The evening Republican., 1902-06-27
WILL or
JOHN MITCHELL.
BY W. R. ROSE.

John Mitchell called his stenogra-
pher. Without looking up from
the paper he was reading he said:
''You may go, Miss Morris"
The young woman turned to the
clock with murmur of surprise, as
it was not quite 4.30. But she put
on her hatand quietly left the room.
Johu Mitchell fell into deep thought
There was girl who was not only
F, sensible, but showed every sign Of
discretion. Now, if my boy, Jim,
had set his heart on girl like that,
it might be different
Jim never was confidential with
me-" he grumbled. Perhaps I
never invited his confidence. But
now. he has disobeyed my direct
command, and that can't be over
looked. Jim Mitchell has disobeyed
me to his bitter cost. He has given
up his father for pretty face. Let
him stand by the consequences.
Who is this girl, I wonder, who has
60 captivated him."
! "Taking an envelope from his desk
he took from it a much folded paper.
Over this lie ran his eyes carefully,
then folded it again and put it
away.
| mo doubt they trapped him into
the marriage, he continued. l sup.
pose they figured upon getting a rich
mans son. But they will tind out
that they have been fooled. Father
he said, ] am TO be married to NOR.
row night. Will you come to the
wedding?' I turned on my heel. Then
l looked back. you know the price
you may pay l said. Yes, father.
he replied, with his head high up, l
know. And then he asked me for
I nay blessing. III cut him off without
a dollar. That will take the veneer
off loves young, dream. IN draw up
a new will tonight and have it signed
before | 60 10 sleep. And just to let
him know how foolish he has been I'll
write him letter-a letter he can
show TO his new relatives. That's
the thing. the letter.
lie bent down with his head upon
his hands and his eyes upon the pa
per. A rustic of skirts at the door.
way drew his attention. He did not
look up. 1t was way he had.
''Ah, Miss Morris - he said,
"Back again?" He had quite for
gotten that he had sent her home.
The Young girl in tue doorway did
not answer. Her bright eyes were
fixed upon the old man. She expected
him 10 look up. II he had done so he
would have seen charming vision.
for she was a pretty girl, graceful
and dainty from the crown OF her hat
to tue tips of her shoes.
Just in ,ime,' he eadded, II want
you to take letter before you 60 -
=. He paused, and the young girl, as IL
seized with sudden fancy. qultely
stepped Into the room and seated her
self al the typewriter.
,
!, Miss Morris, that we view you
r almost as confidential secretary"
:. the old man continued. "Besides,
this will be puplic property very
:, coon. ! am going 10 write to my
y son. He married last night with
d cut my consent, and l am going TO
tell him that wash my hands Of
: !. him aud his; that tonight change
, my will and leave him One dollar.
- Are you ready
:. The girl at the typewriter gave
the instrument a preliminary click
. or two
q "James Mitchell" began the old
man. "as you have see1 fit to dis.
: obey me, to cast my fatherly wishes
). in my teeth, l desire you TO know
9. tha, have no wish 10 hold further
communication with you. While
= cherish the impression that you
were lured into this unhappy
marriage"
The Typewriter stopped.
"Unhappv marriage, the old man
repeated, and the clicking recon-
menred, 'yet cannot accept this
as any excuse for your unlutiful
conduct. Tonight | change my
will, and you may rest assured that
your name will be passed over with
the smallest possible financial con,
sideration. prefer to have you
understand this hero and now. 1t
will prevent you and your friends
from cherishing any false hopes.
This is all l have to say, and nc
reply will be expected.
John Mitchell"
The young girl drew the sheet
- from the machine and bringing II
forward laid it on the old mans
, desk. John glanced it through.
NJ "A beautiful copy he said and
carefully folded it. Then he placed
4 it in an envelope and dipped a pen
y in ink.
: II do not know his address," he
said, and knit his brows.
The girl at the end of the desk
se extended her hand.
ID III you have no objection" she
u. quietly sud, II will deliver it to
him in person"
re The old man looked at the fair
face bending over him.
: why, who are you'" he cried.
& 81 am Alice MITCHELL" said the
young girl.
Mitchell" repeated the old mar
as if tho thought and word were
discovered. "M-my sons wife
And what" but the ugly words
= would not come. Somehow thost
< gentle eyes and digniGed bearing o.
i the young girl before him forbade