The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-18
Our Daily $bcrt Story

He went up. the Jagged walk looking keenly about him. Over the door of the plain brick building was cut the ie- gend: E, ST. MARGARET's HOME The rich money lender drew down the corners of his mouth. A retreat for old ladies! On a poplar tree in his fathers pasture his own name and Marcia Bar oer's were cut, and their birth dates. She was his junior by three years; and he was 54. A faded little woman showed him to the neat reception room Yes, Mrs. Warren was In. He walked back and forth rest lessly. while the gentle waitress took, his message. A few moments later, when the sdoor opened softly, his heart beats were so thick he could not have spoken to save his life. Thin and worn, with frost touches on her brown hair, she stood there; but 1t was his lost sweet aheart of thirty years ago that looked at him out of her hazel eyes. As she paus- cd an Instant in puzzled unreeosnitien, Burdick took long strides toward her.
 Mzrciat' he cried. holding out both hands. Great Heavens! If I had im- asIned-why on earth didn't you come to see ne?'
 She stepped back with a surprised ex- ciamation; then a girlish color suffused her face. She put out her hands impul- silvely, instantly withdrawing them again. But 1t was too late. Burdick led her to the sofa, and sat down beside
 rDo you mean to tel me you live here7'' he asked sternly.H
 Sensitive tears sprang to her eyes
 'Yes. Willard. It seemed-better." she faltered. Everything went to Emmett; and could not be burden"
 Ho restrained some foreeful words.
 Your son came to me two days ago. to obtain loan of $, 900 on the farm. He Is very unlike you. Marcia Dc you mean to tell me that your husband left him absolutely everything?" He was watching her narrowly. for a clew te put his news with gentleness. tt
 Everything" she answered, quietly.
 Emmett. is>not my ehi1d. though, Will lard; he Is a relative of Johns first wife, He was not even adopted; but he lived with us, and uses cur name. I Rever knew of thes will. till Emmett's lawyer brought 1t. I signed the papers because they insisted upon it. did aot know never had any head for business" smiling tremulously 'I supposed there was at least living fer me. But Em- melt and his wife understood differently So I took the tive hundred had in the bank. and came here"
 Burdiek leaned back, aimost giddy with relief. No son of hers! Thank Goal
 'What if were te tell yeu, Marcia" he said, at last, slowly, ''that your sig uatures under eempuislsA are not wsrth straw that the will itself was ferged, and that have Emmett WarreA's sworn abdication of every claim on your kus- bands property. while you live7''
 White as ghost. she stared at him in dumb unbelief.
 Tt is not true, willard?"
 Tt is true" he answered. Your home Is your own again. There will be no scandal; the rascal was glad enough to eapitulate. when he was faced with proofs-and had them. But" he lean cd over, a great light leaping into his eyes-'thar was not the real business that brought me to see you, Marcia. Do you remember the old poplar down in the pasture? I saw it last summer. The two names I cut In the bark have grown into one. Was it an omen? Dear, the place you left vacant waits for you still. Will you take 1t agaiA?''
 Once more the soft color flooded her thin cheek. "oh, willafdr' she began; but Burdick's big arm was around her. and he had drawn her close te his sheul-S der.
 We must never quarrel again, sweet 4 heart. Great HAavensl Was 1t all a wretehed dream, wonder! It's nearly thirty years since I held yeu--and kissed you-this way!"