The Lamar register., 1900-02-14

tntTe.
Edward Harrison2 A relative of
the sick man, | suppose?"
His nephew. and, through this we'd
ding. also his heir. Miss Florence is
the only child
But this haste is incomprehensi-
blei" said the physician, whose lips
curled in a smile of cutting sarcasm.
i heard from my colleague that but
short time ago the young lady was
bound by other ties
Yes, / have heard so, too. Some
romantic youthful love affair. which
probably was not meant to be taken
seriously. The lover. young officer.
is said to have entered the Union
army, which. OF course, ended the mat
ter. At any rate. the young lady will
be Mrs. Harrison this evening. IL God
so Wills"
"Certafnly-if God so wills"
The tone was SO peculiar that even
unsuspicious Mr.. Thompson noticed
it
What did you mean, sir?" he
asked
Nothing especial; merely repeat
ed your pious words"
The mansion of Springfield YVES now
visible in the distance; they were al
ready driving through the plantstion.
The Justice of the peace ayailed him
self OF the opportunity to dwell upon
Mr.. Harrison's wealth. discussed the
possible losses which the war might
infiict upon his property and express
ed his belief that large portion of
his fortune was invested elsewhere.
The doctor listened attentively, but
this did not prevent his scanning the
vicinity still more closely than be-
fore. He seemed trying to fix every
bend in the road. every distant land
mark upon his memory, and the house
with it's doors and terraces received
the same scrutiny.
"A fine estate" he said. DO you
think It's vicinity to the city will af-
ford II protection? | have the con-
trsry opinion, for II Is an open Sc
erst that the march OF the Union
forces Is directed here
"Impossihlei How do you know?"
cried Thompson. starting from his
corner of the carriage in terror.
Il heard II on my journey to the
city"
Il heard. on the contrary. that their
march was southwark. otherwise ! GER
tainiy should not have left town"
The doctor smiled mischievously at
the timid little gentleman, who had
turned pale with fright.
why. the troops will not interfere
with a Justice OF the peace. AT the
utmost, you could only be Obliged to
unite some loving couple within the
mony.'
Jest as much as you choose said
Thompson. angrily. Il want nothing
TO do with the enemy. At any rate.
I'll inquire about that rumor, and. for
the present. remain in the city. which
can only be taken by regular siege"
The carriage now stopped at the
house, the gentlemen alighted, and the
doctor dismoun,ed from his horse.
throwing the bride to a negro who
hurried up.
Don't unsaddle my horse" he said.
cnreicssIy Il must go back to the
city as quickly as possible. and at any
rate shall leave before the other gen
tlemen.'
He let the two men precede him and
fingered. as II by accident. on the
steps, looking after the servant.
An unmistakable expression of sat
isfaction fitted over his face as he
saw that the animal was led to a
stable close by the house.
Edward Harrison received the new
arrivals. and the loquacious Mr..
Thompson instantly presented Doctor
Blackwood, sparing the latter any ex-
planation by relating in detail the
cause of Doctor Green's absence. Then
he introduced his clerk, pale, ef-
feminate fellow. whose manner was
excessively timid and deferential, and
OF whom no notice whatever was tax
en-.
Meanwhile, during the last half hour
Edward had had time to regain his
composure. These visitors must, of
course, obtain no glimpse of the ca
tastrophe which had happened here.
He expressed in courteous phrases
his regret for having troubled the
magistrate in vain, his uncle's condi-
ton had changed so suddenly for the
worse that 1t was impossible to have
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