diff options
Diffstat (limited to '15486.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 15486.txt | 1974 |
1 files changed, 1974 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/15486.txt b/15486.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a4adbe9 --- /dev/null +++ b/15486.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1974 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories, by +Frances Henshaw Baden + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories + Edna's Sacrifice; Who Was the Thief?; The Ghost; The Two Brothers; and What He Left + + +Author: Frances Henshaw Baden + +Release Date: March 28, 2005 [eBook #15486] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDNA'S SACRIFICE AND OTHER +STORIES*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Diane Monico, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +EDNA'S SACRIFICE, AND OTHER STORIES + +by + +FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + + EDNA'S SACRIFICE + + WHO WAS THE THIEF? + + THE GHOST + + THE TWO BROTHERS + + WHAT HE LEFT + + + + +EDNA'S SACRIFICE + + +It was a cold night in September. For three days the rain had fallen +almost unceasingly. It had been impossible for us to get out; and no +visitors had been in. Everything looked dreary enough, and we felt so, +truly. Of course the stoves were not prepared for use; and this night +we (that is, Nell, Floy, Aunt Edna, and myself) were huddled in the +corners of the sofa and arm-chairs, wrapped in our shawls. We were at +our wits' end for something to while the hours away. We had read +everything that was readable; played until we fancied the piano sent +forth a wail of complaint, and begged for rest; were at the backgammon +board until our arms ached; and I had given imitations of celebrated +actresses, until I was hoarse, and Nell declared I was in danger of +being sued for scandal. What more could we do? To dispel the +drowsiness that was stealing over me, I got up, walked up and down the +floor, and then drew up the blind, and gazed out into the deserted +street. Not a footfall to be heard, neither man's nor beast's; nothing +but patter, patter, patter. At length, after standing fully fifteen +minutes--oh, joyful sound!--a coming footstep, firm and quick. My +first thought was that those steps would stop at our door. But, +directly after, I felt that very improbable, for who was there that +_would_ come such a night? Papa was up north with mamma; Nell and +Floy were visiting Aunt Edna and me, the only ones home, save the +servants. Neither of us had as yet a lover so devoted or so demented +as to come out, if he had anywhere to _stay in_. + +On and past went the steps. Turning away, I drew down the blind, and +said: "Some one must be ill, and that was the doctor, surely: for no +one else would go out, only those from direst necessity sent." + +A deep sigh escaped Aunt Edna's lips, and although partially shaded by +her hand, I could see the shadow on the beautiful face had deepened. + +Why my aunt had never married was a mystery to me, for she was lovable +in every way, and must have been very beautiful in her youth. +Thirty-six she would be next May-day, she had told me. Thirty-six +seemed to me, just sixteen, a very great many years to have lived. But +aunt always was young to us; and the hint of her being an old maid was +always resented, very decidedly, by all her nieces. + +"Aunt Edna," I said, "tell us a story--a love-story, please." + +"Oh, little one, you have read _so_ many! And what can I tell you +more?" she answered, gently. + +"Oh, aunty, I want a _true_ story! Do, darling aunty, tell us your +own. Tell us why you are blessing our home with your presence, instead +of that of some noble man, for noble he must have been to have won +your heart, and--hush-sh! Yes, yes; I know something about somebody, +and I must know all. Do, please!" + +I plead on. I always could do more with Aunt Edna than any one else. I +was named for her, and many called me like her--"only not nearly so +pretty" was always added. + +At last she consented, saying: + +"Dear girls, to only one before have I given my entire confidence, +and that was my mother. I scarce know why I have yielded to your +persuasions, little Edna, save that this night, with its gloom and +rain, carries me back long years, and my heart seems to join its +pleading with yours, yearning to cast forth some of its fulness, and +perchance find relief by pouring into your loving heart its own +sorrows. But, darling, I would not cast my shadow over your fair brow, +even for a brief time." + +With her hand still shading her face, Aunt Edna began: + +"Just such a night as this, eighteen years ago, dear child, my fate +was decided. The daughter of my mother's dearest friend had been with +us about a year. Dearly we all loved the gentle child, for scarcely +more than child she was--only sixteen. My mother had taken her from +the cold, lifeless form of her mother into her own warm, loving heart, +and she became to me as a sister. So fair and frail she was! We all +watched her with the tenderest care, guarding her from all that could +chill her sensitive nature or wound the already saddened heart. Lilly +was her name. Oh, what a delicate white lily she was when we first +brought her to our home; but after a while she was won from her +sorrow, and grew into a maiden of great beauty. Still, with +child-like, winning ways. + +"Great wells of love were in her blue eyes--violet hue _he_ called +them. Often I wondered if any one's gaze would linger on my dark eyes +when hers were near? Her pale golden hair was pushed off her broad +forehead and fell in heavy waves far down below her graceful shoulders +and over her black dress. Small delicately-formed features, a +complexion so fair and clear that it seemed transparent. In her blue +eyes there was always such a sad, wistful look; this, and the gentle +smile that ever hovered about her lips, gave an expression of mingled +sweetness and sorrow that was very touching. You may imagine now how +beautiful she was. + +"Her mother had passed from earth during the absence of Lilly's +father. Across the ocean the sorrowful tidings were born to him. He +was a naval officer. Lilly was counting the days ere she should see +him. The good news had come, that soon he would be with her. At last +the day arrived, but oh! what a terrible sorrow it brought. When her +heart was almost bursting with joy, expecting every moment to be +clasped in those dear arms--a telegraphic despatch was handed in. +Eagerly she caught it, tore it open, read--and fell lifeless to the +floor. + +"Oh! the fearful, crushing words. We read, not of his coming to Lilly, +but of his going to her, his wife, in heaven. Yes, truly an orphan the +poor girl was then. + +"In vain proved all efforts to restore her to consciousness. Several +times, when she had before fainted, mother was the only physician +needed. But that night she shook her head and said: + +"'We must have a doctor, and quickly.' + +"It was a terrible night. Our doctor was very remote. Your father +suggested another, near by. + +"Dr.