Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1905-07-06
An Alien
Heir
By FRANCIS A. COREY
Copyright, 1905. by F. A. Corey

SaAeu dpprOVlngly about
MN. The room which the dancing
names lighted up had cozy, homelike
air delightfully."- in contrast with his
cheerless lodgings in Paris. At last he
mad one little spot within four walls
that he could call his own.
AS he stretched his legs comforta h,y
to the blaze he was still tingling with
the thrill of amazement he had felt
when informed by the village LAWYER
during their brief interview that after
noon that he was Robert Chilton's heir.
The estate consists of this old house.
which has been in the Chiffon family
for hundred years, and $4,000 in
stocks and bonds,' Mr.. Blackstone had
said
And it's mine, really mine. to do
what please with?' Dick asked eager
ly.
Nobody can dispute your legal right
TO 1t, was the stiff response. "Chilton
took care to make will that would
mold. The justice of the bequest is
quite anothers thing"
Although three hours had gone nv
since then, Dick still almost doubted
MS great fortune. How often he had
gone with empty pockets and nothing
to eat.
One blissful thought made his heart
leap He could marry Alice Dale,
They had waited two years because of
their poverty. There was now no occa-
sion for delay
The wind whistled around the bo1,se
driving great gusts of snow against
the windows. Dick laughed at its flu
Tile rage and stirred the fire afresh
In fancy he saw Alice sitting on the
other side of the hearth, one pretty
pink cheek in her palm. How gra-
clously she would rule over the house,
He would hasten to her the first thino
on the morrow with the wonderful
news
The doorbell rang. Mr.. Robbins. the
gray haired minister who had officiatad
at Robert Chilton's funeral that day.
was ushered in. Shaking the snow
from his great coat, he sat down heav-
lily before the fire, his face wearing q
stern expression.
MIR. Vance, how long had YOU
known the deceased?' he abruptly in
CURED
About six months, SIR"
You met abroad?"
Yes, sir-in Paris. Mr.. Chiffon fell
seriously i'll at one of the hotels. He
was alone, and took care of him. He
was pleased to think that my nursing
saved his life"
You Travelled with him afterward 2"
oamr 80. n poer naeaSca1 stu=
could act as courier and also keep
careful watch over his bodily health"
Dick smiled pleasantly, but the cler-
gyman's face grew harder than before.
did he ever speak to you of his |
family?
"Only once-just before he died. He |
said they had betrayed, forsaken him;
that he was worse than alone in the |
world. He made me promise to bury |
him from his old home. never init
mating that was to be his heir. That |
came as a complete surprise. oh, SIR"
Dick added, with kindling eyes. "this
legacy means everything to me-suc
cess, happiness prosperous career"
Looking at the young man over his
spectacles, Mr.. Robbins said gravely:
Then you are not aware that Mr..
Chiffon left a daughter and grand
child?"
Dick turned pale, and all at once
there was a curious pounding in his
ears.
NO! 1t simply can't be! He would
have told me-
ut seems that he did not His daugh-
ter married against his wishes and he
never forgave her. She is now widow,
a confirmed invalid, and very poor
Her child, Il girl Of twenty, is working
beyond her strength for the bare ne
cessities of life. l sent word to them,
but it appears they did not receive it in
time to come"
There was silence which neither of
the two seemed disposed to break.
Dicks forehead glistened with perspi
ration. He swept shaking hand
across it.
"Of course understand why you tell
me this" he cried huskily. You think
have no right to the property and
should give it up"
The old minister frowned, and was
silent. Dick glanced lingeringly around
the room.
II won't do it," he cried, with half
angry vehemence. eff Mr. Chiffon had
wanted his daughter to have it, he
would have left it to her. It's mine
mine! intend to keep it,
Mr.. Robbins rose and picked up his
hat from the table
II regret exceedingly your decision"
he said coldly. Frankly, I'm disap-
pointed in you. Good night. sir" And
he walked out Of the room.
Dick sat for a long time gazing into
the fire. His cheeks We're flushed The
discarded daughter was nothing to
him. He would be fool to abdicate
in her favor No doubt she deserved
all that had befallen her, and even
worse