Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-10-06
DAILY SHORT STORY
A Singular Revenge.
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of several branches of the family at
last became one vast estate in the
hands of Eugene Willmerth. He was
q young man of an extremely pleasing
disposition, generous to fault, the
soul of honor and so trustworthy him
self that 1t never occurred to him to
doubt any one. Those nearest him
urged him to marry for the reason that
in case he died without issue the es-
tate would pass to his cousin, George
Wilkinson, and it was considered de-
sirable that the property should not be
in the keeping of one whom no one
either liked or trusted. But Willmerth
seemed in no haste to be married and
instead of grudglnG his cousin the pos
session of the property seemed bent on
giving 1t all to him, for George had no
wish that Eugene did not crafty.
Eugene also voluntarily told his cousin
that he would never marry in order
that after his death George might in
herit the Willmerth millions.
Love usually strikes suddenly those
who hold up a shield to ward off his
darts. Eugene met Miss Gertrude
Thrall and at once became her slave.
Most young women of Willmerth's set
were to be had by him for the asking,
for they were all looking for an estab-
lishment and everybody knew what
the Willmerth estate was. But Eugene
was so noble minded himself that he
did not dream any woman would pre-
tend a love she did not feel for the pur-
pose of securing his wealth. When he
proposed to Miss Thrall she sank into
his arms, vOwing that he was the only
man she ever would have married and
If he failed her she would die Il maid.
When Eugene announced his engage
ment to his cousin he accompanied it
with a deed settling on Wilkinson a
very large piece of property, the only
portion of the estate he was at liberty
to give away. Wilkinson seemed to be
prepared for the news and congratulate
ed Willmerth warmly, showing a thor
Ough appreciation of his kindness. Will
kinson also Informed the newly en-
gagged man shat he considered the girl
of his choice perfect. All this made
Willmerth happier than before, and
there seemed no obstacle whatever to
change the situation.
Willmerth was that he had gone
abroad, then that he had taken passage
on Mediterranean line steamer at
Marseilles for Naples, and when the
ship arrived he was not to be found.
1t was supposed that he had either
committed suicide or walked overheard
In his sleep. George Wilkinson made
every effort to discover his cousin, If he
were still alive, and after spending six
months abroad, giving the matter his
personal attention, returned to Amer
lea and took the estate.
1t was not very long before it was
rumored that George Wilkinson would
carry out his cousins intention that
Miss Thrall should be mistress of the
Willmerth estates by marrying her
Miss Thrall put on mourning
for Willmerth, but as the months pass
ed she gradually lightened it, and it
was finally permitted to leak out that |
because Eugene had requested I'm the |
event of his death she should marry |
his cousin she had determined to re-
spect his wish.
Many who knew Miss Thrall person |
ally believed in her sincerity, and it |
was whispered that so great was her |
love for Willmerth that this marriage |
was repuIsiVe to her. l confess l did |
not credit this side of the affair. l |
knew that most young women would |
have acted the same way in q case |
where wealth was concerned, and this |
was all the thought gave it.
l was invited to the wedding, with a |
card to the ceremony, which took place |
at the house at 8 o'clock in the evening. |
Of course it was a grand affair. "Ev- |
arybody" was present. The groom |
looked well satisfied with himself and /
the world, and the bride looked lovely, |
though there was a melancholy tinge |
about her that bespoke the memory of |
her lost love. Calling friends atten-
ton to this, l was surprised when he
replied:
They have been lovers for years"
There was no time to follow the mat
ter UP, for the actors in the marriage /
scene took their positions and the cere-
nOny began. AS soon as it was over
the guests commenced to arrive, and /
The butler stood at the drawing room
ioor announcing them, according to
the English fashion. A dozen or more j
lad been thus admitted and with those
who attended the ceremony kept up a
num- OF conversation. Suddenly there i
was an announcement that fell like a /
lap of thunder from u clear sky:
mr.. Eugene Willmerthr'
Every voice was hushed, and every
we turned to the door. There, on the
threshold. in evening dress, stood VIII. |
nerth. Carelessly regarding for wo- |
nent the astonished groups, he sam
cred to the bride and groom, extend |
ng his congratulations.
I was standing where 1 had NJ clear |
Jew of it all. l saw at q glance that !
here had been a great change in Eu- 1
;ene and that he had plannedJa scene
which he was carrying out relentlesslyt |
rhe bride and groom after the firs |
hook strove vainly to look pleased
nut soon withdrew. Five minutes afa- |
II they had gone there was not guest |