----, well, never mind his name. Your father said he had lately +known him, and liked him much. + +"Through the storm he came, and by his skilful treatment Lilly was +soon restored to consciousness, but not to health. A low nervous fever +set in, and many days we watched with fearful hearts. Ah! during those +days I learned to look too eagerly for the doctor's coming. Indeed, he +made his way into the hearts of all in our home. After the dreaded +crisis had passed, and we knew that Lilly would be spared to us, the +doctor told mother he should have to prescribe for me. I had grown +pale, from confinement in the sick-room, and he must take me for a +drive, that the fresh air should bring the roses back to my cheeks. +Willingly mother consented. After that I often went. When Lilly was +able to come down-stairs, this greatest pleasure of my life then was +divided with her. One afternoon I stood on the porch with her, waiting +while the doctor arranged something about the harness. + +"'Oh! _how_ I wish it was my time to go!' she whispered. + +"'Well, darling, it shall be your time. I can go to-morrow. Run, get +your hat and wraps,' I said, really glad to give any additional +pleasure to this child of many sorrows. + +"'No, no, that would not be fair. And, Edna, don't you know that +_to-morrow_ I would be so sorry if I went to-day? I do not mean to be +selfish, but, oh, indeed I cannot help it! I am wishing _every time_ +to go. Not that I care for a ride--' She hesitated, flushed, and +whispered: 'I like to be with my doctor. Don't you, Edna? Oh! I wish +he was my father, or brother, or cousin--just to be with us all the +time, you know.' + +"Just then the doctor came for me, and I had to leave her. As we drove +off I looked back and kissed my hand to her, saying: + +"'Dear little thing! I wish she was going with us.' + +"'I do not,' the doctor surprised me by saying. + +"I raised my eyes inquiringly to his. In those beautiful, earnest eyes +I saw something that made me profoundly happy. I could not speak. +After a moment he added: + +"'She is a beautiful, winning child, and I enjoy her company. But when +with her, I feel as if it was my duty to devote myself entirely to +her--in a word, to take care of her, or, I should say, to care for +_her_ only. And this afternoon, of all others, I do not feel like +having Lilly with us.' + +"That afternoon was one of the happiest of my life. Although not a +word of love passed his lips. I knew it filled his heart, and was for +me. He told me of his home, his relatives, his past life. Of his +mother he said: + +"'When you know her, you will love her dearly.' + +"He seemed to be sure that I should know her. And then--ah, well, I +thought so too, then. + +"Lilly was waiting for us when we returned. He chided her for being +out so late. It was quite dark. Tears filled her eyes as she raised +them to his and said: + +"'Don't be angry. I could not help watching. Oh, why did you stay _so_ +long? I thought you would never come back. I was afraid something had +happened--that the horse had run away, or--' + +"'Angry I could not be with you, little one. But I don't want you to +get sick again. Come, now, smile away your tears and fears! Your +friend is safe and with you again,' the doctor answered. + +"Taking her hand, he led her into the parlor. + +"He had not understood the cause of her tears. Only for him she +watched and wept. + +"'_Do_ stay,' she plead, when her doctor was going. + +"He told her he could not, then; there was another call he must make, +but would return after a while. + +"She counted the minutes, until she should see him again. Never +concealing from any of us how dearly she loved him. She was truly as +guileless as a child of six years. + +"From the first of her acquaintance with him, she had declared 'her +doctor' was like her father. Mother, too, admitted the resemblance was +very decided. + +"This it was, I think, that first made him so dear to her. + +"Several times, after the doctor returned that evening, I saw he +sought opportunity to speak to me, unheard by others. But Lilly was +always near. + +"Ah! it was better so. Better that from his _own_ lips I heard not +those words he would have spoken. Doubly hard would have been the +trial. Oh, that night when he said, 'good-by!' He slipped in my hand a +little roll of paper. As Lilly still stood at the window, watching as +long as she could see him, I stole away to open the paper. Then, for a +while, I forgot Lilly, aye, forgot everything, in my great happiness. +He loved me! On my finger sparkled the beautiful diamond--my +engagement ring--to be worn on the morrow, 'if I could return his +love,' he said. + +"Quickly I hid my treasures away, his note, and the ring--Lilly was +coming. + +"She was not yet strong, and soon tired. I helped her to get off her +clothes, and as she kissed me good-night, she said: + +"'I wish we had a picture of him--don't you?' + +"'Who, dear?' I asked. + +"'My doctor! Who else? You tease. You _knew_ well enough,' she +answered, as she nestled her pretty head closer to mine. + +"Soon she was sleeping and dreaming of him. Sweet dreams at first I +knew they were; for soft smiles flitted over her face. + +"I could not sleep. A great fear stole in upon my happiness. Did not +Lilly love him too? How would she receive the news which soon must +reach her? Was her love such as mine? Such as is given to but one +alone? Or only as a brother did she love him? I must _know_ how it +was. Heaven grant that joy for one would not bring sorrow to the +other, I prayed. I had not long to wait. Her dreams became troubled. +Her lips quivered and trembled, and then with a cry of agony she +started up. + +"'Gone, gone, gone!' she sobbed. + +"It was many minutes ere I succeeded in calming and making her +understand 'twas but a dream. + +"'Oh! but _so_ real, so _dreadfully_ real. I thought he did not care +for me. That he had gone and left me, and they told me he was +married!' + +"Telling this, she began to sob again. + +"'Lilly, dear, tell me truly--tell your sister, your very best +friend--how it is you love your doctor?' I asked. + +"'How?' she returned. 'Oh, Edna, more than all the world! He is all +that I have lost and more; and if he should die, or I should lose him, +I would not wish to live. I _could_ not live. He loves me a little, +does he not, Edna?' + +"I could not reply. Just then there was a terrible struggle going on +in my heart. _That_ must be ended, the victory won ere I could speak. +She waited for my answer and then said, eagerly: + +"'Oh, speak, _do!_ What _are_ you thinking about?' + +"Pressing back the sigh--back and far down into the poor heart--I gave +her the sweet, and kept the bitter part, when I could answer. + +"'Yes, dear, I _do_ think he loves you a little now, and will, +by-and-by, love you dearly. God grant he may!' + +"'Oh, you darling Edna! You have made me so happy!' she cried, kissing +me; and still caressing me she fell asleep. + +"Next morning I enclosed the ring, with only these words: + + "'Forgive if I cause you sorrow, and believe me your true + friend. I return the ring that I am not _free_ to accept.' + +"I intended that my reply should mislead him, when I wrote that I was +not free, and thus to crush any hope that might linger in his heart. +While at breakfast that morning, we received a telegram that grandma +was extremely ill, and wanted me. Thus, fate seemed to forward my +plans. I had thought to go away for a while, I told mother all. How +her dear heart ached for me! Yet she dared not say aught against my +decision. She took charge of the note for the doctor, and by noon I +was on my journey. Two years passed ere I returned home. Mother wrote +me but little news of either Lilly or her doctor after the first +letter, telling that my note was a severe shock and great +disappointment. Three or four months elapsed before grandma was strong +enough for me to leave her. An opportunity at that time presented for +my going to Europe. I wanted such an entire change, and gladly +accepted. Frequently came letters from Lilly. For many months they +were filled with doubts and anxiety; but after a while came happier +and shorter ones. Ah, she had only time to be with him, and to think +in his absence of his coming again. + +"When I was beginning to tire of all the wonders and grandeur of the +old world, and nothing would still the longing for home, the tidings +came they were married, Lilly and her doctor, and gone to his Western +home to take charge of the patients of his uncle, who had retired from +practice. Then I hastened back, and ever since, dear girls, I have +been contented, finding much happiness in trying to contribute to that +of those so dear. Now, little Edna, you have my only love-story, its +beginning and ending." + +"But, aunty, do tell me his name," I said. "Indeed, it is not merely +idle curiosity. I just feel as if I must know it--that it is for +something very important. Now you need not smile. I'm very earnest, +and I shall not sleep until I know. I really felt a presentiment that +if I knew his name it might in some way effect the conclusion of the +story." + +"Well, my child, I may as well tell you. Dr. Graham it was--Percy +Graham," Aunt Edna answered, low. + +"Ah! did I not tell you? It was not curiosity. Listen, aunty mine. +While you were away last winter, papa received a paper from St. Louis; +he handed it to me, pointing to an announcement. But I will run get +it. He told me to show it to you, and I forgot. I did not dream of all +this." + +From my scrap-book I brought the slip, and Aunt Edna read: + + "DIED.