Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-06-14
to her. and how eagerly they had been

L
read again and again.
At times, when the cold desolation of
winter was at its worst, only maidenly
reserve had kept her from writing him
that her loneliness and heart hunger
were more than she could bear.
She had no inkling of his coming,
and when Uncle Terry bade him enter
the house she was alone in the sitting
room laying the table, while Aunt
Lissy was in the kitchen cooking sup
per. She heard the click Of the front
door latch and, stepping into the little
hall as the door slowly opened, she
met the man who for five long months
had never been absent from her
thoughts.
A glad cry escaped her, and then
When Aunt Lissy came in and
greeted Albert, IL she noticed Telly's
red face and neck no one was the
wiser.
When Uncle Terry came in, and
after Telly, as usual, had brought his
house coat and slippers, what happy
little party was seated at the table.
What II the ocean surges Numbered
so near and at times tossed their angry
tears. against the windows! Inside
were light, and warmth, and love, and
trust, and all that is holiest in human
emotions.
After supper Uncle Terry and Albert
smoked and talked, and when the
evening was two-thirds past, Albert
said: "Now, my good friends, have
little surprise in store for you"
Drawing from an inside pocket a
bulky envelope, and crossing the room
to where Telly sat, he handed 1t to her
with the remark:
II have the honor and exquisite
pleasure Of presenting to you, Miss
Etelka Peterson, sole surviving heiress
and descendant Of one Eric Peterson
Of Stockholm, your paternal GRANDPA
ther, these legal documents certifying
to your inheritance of about $130, 900,
besides various pieces Of real estate as
yet unappraised."
The effect of this announcement upon
the three listeners was not exactly
what Albert bad anticipated. They
seemed dazed, and Telly, holding the
big envelope giLgerly, as If It might
bite her, stared at Albert. Aunt Lissy
was the first tn speak, and "Good Lord
a-massyv came from her in an awed
whisper.
"Thank Coo, little grille, you've got
yer dues at lsssT was Uncle Terry's
remark. and Ihsh, as the probable end
of Telly's life with them cast its shad-
ow athwart his vision, he bowed bis
face upon his hands and added, II
knowed it 'ud come an we'd lose ye.
soon or late"
For IN instant Telly looked at Uncle
Terry sand then she thrust the envei'
ope into his hands and clasped bis arm.
II won't ta.ie It, father" she *
claimed. mot .one penny Of 1t! It's
all yours, and.I'll never leave you 80
long as you live" Then she began to
sob.
"Ihar amt 70 cause fer worryin' bout
that yit, grille" he answered. placing
one hand on her bowed head, ''an' no
need fer ye to leave US 'thout ye mind
to. We want ye allus, long as we kin
keer We, make sure" Then, noting the
dumfounded look on Albert's face, he
added, "Ye mustn't mind Telly's ways,
Mr.. Page: it's upset her little an
made her histeriky. She don't quite
understand yit what 1t all means. She
ain't much used ter havin' a fortin
drapped in her lap"
And then, rising, he added, WED
best go to bed now, Lissy, an mebbe
Mr.. Page. bein' q lawyer. can 'splain
matters to Telly."
When they had left the room Albert
seated himself on the sofa beside Telly
and said: ~ am trife puzzled and a
little disappointed, Telly, at the way
you feel about this Inheritance. 1t Is
rigl,tfully yours and will enable you
to do much for the future comfort Of
those who nre devoted to you. I had
hoped also it would relieve your feel'
ing of obligation little"
"No money can do that" she answer
I'd quickly, land all this won't be
worth to father the care he has grown
accustomed to from me-"
"But won't this money do more for
him than you can, Telly? Is there any
need Of his remaining here to putter
over lobster traps and drive a wagon,
rain or shine? He is getting too old
for that, anyway. Why not build a
home for them in Boston. or. better
still, share ours there"
A flush came over Tellys face.
1--WE haven't home there yet" she
answered. turning her face away.
But we will have, darling, and as
soon as you consent l shall begin to
make it ready. want you, darling,
and want q home. Life to me with
you buried here is only desolation, and
how much so to you the past five
months can only tell. I know how
you feel toward these good people. and
your care for them shall be my care"
Telly hid her face behind her hands.
and as she yielded little to his clasp
lie whispered: "Do not say no again.
Telly! DO not rob yourself and me Of
love and home and happiness any
longer! Make what plans for them
you wish. Do as you will with your
heritage. All plead for is YOU" AS
he paused, holding her close while he
waited for her answer, only listening
love heard it whispered.
And outside the pillows that years
before tossed her ashore and had