The Winslow mail., 1899-08-31
MRS. DRISCOLL had mind of her
tvI own.

M 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 to-day. Be that as it may,
he died and left her sole mistress of a
handsome property, with no one to
oppose her will.
She adopted one of his nieces, and
loved her well as she could love any
one but herself.
The niece grew up winsome lassie,
and had lovers, as maidens will.
Luckily her choice was her aunt's as
well, 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
home after a brief wedding tour.
SWELL, Kate" said the stately lady,
the day before the wedding, ''every-
thing is ready, and L must say that l
never saw preparations more complete
not even for your uncle's funeral,
poor man! L always meant to give you
a handsome marriage portion, so get
your hat-we'll go 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 futter her sails, as her
worthy husband had been accustomed
to say.
Drawing her check book she smil-
ingly wrote a check for 6 1000 and pre-
sented it to the cashier.
Payable to Miss Kate-a marriage
portion, l presume. "Ah, very gem
erous of youl Miss Kate, congratulate
you," said the cashier. ''Shall 1 make
the new book in your own name?"
''She wants no book-at least not
yet" retorted Mrs. Driscoll, sharply.
when L give thing L give it. L want
good, solid money for that check
bright, yellow gold"
''But-why-you live fully a mile
from a neighbor. Have you-do you
think of the temptation?" he said, hesi-
tatingly.
did | ask your advice?" snapped
Mrs. Driscol. Il am able to take care
of my own property, and, if it viii not
break the bank, want it in gold.'
Certainly, madam. My conscience is
clear if you wake up to find yourself
murdered tomorrow morning. This
bank can pay ten times that sum at
sight, madam" was the dignified reply,
to which Mrs. Driscoll listened in curt
silence
The cashier went into the vault, clos
ing the door behind him.
George Travis, having counted the
money received on his check, went out
without a glance at the two ladies.
'There! Now, | reckon, Travis be-
gins to realize what he has lost" nodded
Mrs. Driscoll.
Kate blushed slightly.
'But, aunt she said, uneasily,
wouldn't it be better for me to take
a book with the money left to my cred
it? Harry Will not be here until to-
morrow, and-and think of the risk
1t is unsafe"
''How long is it since I came to be told
my duty by a miss of 1922 breathed Mrs
DriscoIl, scornfully. what coward
you are! If you don't want the money,
say so, and I'll let it remain where it is.
If YOU do want it, hold your tongue, and
help me take care of it until | can give
you both into Harry Winship's keep
ing"
Further conversation was prevented
by the cashiers return.
He carried a strong iron box.
Count it," commanded Mrs. Dris-
coll.
One by one the golden coins were
counted under her admiring eyes.
There, that is money! That is like
a wedding gift!" she calculated, in a
satisfied tone.
Better let me give you a receipt for
it and put it into the safe tonight, -
suggested the cashier.
Put it into my carriage!" was the
sharp order to the bank porter.
The man obeyed and watched with a
puzzled face the carriage out OF sight.
''She beats all L ever saw" he said.
'I don't wonder her husband died"
Meanwhile Mrs. Driscoli returned
home well satisfied with the world and
herself in particular
She S0d had her own way.