--Suddenly, of heart disease, on the morning of the + 15th, Lilly, wife of Doctor Percy Graham, in the 34th year + of her age." + +Aunt Edna remained holding the paper, without speaking, for some +minutes; then, handing it back to me, she said, softly, as if talking +to her friend: + +"_Dear_ Lilly! Thank heaven, I gave to _you_ the _best_ I had to give, +and caused you nought but happiness. God is merciful! Had _he_ been +taken, and you left, how _could_ we have comforted you?" And then, +turning to me, she said: "Nearly a year it is since Lilly went to +heaven. 'Tis strange I have not heard of this." + +"'Tis strange from him you have not heard," I thought; "and stranger +still 'twill be if he comes not when the year is over. For surely he +_must_ know that you are free--" But I kept my thoughts, and soon +after kissed aunty good-night. + +One month passed, and the year was out. And somebody was in our +parlor, making arrangements to carry away Aunt Edna. I knew it was he, +when he met me at the hall door, and said: + +"Edna--Miss Linden! _can_ it be?" + +"Yes and no, sir--both--Edna Linden; but, Doctor Graham, not _your_ +Edna. You will find her in the parlor," I answered, saucily, glad and +sorry, both, at his coming. + +Ah, she welcomed him with profound joy, I know. He knew all; papa had +told him. And if he loved the beautiful girl, he then worshipped that +noble woman. + +"Thank God! Mine at last!" I heard him say, with fervent joy, as I +passed the door, an hour after. + +How beautiful she was, when, a few weeks after, she became his very +own. I stood beside her and drew off her glove. How happy he looked as +he placed the heavy gold circlet on her finger! How proudly he bore +her down the crowded church aisle! + +Ah, little Lilly was no doubt his dear and cherished wife. But _this_ +one, 'twas plain to see was the one love of his life. + + + + +WHO WAS THE THIEF? + + +Fred Loring's toilet was at length completed, and turning from the +glass, he said: + +"Well, I'm off now, Nellie. Good-by." + +"At last! Excuse me, Fred, but just now quietness is more desirable +than your society. It is impossible to get baby to sleep while you are +flying about the room. She sees you, and wants to get to you," +answered Nellie. + +"All right. I'll get out of the way. By-by, baby." + +And kissing the little one, Fred hurried out. + +Ten or fifteen minutes passed. Baby was quiet at last, almost asleep, +when the door opened, and in rushed Fred again. And up started baby, +with a shout of welcome. An impatient look came into Nellie's eyes, +and the tone to her words: + +"Oh, Fred, I had almost gotten her to sleep. And now see! And I am so +tired. What has brought you back so soon? + +"Well, well, I'm sorry. But I left my revolver behind. I guess she'll +soon be quiet again," Fred said, unlocking the drawer and taking out +his revolver. + +"Fred, I declare I never _did_ see such a man. You cannot leave the +house without being armed. Do you forget there is a law against +carrying concealed weapons?" + +"I _remember_ to be on my guard, and prepared to defend myself if it +be necessary. Every day we read accounts of persons being robbed, +knocked down, and such like. I tell you, Nellie, _sensible_ persons go +armed always." + +"Perhaps, Fred. But I think the nervous and suspicious persons are +more likely to. Indeed, I never like to see you carrying off your +revolver. I'm in constant fear of something dreadful happening." + +"But never in dread of any one murdering and robbing me. Of course +not!" Fred snapped forth. + +"Oh, Fred! You are so quick and suspicious of every one, that my great +fear is you'll hurt the wrong person some time!" said Nellie, with a +really anxious look on her pretty face. + +"Indeed I am not aware of ever having gotten hold of the wrong person. +I think you are calling on your imagination for facts, Mrs. Loring!" +Fred said angrily. + +"Now, Fred, to defend myself I shall have to point to facts. Do you +forget catching hold of poor old Uncle Tom, and choking him so he +could not explain he was carrying the clothes to his wife to wash, +instead of being a thief, as you supposed? And--" + +"And will I ever forget your handing me over to a policeman, for +having attempted to pick your pocket in the streetcar?" exclaimed a +bright, merry-looking girl, who entered the room during Nellie's +attempt to defend herself from Fred's accusation. + +"Oh, Fan, don't, for mercy's sake, I cry quarter. Two at a time is +more than I can stand. And besides, I had hoped that you would not +have exposed that miserable mistake!" Fred said, with a reproachful +look. + +"I intended to keep the secret. But really, Fred, I've been almost +dying to have a good laugh with Nellie over it. And to-night the +opportunity was too tempting to resist." + +"Mercy, Fan! If you tell Nellie, I'll never hear the last of it." + +"Oh, I must. It is too late to recede. Nellie will imagine it worse, +if possible, than it really is. But I'll not prolong your agony. I'll +be as brief as possible," said Fannie. + +And amidst the cries of "Don't! don't!" and "Yes, do, do!" Fannie +began. + +"The day I reached here, just as I came out of the depot, I spied my +beloved and respected cousin Fred entering the street car. I hurried +up, and got in immediately after him. Even if my veil had been raised +I could hardly have expected him to know me, as I have changed much in +five years. As it was, my face was completely hidden. The car was much +crowded, many standing--I next behind Fred. I was well laden with lots +of little packages, so the idea struck me to drop a few into Fred's +overcoat pockets. Without discovery I put what I washed into one, and +was about slipping my porte-monnaie into the other, when my hand was +caught with such a grip that I screamed right out. At the same time +Fred exclaimed, 'Here is a pickpocket!' And of course there was a +policeman there, as none was needed. I was too frightened to speak for +an instant. At length I found voice enough to say to the officer, who +was making his way toward me, 'The gentleman will find he is mistaken +in a moment.' + +"After the first fright, I was really amused, notwithstanding the +mortifying situation. By that time Fred had drawn forth my +porte-monnaie. Nodding to the policeman, he said: + +"'An old dodge. Putting into my pocket what she has taken from some +one else. Has any one here lost this?' he asked, holding up my +porte-monnaie. + +"No one claimed it. I managed to get off my veil then, that I had +been tugging at. I had gotten a lady in the depot to tie it tightly +behind, as it was blowing a perfect gale when I arrived. All eyes were +on me then, of course. And the officer, not recognizing an old +offender, and not a very guilty-looking young one, hesitated. I looked +eagerly at Fred, to see if he would not recognize me, but he did not. +There was a very embarrassing pause then, that had to be ended; so I +said, not trying to restrain my smiles: + +"'If you will