The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1900-06-19
HIS UNCLE'S WILL.
BY SARAH BEAUMONT KENNEDY.

The funeral was ove-, the will had been
read, and John Gibson came out of the
close room into the rcse-scented garden
His handsome face was flushed. and his
eyes bright with a flame that had I'm it a
CLINT of anger. He stood moment by the
fountain and let his gaze wander over the
surrounding gardens. Everything told Of
taste and careful attention. The house
on the terrace though not very large, was
modern in construction and appointments.
The young man ground his teeth.
"Mne-my home. but Oh what cOndi-
ton. Ny uncle might as we'll have ticket
ed me for sale at once as to put that
clause in his will: My home place 1 give
and bequcath TO my nephew, John Gibson,
or condition that within three months ne
marries his second cousin, my ward. Har-
riett Brown | remember Harriet as a
child of eiSht-long- limbed, frecsled faced,
gum-chewing; in fact hoyden with big
dark eyes A fine wife for a fellow Ike
ne; why, I'd sooner marry AID" But
a suitable comparison failed him, and ne
bit revengefUlly at TIE end OF his cigar.
The weeks went by and he Was still
living at the old place, which had always
been his home, for his uncle had raised
him. But he was restless, with a feeling
almost of wrong doing; for the home was
his only on that stern condition, the tlling
Of which lost none of its repugnanoe. 1t
was ten years since he had seen his cous-
In, and he hoped IL would be as long again
before they met. But one morning the
post brought him letter from Harriots
step-mother saying they would be in town
for shopping purposes on certain day
and hoping IL would be convenient for
him TO receive them for short visit
John was more Mortified than he cared 10
confess even TO himself He was not sur
prIsed at the older woman. whom he had
long dsiked, and who would be glad, 80
he believed. Ia be rid Of her step-ddugh-
ter, but that the girl who knew the con-
dition of that will, should be willing 10
thrust herself thus upon his notice SEEM
ed monstrOus. An intense dislike OF her
took possession Of him; a marriage with
her now would be dOubly impossible and
he resolved to so inform the executors of
his uncle's will as COON as the stated time
had expired. But In the mean time some
thing must be done about his aunt's let
ter; so ne wrote her politely that his
house would be at her disposal, but that
he himself was called away 10 a distant
city on important business; and the morn
ing Of the day set for the arrival OF the
ladies he hastily packed a valise and
fed. IL was aot until he stood at the rail- |
way ticket office that he determined on
his destination. His school chum, Dick |
Madders, lived on his plantation just this |
side Of the city he had long been prom |
ising Dick visit: now was the time 10 |
pay Il; so 10 Dick he went, On the porch /
that afternoon he sat and talked with |
his friend. taking now and then a long
breath like a man who had run a race /
and reached his goal safely.
Just as the dusk began 20 fall there /
was a clatter Of hoofs on the driveway /
and little cayslcade swept I'd 70 the 4
steps. Four girls and young man drew |
rein and began 20 dism0unt. Two OF the /
girls took their turn decOrOusly at the /
horse block; the third one was lifted down /
by her escort, but the fourth. with the /
skill Of practiced horseWOman, sprang
Inaided 10 the ground and tossed her bri-
lie 70 waiting servant. Dick. who had |
down the steps, returned with
the handsonest OF the quartet. a tall.
black-eyed girl. with a superb figure
John knew at a glance who had Dick.
ackle heart In present keeping. He arose
as the group came 10 the porch
Here, Sis-here, Ress" said Dick.
This is my old friend, Jack Gibson. OF
@h0m you have heard me speak" And
The two blonde girls ia the group came
forward with the air OF hosleEseg and
welcomed their brothers friend.
Miss Brown, Jet me present Mr. Glib
ION" and the tall girl bent her queeuly
head, Miss Brown again. Mr. Glbs0n."
and the 1.-THE. straight girl, who had leap
ID, from her horse. nodded carelessly and
vent into the house
you could not have come at a better
lime" Dick con63ed 10 him later or. /
The girls have these friends for a visit
say old man. can't you look after the 1T
-le one BIT and leave me a chance With
he dark goddezs?'
Oh. suppose So" yaEned John. ARE
ley sistersg'
No kin; just happened TO have the
'ame name. Isn't that tall one simply
,reat7'
Rather frst-class.' answered John n.
differently. for just now he cared nothing
bout any girl. The next day. however.
remembering his promise, he began 20
~ 70 make himself agreeable 10 the
younger Miss Brown. whom her eonpan,
oHE called Cricket" But somehow his
noFts were unaYallihg; the girl dscldsa-
y withdrew from him, and II was only
lgder Dicks imporguritles that &c eJn-
inued his attention. Then the soFE!ly
Il bis rrpulss made s!sa study tbs giri
loosely, and the moFs ns studied hsT he
more iaterestsi he became She vas rot
'esutifui like her tall friend but she had
face that sparklsd and a smile that ran
N 10 dimples, only she did not smile AZ
lin very of;eE. she waz 20 blithe and
heery tha; II was quite easy 20 ace hos
he won her oed nickname 4 week wesS<
-. and what he had undertaken a. "