The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-01-13

SAASy
IN settlement of Acadians and ne
groes. He noticed the gliding on the
1eet, although they are badly furnished,
ana he got the mulatto woman, who
said the desk was her property, to sell
1T to him. She was eager to get rid
OF IT, and the presumption is she never
came by it honestly. 1t is particularly
line. There are wreaths and flowers
and bronze doors splendidly executed.
It's beautiful piece of workman
ship"
Alme gave an exclamation of de-
light and decided then and there to
become its owner.
She was bending forward, admiring
the delicate tracery of inlaid scroll
work when she felt the futter of a
hand on her arm.
Turning, she saw the frail, delicate
little old lady, Miss Hortense, stand
Ing by her side bending forward, her
gaze fixed in trembling anxiety on the
desk, her face drawn and gray, while
her lips moved inaudibly.
What is it? For heavens sake
what is the matter?" Alme said,
throwing an arm around the thin,
trembling form to support her.
r knew we would find tiny
mothers desk. Mr.. Norton said some
day he would have it brought back"
she said, in small faint voice. "The
will is in there-my grandfather's will.
The key is on this chain. l always
wear it around my neck, because there
is so much land and property men
toned it is safer. Take it, my dear.
The top of the desk is double Do you
see the key hole? Open it. Your
young eyes are better than mine. Give
me the papers. I promised my law
yers l would bring the document to
them as soon as found it. You see,
1T means enormous wealth. Take the
key, my dear, and open it. How for
tunate you came; am not as strong
and young as I used to be, and the
sight of my mothers desk has affected
me. Her name was Flore d'Aurillac.
Her initials are in silver inside. l felt
confident that with the assistance of
my good Mr.. Norton would some day
get back my own again. 1t is for
Rene's sake"
She held out small gilded key, her
transparent hand trembling violently.
Better humor her; take it," Mr..
Norton whispered over her head to
Alme. slipping his arm around Miss
Hortense, whose deadly pale face
leaned against him, as if she were
about to faint
Alme took the key, and, talking en-
couragingly, placed it where Miss Hor-
tense told her.
To her intense surprise the lid
opened, and in the narrow space lay
slim folded paper, yellow with age,
and tied with faded ribbon.
Mr.. Norton gave an exclamation of
equal establishment as Alme took it
from it's longtime repository and
handed it to Miss Hortense.
--1v-ttfr e---l-.-----.--
he placed it gently in her trembling
fingers.
why, Miss Hortense. this is great
find. But you are not feeling very
strong to-day. Suppose you let me take
this will of your grandfather's to your
lawyer? Judge Duval, is it not? He
will come around and see you and start
proceedings to get all your property
back for you and Rene. He'll call
round tonight. Suppose you let me
take you to your room?"
Lifting her gently and saying he
would be back in few minutes, Mr..
Norton went out.
In the other room Dan McFerson was
discussing the respective merits of
Flemish and French oak of the middle
centuries.
Excuse me for keeping you wait
ing" the dealer in curios said, coming
back some ten minutes later. "It was
a singular find, but it will make her
happy for the few remaining years she
has to live, poor SOUL
Was it the will?" Alme asked, clos
ing the lid of the pretty desk.
Mr. Norton shook his head.
can old love letter; best destroyed
and forgotten. But she thinks it is
the will and is rejoicing in the thought
of the boys future and laying out great
plans for him."
Poor little thing" Alme said, COM
passionately. What will become of
Rene when she dies?"
He will be cared for" the art dealer
said, quietly. "He is good, honest
lad. Well make civil engineer of
him. That's better than giving him
Chevalier d'Aurilliac's wealth."
Alme turned and shook hands warm
ly with Mr.. Norton without speaking,
her brown eyes little misty. although
her smile was winsome and bright.
Have you concluded your pur-
chases?" McFerson said, coming in and
taking out his watch.
Some of them-yes. This lovely
desk, and the old Spanish chandelier,
and the. buhl chiffonnier, it's dear,
and
Better come back another day. It's
rather late, you know We have din
ner engagement. We have been here
exactly one hour and half"
Good heavens! had no idea it was
so late" Alme said, leading the way
out