open that porte-monnaie, Mr. Loring, you will see my +card. I thought my acquaintance would justify my loading you with some +of my bundles. If you will notice, your other pocket is full.' + +"Every one waited eagerly the result. Quickly Fred did my bidding. You +may imagine his look, when he exclaimed: + +"'Fannie Loring! Bless my soul, coz, can you ever forgive me? But how +could I know you? I've not seen you since you were a child.' + +"There was a shout of laughter heard then, in which Fred and I joined. +But Fred's was not a very hearty laugh; and I think he was glad to get +out of that car, for he made me walk at least three times as far as +ever you and I walk when we leave the car." + +Nellie was almost convulsed with laughter, which baby seemed to enjoy +very much. And Fred exclaimed: + +"It was not half as bad as you have made it out, Fan. And just for a +punishment for your laughing so, Nellie, I hope baby will not go to +sleep for hours. I'm off now." + +Merry rippling laughter followed him. And Fred ran down the stairs, +and out of the house, almost hoping somebody might attempt to rob, or +murder him even, so that his revolver might prove of great avail, and +thus silence Nellie, who was ever talking about what she called his +suspicious nature, when it was only necessary caution, he thought. + +Soon baby was sleeping soundly, notwithstanding Fred's wish to the +contrary. And Nellie, putting her into the crib, went to the bureau to +arrange her hair. + +"Why, Fred has gone without his watch!" she exclaimed. "I don't think +he ever did that in his life before. I wonder he has not been back +again before this!" + +The hours passed swiftly by. Fannie, with her merry heart, fully +compensating Nellie for Fred's absence. Eleven o'clock came before +they imagined it near so late. And just then they heard the hall door +close, and a moment after Fred entered the room, and in an excited +voice exclaimed: + +"Now, ladies, perhaps you will admit the good of carrying a revolver, +when I tell you that to-night I have been robbed." + +"Robbed!" exclaimed Nellie and Fannie simultaneously. + +"Yes, robbed. But I did not stay so, many minutes, thanks to my +revolver! Listen, and I'll tell you all about it. On my way home I +turned Gray's corner into Fourteenth street. You know how dark and +dismal it is about there--no lights. Well, as I turned, a fellow came +rushing along, knocked against and nearly sent me down. And saying +quickly, 'Excuse me, sir,' hurried on. I suspected what it was--a +dodge they have when relieving a man of his watch or pocket-book. I +hastened to feel for my watch. It was gone." + +"Why, Fred, your watch--" + +"Stop! Don't interrupt me. Wait until I've done." + +The girls exchanged looks--mirthful first, anxious after. + +"In a second I was after him. Presenting my revolver, I bade him hand +me the watch. He resisted. I covered him with my pistol, and spoke +again in a tone which convinced him I was in a dangerous mood. + +"'Hand me that watch.' + +"Out it came; and without taking a second look at me, he left. And +thanks to my little beauty here," tapping his revolver, "I am home +again, no worse off than when I started. Now, what say you?" + +"Oh, Fred! Oh, my dear, what have you done? Oh, you have robbed that +man of his watch! Yours is on the bureau. You left it home," Nellie +cried, in a voice of real agitation. + +"What? No! Surely not!" exclaimed Fred, growing very red, and starting +toward the bureau. + +Fannie handed to Fred his own watch, at the same time fairly shaking +with the laughter she had tried so hard to suppress. + +"Oh, Fred, forgive me. I'm only human; I must laugh or die." + +Peal after peal came from the merry girl, who could not restrain +herself, although Nellie looked so reproachfully, and Fred really +angrily at her; the former saying: + +"Indeed, Fannie, I'm too much frightened to laugh." + +Fred was too mortified to say another word for some time. At length, +turning to Fannie, who had grown a little quiet, he snappishly said: + +"Pray, don't stop! I'm very happy to afford you so much amusement." + +Of course Fannie began anew; and Nellie trying to stop her by looks +and motions, asked: + +"What shall you do, Fred?" + +"It is not a matter of such vital importance that you need look so +worried, Nellie. I'll go to the police head-quarters, explain the +matter, and leave the watch. That will be the end of it," said Fred, +trying to assume a light, careless tone. + +Nellie hoped it might be the end of it; but still fearful of +something unpleasant, asked: + +"Is it too late to-night to go, Fred?" + +"Certainly it is," Fred answered. + +Seeing Nellie's face still retain its anxious and frightened +expression, Fred broke out laughing himself, saying: + +"You look as much frightened, Nell, as I imagine that man looked when +I went for his watch." + +Next morning Fred was longer than usual getting off from home, and all +Nellie's urging haste seemed to have the tendency to retard instead of +accelerating his motions. But at last, to her great relief, he was +off. After getting a few rods from home, he drew forth the stolen +watch, and found of course it had run down. Having no key to fit it, +he approached a jewelry store, intending to have it wound up. He had +failed to notice the very particular attention with which a policeman +was regarding him. Just as he was about to enter the store, he was +tapped on the shoulder. Turning, he beheld the officer, a total +stranger to Fred, so he knew it was not a bit of use to explain the +case to him. So to attract as little notice as possible, he walked +quietly along with his not very agreeable companion until they reached +the police head-quarters. + +There he began his explanation. All were strange faces around him, on +which he saw unmistakable signs of merriment when he said it was "a +mistake." And to his immense surprise, after he had handed over the +dreadful watch, and was turning to leave, he was made to understand he +was a _prisoner_--the accusation, "Robbery and assault, with intent to +kill!" + +He sank on the bench for a moment, so overwhelmed with surprise and +mortification that he could with difficulty collect his senses enough +to know what to do. Just then a gentleman entered, and said to an +officer near: + +"I was surprised to hear you had caught the rascal so speedily. Where +is the scoundrel? What does he say?" + +"That it was all a _mistake!_" answered the officer, with a very +significant smile. "There he is," pointing to Fred. + +"Of course--the villain! And if I had been so unfortunate as not to +have had a watch to hand over, he would have murdered and robbed me of +what I might have of any value. The murderous rascal!