drew the sheet from the machine, and bringing it forward l laid it on the old mans desk. Abel glanced it through
 "A beautiful copy" he said. and carefully folded it. Then he placed it in an envelope and dipped a pen in ink.
 T do not know his address, he said, | and knit his brows.
 | The girl at the end of the desk ex | tended her hand.
 If you have no objection" she quietly said, q will deliver 1t to him, in | person.
 The old man looked up at the fair face bending over him. "Why, who are you!" he cried.
 T am Alice Mitchell" said the young girl.
 "Mitchell,'' repeated Abel duly. "M-my sons wifel And What''-but the ugly words would not come. He could not utter them in the light of those gentle eyes. twill you be seat ed?" he lamely added.
 Thank you no,' said the girl. q have but a few words to say; they will not detain you long" Abers gaze drop ped to the letter and the will, and a sarcastic smile twisted his mouth. No, mo- the girl quickly added. '.I have not come to plead with you You are quite wrong to imagine such a thing. And you were quite wrong, too, to in suit me as you did in that letter" He
 
 tears in the gentle eyes. And there was a gint of fire in them, too, You insulted me and you insulted my dear father I have no mother" She paused a moment tWhen you insinuated that my father was mercenary in this matter you did him a cruel wrong. He was bitterly opposed to our marrying with out your consent. I dsobeyed my father, too. But it was not for your money This letter will bring us no surprise"
 The old man dropped his eyes be- meath her reproachful gaze. <,
 Perhaps I was hasty." he slowly said, but the provocation was great" Then he quickly added: But, know ing as you did that opposed the we'd ding, and your father opposed it, too, 1 why did you permit yourself to marry my boy?"
 q could make 1t clear to you, think" said the girl, gently, eff you loved your boy"
 The old man trembled. If he loved | his boy! Allsthat was near and dear to hillr-all that was left to him of kith | and kin. The babe that dying wife | had solemnly placed in his paternal | arms. If he loved his boy! He drew a | long breath and stared hard at the | blank envelope on the desk before him |
 And now" said the young girl, T only want to add that I think Jim was | quite wrong in crossing your wishes He might have waited I wanted him l to wait, l am very sorry that I should | be the means of separating you, and | T am quite sure I am not worth the | great sacrifice my dear-my husband | has made
 Abel was quite sure there were tears | in her eyes again, but he did not look up. Where is Jim now?" he asked Then he smiled grimiy. And why are you not enjoying your-your wedding tour?"
 'rhere was vacancy in the bank where my father is employed" said the girl, and father secured it for Jim. His duties began to-day. Per haps we will take our wedding journey later. We have not considered carefully for the main chance now, you know" And you didn't expect to fall back on my dolars?'' said the old man.
 ''Not a penny of them" quickly re- piled the girl.
 The old man fidgeted in his chair.
 And why not?" he asked.
 "I think you understand said the girl, and her gaze dropped to the letter on the desk. Does Jim know you are here?"
 'No. At least he didn't know I was coming, Father will tell him to meet me at the corner at o'clock. I must go."
 Wait" said the old man quickly. He looked at her searchingly She met his gaze with a smile Her mind was on Jim.
 Abel deliberately put the will back ln its envelope, and the envelope in its pigeonhole. Then he picked up the letter in its unaddreesed envelope, tore It into minute particles and tossed them into the waste basket