Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-11-11
HIS UNCLE'S WILL.
BY Sara beaumont kennedy.

Copyright, 1900. Daily Story Pub. Coz
The funeral was over, the will had
been read, and John Gibson came out
of the close room into the rose-scent-
ed garden. His handsome face was
flushed and his eyes bright with a
fame that had in it a CLINT of anger.
He stood moment by the fountain
and let his gaze wander over the sur
rounding gardens. Everything told Of
taste and careful attention. The house
on the terrace, though not very large,
was modern in construction and ap-
pointments The young man ground
his teeth
'Mine-my home, but on what con-
dition. My uncle might as well have
ticketed me for sale at once as to put
that clause in his will: My home place
| give and bequeath to my nephew,
John Gibson, on condition that within
three months he marries his second
cousin, my ward, Harriet Brown l
remember Harriet as child of eight
long-limbed, freckled face, gum-chew-
ing; in fact, hoyden with big dark
eyes. a fine wife for fellow like me.
why, I'd sooner marry IA"
But suitable comparison failed him
and he bit revengefully at the end of
his cigar.
The weeks went by and he was still
living at the old place which had al
ways 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 filling of which lost none
of its repugnance. 1t was ten years
since he had seen his cousin, and he
hoped it would be as long again before
they met. But one morning the post
brought him a letter from Harriets
step-mother saying they would be in
town for shopping purposes on a GER
tain day, and hoping it would be con-
yenient for him to receive them for
short visit John was more Mortified
than he cared to confess even to him
self. He was not surprised at the
older woman, whom he had long dis
liked, and who would be glad, so he
believed, to be rid of her step-daughter.
But that the girl, who knew the con-
dition of that will, should be willing
to thrust herself thus upon his notice
seemed monstrous. An intense dislike
of her took possession of him; a mar
rage with her now would be doubly
impossible, and he resolved to so IN
form the executors of his uncle's will
as soon as the stated time had expired.
But in the meantime something must
be done about his aunt's letter; so he
wrote her politely that his house
would be at her disposal, but that he
himself was called away to a distant
city, on important business; and the
morning of the day set for the arrival
of the ladies he hastily packed valise
and fed. 1t was not until he stood at
the railway ticket Office that he deter
mined on his destination. His school
chum, Dick Madders, lived on his plan
tation just this side of the city. He
had long been promising Dick a visit;
now was the time to pay it, so to Dick
he went. On the porch that afternoon
he sat and talked with his friend,
taking now and then long breath like
man who had run race and reached
his goal safely.
Just as dusk began to fall there was
a clatter of hoofs on the driveway and
little cavalcade swept up to the
steps. -Four girls and a young man
drew rein and began to dismount. 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 an experienced
horse woman, sprang unaided to the
ground and tossed her bride to wait
ding servant. Dick, who had FASTENED
down the steps, returned with the
handsomest of the quartette, tall,
black-eyed girl with superb figure.
John knew at glance who had Dicks
tickle heart in her present keeping.
He arose as the groom came to the
porch
Here, Sis-Here, Bess," said Dick.
This is my old friend, Jack Gibson.
of whom you have heard me speak.
And the two blonde girls in the group
came forward with the air of hostesses
and welcomed their brothers friend
Miss Brown, let me present Mr.. Glib
CON- and the tall girl bent her queen
ly head. Miss Brown again, Mr. Glib
SON." and the little straight girl who
had leaped from her horse nodded care
lessly~and went into the house.
You could not have come at better
time" Dick confided to him later on.
''The girls have these friends for a
visit. Say, old man. can't you look
after the little one a bit and leave me
chance with the dark GODDESS"
"Oh, l suppose so,' yawned John.
s'Are they sisters?"
mo kin; just happened to have the
same name Isn't that tall one simply
create"
Rather first Glass;" answered John