--Ah! how are +you, Loring? You here!" advancing and shaking Fred's hand cordially, +and continuing, "Show me that cut-throat! Which is he?" + +The expression on Fred's countenance may possibly be imagined, but I +cannot describe it. And when, in answer to the call, "Prisoner, stand +up," he arose, his friend's--the plaintiff's--surprise was stupendous +for a moment; and then breaking into a hearty chuckle, he exclaimed: + +"Of course _now_ I know it was a mistake." + +The dignity of the place was forgotten by all then, and never was such +a shout of laughter heard before within those walls. But Fred could +not join in it, to save him. He had too lately stood in the place of +an individual bearing quite too many opprobrious epithets, to feel +very light-hearted. + +He returned home to relieve Nellie's mind, telling her it was all +settled--she need have now no more anxiety about it. But he never told +her how it was settled. One thing, however, she noticed--he was not so +fond of his revolver's companionship as he used to be. And once she +heard him say: + +"If the law was more strenuous with regard to the carrying of +concealed weapons, there would be fewer criminal indictments." + + + + +THE GHOST + + +Peeping through the leaves of the vine-covered bower, and watching +eagerly the path through the woods, was a beautiful little maiden. An +anxious look was in her deep blue eyes, as pressing her hands over her +heart, as if to stop its heavy beating, she said: + +"Oh, why does he not come? How long a time! If he had good news, I +know he would come quicker. Oh, I have not a mite of hope!" + +The pretty lips quivered then, and she stepped back, and sank on the +mossy seat. + +A moment after a sound, slight as the dropping of leaves, caught her +ear. She sprang up, and for an instant a bright light shone in her +eyes, but quickly died away, as the slow, heavy step came nearer, +bringing to sight a tall, noble-looking young man, whose face, if less +stern, would have been very handsome. + +Without speaking, he clasped her outstretched hand and drew her within +his arms, shaking his head sadly. + +"I felt it was so, or you would have come sooner," the maiden said, +resting her head against his shoulder. + +"I had little, if any, hope, Susie. I went this last time because you +bade me to." + +"What did father say, Frank?" + +"Over and over the same old story of having, since your babyhood, +intended you to be the wife of his friend's son. Oh, if I were +wealthier, it would be all right, I know," Frank said, his dark eyes +flashing. + +"Don't talk so, dear, please. I do not like to hear you impute a wrong +motive to my father. I will never, never listen for one moment to any +words of love from George Forrester, or any other man but you, Frank. +So you may be sure, if papa will not let me marry you, I will never +marry at all," Susie said, her eyes full of tears, looking up to his. + +"Susie, I have made three appeals to your father during the year past; +each time finding him, if possible, more determined to oppose our +happiness. I will _never_ humiliate myself again, and he will _never_ +yield. Now what will you do?" + +"Wait, hope and pray. I can do nothing more," Susie answered, in a +tearful voice. + +"Yes, Susie, darling, you can, and secure our immediate happiness. You +can come with me, be my own true wife, love." + +"No--no--_no_. I _can_not. I should not secure our happiness. I should +be miserable, and make you so." + +"_Then_ I have nothing more to hope for. He will not give you to me, +and you will not come. Oh, Susie, how can you send me off? You know +you are all the world to me! If I lose you, I lose everything. I am +alone in the world. There are many loved ones to comfort your father, +until he comes to his better nature and calls you back to his heart. +Susie, am I to leave you forever?" + +The beautiful dark eyes were looking into his, filled with so much +love. How could she resist? + +"No--no. I shall die, if you leave me--never to come again! Oh, what +_am_ I to do? I love you better than my own life, Frank, indeed I do! +But, father--oh, how can I desert him? He loves me more than the +other children. I am the oldest, his first child, and so like what +mother was. That is _why_ he loves me so. And now _she_ has gone, I +_should_ stay--" + +"And break your heart and mine, too, Susie?" + +"If I thought, Frank, you would not mind it very long--" + +"You would give me up! And, in time, get into your father's way of +thinking, and end by marrying the man he wants you to," Frank said, +withdrawing his arm and turning away with a great sigh. + +"Oh, Frank, how _can_ you talk to me so?" + +"Well, Susie, it is useless prolonging our sorrow. I had better say +good-by, and go forever." + +"No, no, Frank, dear love. Oh! what am I to do?" + +"Be happy, my own, and make me so. Be my wife before I return to W---. +Go with me. Susie, your mother loved me. I know, if here, she would +plead for me." + +"Yes, she loved you, and perhaps in her blessed home she will pity me, +and win for me forgiveness, alike from heavenly as earthly father, if +longer my heart cannot resist my love," Susie sobbed, dropping her +golden head on her lover's bosom and promising all he wished. + +"The last night at home," she said. "On the morrow I must go forth, to +return no more, the loving, dutiful child. Should he ever consent to +have me come back, I can never be again what I once was to his heart. +I shall have broken the trust he held in me," Susie moaned. + +Tenderly the brother and sister were ministered to, her hand resting +on each little head, as their lisping voices followed hers in the +evening prayer. Willie and Emma arose, their demure faces lifted to +receive the good-night kiss. But Rosie, the two-and-a-half-year baby, +the dying mother's sacred charge, wound her tiny arms about the elder +sister, and with baby-like perversity hung on, lisping: + +"Now Susu pay, too. _Pease_, Susu. Do!" + +The baby plead; and Susie, raising her eyes to Rosie's, felt mother, +not far away, but near, _very_ near, and pleading through her child. + +The sunny head was dropped again, and Susie prayed--even as Rosie had +begged her. Prayed for guidance to the better way. + +Three pair of little pattering feet were resting. Three rosy faces +pressed the downy pillow, and Susie's evening task was done. + +Gently she stole away. + +"I will go to father myself, to-night. I will plead with him until he +must yield," Susie said, as cautiously closing, the door of the +nursery she entered her own room. + +The evening was oppressive, and Susie's black dress became very +uncomfortable. Flitting about, guided by the moonbeams, she sought for +something of lighter texture. The mourning robe was laid aside, and a +dress, white and fleecy, wrapped her slender form. The clustering +ringlets were smoothed back, and rolled in a heavy coil high on the +back of her head. + +"Now I will go down. Father will be alone at this hour, and--" She +paused, raised her sweet eyes upward, and clasping her hands she +murmured, "Mother in heaven, plead for me." + +Noiselessly she opened the door and glanced into the room. Her father +sat with his back toward her, leaning on a table over which were +scattered books and papers. In his hand he held the picture of her +mother. She drew back a little, still, however, standing within the +door. She dared not interrupt the sacred privacy of the hour. The +rustle of her garments, light as it was, must have caught his ear, for +his bowed head was raised. + +"Mary! my wife! my own!" he cried, starting forward, with extended +arms. "Thank God for granting me one glimpse of you again!" + +Susie, awed and trembling, raised her eyes to see clothed as in life, +the same sweet, gentle face, the rippling hair, caught back from the +smooth, clear brow. + +"Mother!" she breathed forth. + +The room was lighted only by the moonbeams; but the vision was plainly +seen. Another eager glance, and Susie stole away to her own room, and +sank almost fainting into her mother's chair. A little while, and +grown calmer, she opened her eyes, to see again, directly in front of +her, the same vision. + +She started forward, stretching out her arms, and calling softly, +"Mother." + +Nearer--nearer she drew, until, face to face, she stood beside the +large mirror in front of which she had seated herself. + +Unwittingly in one of her mother's dresses she had robed herself, and +gathered her curls in the manner her mother was accustomed to. + +"How very, very like her I am! Yes, now I know: father saw me in the +mirror opposite which I stood. Well, I will not break his sweet +delusion. I meant it not, Heaven knows. Oh, if mother could only come +to him--in dreams, perhaps--to plead for me! I cannot desert him, I +cannot; I _dare_ not! But Frank--oh, how can I give him up! I will +give up neither, but clinging to both loved ones, will trust to Heaven +for a happy decision." + +With this determination she sank to sleep, sweet and undisturbed. + +Early next morning, as usual, she was in the breakfast-room, +ministering