Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1921-01-04
AUNT TIRZAH
BY JACK LAYTON.
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Detore. III l were one OF those I'M
reasonable old women who Just will
have their way, your objection would
be different. But am not; your good
has always been my aim, and when
ask you to accept Bob Burgess as a fu.
ture husband, II Is because having
known the lad all his life, | consider
him the one most likely TO make you
happy. Now that Bob is pressing
ahead so fast In his new profession
and In love with you, I can't see-I
really can't-why you should be so OBJ
stinately against him."
Il am not against him, Aunt Tirzah."
the girl answered YEARLY. II don't
love Bob, that's ala good reason
why should not wish TO marry him"
The old lady's black eyes snapped.
Bob was well enough" she retort-
ed until that young lawyer came upon
the scene. Your Mr.. Paul Webster
may be all right but his prosperity at
least is not evident"
"Mr. Webster has his way to make"
Julie quietly replied. 81 think. Aunt
Tirzah, that you would like him II
you knew him better /"
A little smile came about her lips. 81
like him better all the time"
$50 II seems" her Aunt dryly re-
-sponded "But your liking like other
girls liking, my dear, is largely fancy,
and admiration for the unknown.
Doctor Bob has become an old story
to you, and you are ready for new.
However" sternness touched the old
lady's sharp features, "the dreams Of
lifetime cannot be so fancifully
turned aside. Bob Burgess and you
were made for each other, the plan OF
your union was discussed when you
were both In the cradle. My dear,
my very will has been made just that
way-leaylng all to you with the UNI
derstanding that Bobs place in surgery
may be found, and that you and he
may continue on in this oA Vance
place together"
julie arose abruptlyi tears were in
her soft eyes.
"That cannot be, Aunt" she said
hurrledly. II am sorry"
paul Webster has dared talk love
to your" the old lady angrlly asked.
Both Bob and Paul" the girl re-
piled, ''have asked TO marry me-"
"And your the question was
breathless.
II asked Paul to give me time to
think" Julie said. "and I told Bob
no; but he would not take no for my
answer"
The invalid sank back with a sigh
Of relief. "Wise Bob" she said now
listen, my girl, Bob, as my physician,
realizes that my heart is near the
end Of Its labor. He has been atten-
tiye-klnd In the event that you DO
not reconsider his request, all that
have win go to him. / repeat it is
your future alone that interests me-"
Aunt TiTzah rang for her maid. "Send
Tor Doctor Burgess" she directed.
The young physician was soon at her
side.
''The end IL not yet, Bob" she said.
However, will tell you what / have
planned to do. In case Julia marries
you, leave my fortune to her; In case
she does not-entirely to YOU
The young mans face paled, then
he smiled confidently.
"Julle will not go against your wlsh,"
he said at last.
But II she shouldr
~ will then devote the money to the
purpose you desire" he replied.
That evening Aunt Tirzah sent for
Paul Webster to draw up her will. II
was not until after the funeral service
that the contents Of the will were ex-
actly known. Aunt Tlrzah had re-
qulred no promise Of secrecy from Bob
Burgess regarding their conversation
concerning the will, and he had con-
tided its import to Julie. The girl.
faithful and loving to her aunt until
the last, gave no sign Of her own in
tention I'm the matter. Now, as they
sat about the mahogany table In the IL
brary OF Aunt Tirzah's father, the
girls sad-eyed indifference left the
observant ones still In doubt. Paul
Webster seated beside his senior part
ner bent upon her constantly the com
passion of his gaze. When the docu-
ment had been read all sat staring In
establishment at each other, for Aunt
Tlrzah left the bulk Of her great es-
tates unreservedly to her beloved
niece, Julie Dale Vance"
Still bewildered from the shock, Bob
Burgess sprang TO his feet. "There
should be a clause" he said confused
ly, ito the effect that under such cir
cumstances Julie was to wed me-"
Slowly Paul Webster arose.
Two weeks before Tirzah Vance
died" he said, "she sent for me to
draw up a will. In Ii, her niece. Miss
Julie Vance, was to become sole bene-
ficiary upon the condition that she ac-
cept the proposal of marriage which
had recently made her. | could be no
party to the possibility Of an arrange.
ment which might leave her niece
penniless.
AS Miss Tirzah could not be made
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