Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1900-05-23
FRED'S FARM.
BY wv.

But Fred was poor, and Theodore,
though an orphan and penniless her
self, had been adopted by wealthy
relative, maiden aunt, Miss Charity
Powers, who seemed determined to
make her first name misnomer; for
it was universally conceded that what
ever other good traits she might have,
she certainly had not charity. So it
came about that Miss Charity decided
not to allow the two yoang people to
walk together any more to and from
singing school and evening meetings,
or to look over the same tune book in
the village choir. But finding that,
like all other natural attractions, they
would gravitate toward each other,
and they were evidently unhappy at
being kept apart, while they must see
each other 80 frequently, she began
to cast about for some means to separ-
ate them entirely.
First she thought she would send
Theodore away to boarding school;
but rs there was good academy in
the village, this seemed rather too
much like airs; besides, she did not
like to do without her favorite; 80
after much consideration another plan
suggested and perfected itself in her
mind.
She had, away down in New Jersey,
a small farm which she had never seen
left her by. some aged relative who
had starved there in comfortable in
digence for, 1S or 19 years. The old
lady made up her mind that she would
offer Fred fair chance to make for
tune without fail, if he could. So she
told him of the farm, brought out the
papers, called in q lawyer, and had
deed duly written, signed, witnessed
and recorded.
This deed she put into Fred's
hands, saying:
..There! don't say I never gave you
anything; take that and study it. !"
He did as he was bid;,took the deed
and read it over carefully. By it he
learned that lie had, all at once, come
into possession of 90 acres of land,
and a stone house, with outbuildings,
situated in the town of Newton, county
of Sussex, State of New Jersey, and
that one especial point and provision
was, that he should go there and stay
forthree years. Otherwise, the pro-
perty reverted to its previous owner,
for her heirs assigns, etc.
SyhatI,' said Fred, looking puz-
zled, and then, speaking quick and
3 angrily on want to oe rid of me?"
The old lady chuckled. "You will
never do for minister--you jump at
conclusions.
But I won't go; I don't accept
your gift"
Very we'll. Then Til send Theo
away tomorrow, and you may stay
here and starve."
81 shall not starve; I will work
hard and patiently; aud I will not see
Theo without your consent"
'.You will neglect your work; you'll
follow Theo's striped shawl up the
street at a safe aud melancholy dis
tsnce; you'll waste your time watch
ing for her to pass, and, finally, you'll
starve to death, and be found cold
corpse on the very morning that the
bells are ringing gayly for Theo's
wedding with Squire Upham."
Theo will never marry Squire Up
ham; she hates him"
Son the contrary, she admires
him."
docs she say so?"
''Yes, to me" :
Cali right then. I'll never stand in
her way. Heaven knows only want
to see her happy. oh, Theo! Theo!'
The young man spoke low. and Miss
Charity could see the tears in his dark
eyes. "Giye me the papersw he said,
desperately. '1'll go to Jersey-I
know it's coyardly thing to do, but
have neither the strength nor the
courage to go ont in the world, friend
less and penniless, and fight for my
self. And I shall be dead to you all
then; you'll never hear from me again.
Good-by; tell Theo good-by and tell
her that I love her too well to inter-
fere with her happiness. There is
picture mp in my little den that I
painted for her. May I give her that9"
'tOh, yes!" said Miss Charity, and
it was not hard to imagine a shadow
of relenting in her gray eyes. eff
you bring the picture tomorrow you'll
find Theo at home. I sent her away
today on account of wantin' to see
you on business. Now that's settled,
I suppose you'll only be here once
more, anyhow, jest to say good-by.
Remember, trust you to do what is
right in this thing. You cannot sell
the farm; you are not to run away
with Theo. You may write to her as
much as you please, and she to You as
often as she likes, for I am no spy;
but you are to stay away from her for
three years, or until you are worth
$4,000. Is that the way You under
stand the bargain?'
Exactly, madam" returned Fred,
little dignifed, because not little
angry with the cruel fate that made
him poor and an artist. while the.
triumphant image of Squire Upham
nrose in his mind, rich and boor.
,gelE LILO piCtuk0 Woo OiOuSno eu0 uoAe
day and the farewells were spoken.
Theo was very quiet and Fred very
formal, at first, until he said:
81 shall be away three years at least,
perhaps forever. When ! return, if !
ever do, no doubt I shall find you
married"
Then her lips curled little scorn-
fully, as she said:
''That is very improbable. People
gentlemen, mesn-are not in the
habit of talking to me about marriage;
in fact, they talk to me about every
thing else"
..But Theo, darling" Fred did
not look to see if Miss Charity was in
sight; he only knew that the girl he
loved was standing there, with blush
ing cheeks and downcast eyes, and he