to the little ones clustering around her. The father's +frown had lost its accustomed sternness, as he stood regarding his +eldest child. A gentle, sympathetic light was in his eyes as they +rested on the sweet face grown older, much, in those days of anxious +care. How matronly she looked! So patiently listening to, and +answering every wish of the little ones. + +At last they were all satisfied; and Susie seeing, as she thought, her +father deeply interested in the morning paper, stole away to the +trysting-place. + + * * * * * + +"I cannot leave him, Frank. _Indeed, I never_ can without his blessing +resting on me. No, no!" she cried, as she saw the disappointed and +stern expression of her lover's face, "I have tried, in vain, to make +my mind up to it. How can I give up either? loving you both so well." + +"You have trifled with me, Susie; you have broken your promise, too. +You will, most likely, never see me after this morning, if I go from +you. Are you determined?" + +"Yes, dear, dear Frank, I am determined not to go unless father +blesses and bids me go. I will trust my happiness to him, and God, who +ruleth all things," Susie answered, looking very sorrowful, +notwithstanding her faith. + +"Then, good-by." + +She raised her face, pale and pleading, to his: + +"Kiss me good-by, Frank, and say, 'God bless me,' please," she +whispered. + +He did as she pleaded, but there was an injured air in his manner. As +he parted from her, she sprang after him, crying: + +"Forgive me, Frank, if I have wounded you. Know that to me it is +worse. One little parting look of love, darling!" + +"Oh, Susie, how can you?" He pressed her again to his heart, looked +lovingly enough: but his eyes, as plain as words could, repeated +Tennyson's lines: + + "Trust me all in all, + Or not at all." + +And, determined to make one more appeal, he said: + +"Susie, darling! love! trust me for happiness. You will never repent +it. Come!" + +"No, no. Go!" + +He turned off quickly, angrily then; and Susie sank, sobbing, on the +grass. + +"My daughter!" + +She raised her eyes, heavy with tears. Beside her, with a sad but kind +and gentle face, her father stood. With him, a puzzled, doubtful +expression on his features, her lover. + +"Oh, Frank, I am so--so glad to see you again!" she cried, with as +much joy beaming in her eyes as though their parting had been for +years. + +"Yes; as it is so very long since you saw him last!" her father said, +with a pleasant smile. + +"I feared it would be for years, perhaps forever," Susie said, in a +low voice, anxiously regarding her father, and longing to beg an +immediate explanation of her lover's return. + +"My daughter, what did you intend to do after sending off this young +man? Be a dutiful child, and wed as I wish you?" + +"Never, never, father! I intend to be dutiful only so far as not +wedding against your wishes, that is all--to leave the future to God, +only praying constantly that some blessed influence may be sent to +change your mind and heart," Susie answered, raising her eyes to his, +filled with earnest determination. + +"Your prayers must have commenced already, my child. Some influence +hath surely been sent--some blessed influence, I truly believe. Yes, +my child, you will wed to please your father. Here, Frank, take her. I +ought to scold you for trying to coax her from me. I heard it all this +morning. But I forgive you for her sake, and bless you, too, boy, for +the sake of the one in heaven who loved you. There, there, daughter, +don't choke me with your kisses. Take her off, Frank, and make her +happy. She is a good child, and will make a true and loving wife. God +bless you both, my children!" + +And so ended Susie's intended elopement. + + + + +THE TWO BROTHERS + + +"Ah here we are!" said pleasant voice, as the driver, having jumped +from his seat, opened the carriage door. + +"Yes, sir, I think so. This is the street and number--244 or 246, +which did you say?" + +"'Pon my word, I've forgotten, and lost the card," answered the +pleasant voice. + +"The name, sir? I'll inquire." + +"Never mind. I'll take a look at both houses, and see if I cannot +decide. I'm earlier than expected, so I can look well before they come +out to welcome me. Just dump my luggage down on the sidewalk, and make +off for another job," said the old gentleman, handing the fare to the +man, who soon after drove off. + +"Well, here are two cottages alike, and very unlike, too. This one is +Charley's home, I know. Why? Because it is newly painted. The fencing +all in perfect order. The grounds, although very limited, are prettily +fixed up. Flowers and vines--ah, I like the looks of this place! And +I'm sure I'm right in fixing it in my mind as Charley's. Some +don't-carish fellow lives there--loves his pipe, cigars and wine, may +be, better than his home, wife and children. Dear, dear! how those +blinds are suffering for a coat of paint! A few dollars would make +that fence all right. How different that entrance would look with a +little rustic seat like this one! I wonder that fellow does not notice +how much he might improve his place, if he only did as Charley. But +here comes the servant. I'll get her to let me in." + +"Rather sooner than you expected me, ain't it? Folks not up yet? Just +go back and open the door, my girl; let me in, and then tell Mr. +Charles Mayfield that his uncle has come!" + +"Oh, sir, you mistake! It is _next_ door Mr. Charles Mayfield lives," +answered the girl. + +"Next door? No; _you_ mistake, surely. My nephew Charley can't live +there!" + +"Yes, sir. But his--" What the girl was going to say was stopped by a +jovial voice in the next door, calling out: "Uncle, here! How are +you?" And a moment more the pleasant old gentleman was caught by both +hands and drawn along to the next house. His nephew Charley saying: +"I'm so delighted to see you! Come in!" + +Into the parlor he was carried, and seated in a very comfortable +arm-chair. The interior was more inviting than the outside. It told +very plainly that the wife did her duty toward making everything as +nice as possible; in a word, making the best of her means. + +A very short time after a sweet-faced little woman entered, and was +presented by Charley, saying: + +"Here is your niece, uncle." + +The old gentleman received her welcome greeting by a return of real +affection. His heart warmed immediately to his nephew's wife. She bore +the traces of beauty which had been chased away by an over-amount of +care, the uncle very soon felt sure. There was an unmistakable look of +weariness and anxiety in her eyes. + +Very soon Nellie, as Charley called her, excused herself, and went +out, saying she had a very inexperienced servant, and had to oversee +and assist her in her work. + +Breakfast was announced, which was one that Uncle Hiram enjoyed, +notwithstanding the feeling which was uppermost in his mind, that the +strong, fragrant coffee, the delicate rolls, and the steak which was +cooked just as it should be, in a word, all that was so nice, was the +result of Nellie's skilful hands. And she looked so tired and heated +when she sat down to do the honors of her table. Again Uncle Hiram +noticed that constantly her eyes wandered from the table to a door +which entered the next room, which was partially opened. Her ear +seemed strained to catch every sound. At length a little, feeble wail +told the cause of her anxiety. + +"Will you excuse me a moment, uncle?" she asked, and continued: "Our +babe was quite sick all night, and I feel anxious about her." + +A moment or so after Nellie withdrew, the servant came in, bringing a +fresh supply of hot rolls. Then Uncle Hiram had a chance of seeing the +help Nellie had with her many duties--a half-grown girl. + +"Inexperienced, truly, inefficient and insufficient," said the kind +old man to himself; and he made a note of that on the tablets of his +heart. + +Soon Nellie came back, looking much relieved, and said, smiling: + +"She seems much better this morning. How these little ones fill our +heart with anxiety! I was up with her all night!" + +Down went another note on Uncle Hiram's tablets. Awake all night with +a sick baby, and up cooking breakfast in the morning! No wonder her +youth and beauty have been chased away, poor, weary, over-worked +mother! + +"Who lives next door, Charley?" asked his uncle, after they had +withdrawn from the breakfast-room. + +"Why, I have a surprise for you--Henry lives there." + +"Henry! Henry who?" + +"Why, Henry Mayfield, my brother." + +"No! Why, the last time I heard from him he was in St. Louis." + +"Well, he is here now, and has been for five months. His wife's +relatives are all here. And so he having been offered a position in +the same firm with me, accepted it. We agreed to keep it as a pleasant +little surprise for you." + +"Well, I'm glad of it." + +Just as Uncle Hiram said so the object of their conversation came in. + +Henry Mayfield was not the jovial, merry fellow that Charley was, and +not likely to be so generally a favorite. But there was an earnestness +and determination in his bearing that inspired respect immediately. + +"Come, uncle! Go in with me to see my wife and little ones," said +Henry, after sitting and talking a while. "We have a half hour yet +before business requires us, and then, if you like, we will go down +town together." + +Henry's parlor, into which he ushered his uncle, was furnished better +than his brother's; but still it was not so prettily arranged--the +"woman's touch" was not so plainly visible. Immediately Henry's wife +came in to welcome her husband's uncle. + +She was a bright little woman, not near so delicately featured as +Nellie; but with a youthful, well-preserved look, an easy, quiet, +peaceful air about her that made Uncle Hiram feel quite sure, if he +stayed her guest a month, it would not put her out a bit. If any extra +care or worry came, it was not to her. Some one else's mind and hands +would have to overcome any difficulties. + +"Henry, dear, have our boy brought in to see his uncle," she said. + +"Ah, ha!" thought Uncle Hiram, "I see--the shoulders best able to bear +the burden of family cares have it. Just as it should be!" + +A few moments, and the baby-boy was brought in by the nurse and +presented to the uncle. Baby, like his mother, looked happy and +healthy. + +When they were about leaving for down town, Uncle Hiram heard Henry +say: + +"Ada, please order the cook to delay dinner an hour to-day. I've +business which will delay me so long." + +"Very well," was the smiling reply. + +"A cook and a nurse. That is why Ada looks so calm, healthy and happy. +_Just_ as it _should_ be. Poor little, patient, over-worked Nellie! I +_wonder_ how it is, both having equal means. I must find out what the +trouble is," said Uncle Hiram to himself. + +Now, Charley was not a drinking man, his uncle felt sure. He knew, +indeed, that when he first grew to manhood he had vowed never to touch +rum in any form. + +The dinner at Charley's was better, if possible, than the breakfast. +It was a real treat to the old bachelor, whose life was spent in a +boarding-house, to partake of such good, healthy fare as Nellie gave +him. But always he felt like partaking of it under protest. +Nellie--little, weary, tired Nellie--ever filled his mind and heart. +At dinner Charley brought forth his _ale_, declaring it to be "the +very best in town." And after dinner his cigars, "none finer to be +found," he said. + +Now, Uncle Hiram could partake of both without serious disadvantage +either to his health or purse. But caring very little for either, he +seldom used them. During the evening several gentlemen friends came in +to call on Charley's uncle, and again ale and cigars were put out. + +Uncle Hiram went to calculating. Ale, fifty cents, at least, that day; +sometimes less, sometimes more. Make the average half as +much--twenty-five cents. Cigars always as much; frequently, as _that_ +day, treble the amount. In a month it would sum up, to the very +lowest, fifteen dollars. And who could tell how much more? What would +not that money, worse than lost, have secured for Charley's wife and +children? + +Rest, health, peace and length of days, most likely. + +Now, Uncle Hiram knew well enough how it was Charley did not have +things beautiful without and around his premises, and why Nellie's +weary mind and tired hands could not have help and rest. + +But, next, he must find out how it was that with Henry things were so +very different. + +The following day Uncle Hiram dined with Henry. Everything was +excellent and well cooked; and Ada sat at the head of the table, with +an easy, quiet grace, which perfectly relieved Uncle Hiram's mind from +any care for her. He knew very well Ada's husband sought in every way +to relieve her of all unnecessary care and anxiety. After dinner came +tea and coffee--nothing more. When they retired from the table Henry +said: + +"Uncle, would you like a cigar or pipe? I'll get you one in a few +moments, if you say so." + +"And will you join me?" asked his uncle. + +"I do not use either. I care not for the weed, and think it better not +to cultivate a taste," answered Henry. + +"You are right, my boy--and how about wine or ale?" + +"Nothing of the kind, uncle." + +"Total abstinence, is it, Henry?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I knew you were a temperate man, as is Charley. But he takes his +ale, I notice," said Uncle Hiram. + +"Yes, I wish he did not; a man has no idea how such little things, as +he thinks them, draw upon his purse." + +"I know, I know!" said Uncle Hiram. And he no longer wondered at the +difference in Charley's and Henry's style of living. And so he had a +good talk with Charley, and showed him how Henry, with the same +salary, could keep two servants and beautify his home, and he not be +able "to keep his head above water," to use his own expression. + +"Yes, my boy, the cause is just this--the difference between +_temperance_ and _total_ abstinence. You'll try it now, will you not, +for your wife's sake?" said Uncle Hiram. + +"Indeed I will, sir, and with many thanks to you for opening my eyes," +answered Charley, who really loved his wife, but was thoughtless, and +never for a moment had considered himself at all responsible for +Nellie's failing health, strength and beauty. + +When Uncle Hiram's next visit was made, he saw, before he entered the +house, that Charley had kept his word. And when Nellie's joyous +greeting was sounding in his ear he knew then that all was "just as it +should be" with Nellie, as well as Ada. And the grateful little wife +knew to whom she was indebted for the happy change, and blessed Uncle +Hiram for it. + + + + +WHAT HE LEFT + + + "I know not of the truth, d'ye see, + I tell the tale as 'twas told to me." + +Mark Brownson was dying, slowly, but surely, so the physician told his +wife, and advised that if he had any business to settle, it should not +be delayed. + +"He is sinking, and even now I see his mind is, at times, a little +clouded. However, I suppose there is nothing of importance that he +should consider," said the doctor. + +"He has made no will," said Mrs. Brownson, + +"Is that necessary? I did not know--" + +"I think it is very necessary, doctor, for his children's welfare. Not +that I think it at all likely there can be any contest about what Mr. +Brownson has. Yet to provide against any future troubles, it would be +prudent, I think." + +The good doctor assented, but looked much surprised. + +And well he might. No one imagined old Mark Brownson had anything to +will. But he was a very eccentric man; and the economical style of his +establishment was likely one of his notions. + +"Are you suffering much pain now, Mark?" asked Mrs. Brownson, a few +moments after, when she was seated at her husband's bedside. + +"Yes, yes; give me my composing draught--the opium--anything to +relieve me," answered the suffering man. + +His wife obeyed, and after his groaning and restlessness had ceased, +she said: + +"I want to talk to you, Mark. Can you listen now?" + +A nodded assent gave her permission to proceed. + +"Do you not think it would be as well for you to express your wishes +with regard to the disposition of your stocks and other effects? You +may outlive me, Mark, and this thing not be necessary, still I think +it better to attend to such business," said Mrs. Brownson, closely +watching the effect her words might have on the sufferer. + +She had feared possibly they might shock him severely, but depending +much on the favorable influence of the opiate, she had ventured on the +business she considered so important. + +A look of satisfaction replaced the anxiety of a moment before. She +had no longer cause for fear. Calmly Mark Brownson heard her +suggestion, and said, in a feeble voice: + +"What have I to will?" + +"Why, dear, you forget. Your long sickness and the opium--no wonder! +There is the stock in the 'Liverpool Steamship Company,' and that in +the 'Australian Mining Company.' Surely you have not forgotten your +large amount in our State bonds? And how much you have in 'Fire and +Life Insurance stock' I cannot just remember now. However, by +reference to the papers I can tell." + +Again she watched her husband's face. It only expressed a rather +puzzled brain, as though he was trying to remember. + +"You have such papers? I cannot think," he said. + +"Don't try to, dear. It is not necessary. I will just look over your +papers, and make a statement; and when I read them over to you in +presence of the lawyer, you can assent. You wish an equal division +between myself and our daughters, I know. Is it not so?" + +"Yes, yes. You are always right," murmured her husband. + +"There, dear, go to sleep now. Some time when you are easy we will fix +this," said Mrs. Brownson. + +And the next day, at an hour when she knew her husband's mind was best +prepared, a lawyer was summoned, and a statement of stocks and bonds +to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars placed before him, and +Mark Brownson expressed his wish to have an equal division of his +effects made between his wife and two children. + +The will was made, and duly signed and witnessed by two of the nearest +neighbors and the only domestic, a worthy woman who had been with Mrs. +Brownson for many years. + +A few days more, and Mark Brownson had passed from earth. + +Many wondered at the very quiet and unostentatious style of the last +services for him; but the widow had said: + +"In death it shall be with him as he always preferred in life." + +And then when all was over, and the summer months were coming, Mrs. +Brownson sold out the modest little establishment, and, with her +daughters and their faithful servant, went to board by the seashore, +at a very fashionable resort; but, of course, not to mingle in the gay +festivities of the season, only to recruit her health, which was very +much impared by long attention to her suffering husband, and to have +the girls escape the heat and dust of the city. + +A few days after they were settled in their new abode, Mrs. Brownson +said to her attendant: + +"Margaret, you were very much surprised by hearing Mr. Brownson's +will." + +"Oh, yes, ma'am, indeed I was." + +"Well, Margaret, I do not wish you to mention anything about it down +here. Mr. Brownson, you know, never let it be known to the world. And +so it must be for the present. I do not wish my daughters to be +married for anything but their own good qualities. They are good and +beautiful enough to marry well, without having any other inducements +for suitors. Now, Margaret, you know just how I feel, and what I +mean?" said the anxious mother. + +"Certainly I do! And I feel as much concerned about my beautiful young +ladies as you do, ma'am. Never fear but I will look out for their +interest," answered the worthy woman. + +And to do as she said, to the best of her understanding, Margaret set +out for a walk on the beach, with some of the other servants and their +escorts, the waiters from the hotel. And before the next noon it was +well known what a good chance there was for two young men to win as +beautiful wives as ever were seen, to say nothing of the other greater +attractions. + +And very soon the sisters, Maud and May, were objects of universal +observation. Yet it was very difficult to get an introduction, the +young gentlemen all found; for the widow kept the beautiful girls very +much secluded. + +Numberless were the delicate attentions paid them, in the way of +bouquets, books, and so on, sent by Margaret; and several cards to +Mrs. Brownson, with the request for an introduction, accompanied by +references--among which came those of Vernon Wadsworth and Harry +Bennett. + +The first one Mrs. Brownson knew well by reputation. He was a young +physician of very fine promise, and, being of one of the best +families in the State, she considered him worthy of her attention. The +other, she had heard since her arrival there, was the possessor of a +very fair amount of worldly goods, the life-long accumulation of an +old miser uncle. So, from the many aspirants, Mrs. Brownson selected +these two to present to her daughters. + +Just at this time, Doctor Alton, Mrs. Brownson's friend and the +physician who had attended her husband, arrived at the sea-shore; and +through him, without any more trouble or waiting the mother's +pleasure, young Doctor Wadsworth obtained an introduction, and +presented his friend, Bennett. + +And although both of these young men did their best to keep back all +others by various manoeuvres, many more became acquainted with the +lovely sisters, who soon, much to their own surprise, became decidedly +the belles of that resort. + +Carefully Mrs. Brownson had guarded her secret from her girls, +fearing, perhaps, it would have a prejudicial effect, changing their +sweet, unassuming manner, which was one of their greatest charms; or, +perhaps, for other motives best known to herself. + +Although Doctor Wadsworth and young Bennett very much feared the +approach of other suitors, it was quite needless, for the girls were +best pleased with the first who had sought them and drawn them forth +from their seclusion. + +The older one, Maud, a brilliant brunette, received with undisguised +pleasure the devoted attention of Harry Bennett; while gentle little +May, so fair and timid, always greeted the handsome doctor by a rosy +flush suffusing her beautiful face; and then, from a shy, quick glance +from the eyes, that had drooped at his approach, he would see the glad +light that told how welcome his coming was. + +"We must win them, now, doctor; you see how much they are admired and +sought here. What will it be when they are out of their mourning robes +and in the gayeties of the city? This is our best chance. What say +you?" asked young Bennett, a fortnight after their introduction. + +"Say! That the very idea of even losing _sight_ of that gentle, +beautiful May for a day, fills my heart with misgiving and great +anxiety. I tell you, I began this affair rather in fun--" + +"You mean _after funds_, perhaps!" interrupted Bennett. + +A flush suffused Doctor Wadsworth's face for an instant, and he +answered: + +"Well, I'll admit that is not at all objectionable; but really, now +that I know May Brownson, I would not be willing to resign her to +another man, even if she had not a dollar in the world." + +There was an expression about Harry Bennett's mouth that looked as if +his lips wanted to say: "I don't believe you"--only they did not just +dare to. Harry Bennett was as much in love as he could be with any one +other than himself, still he was not going to leap without looking. +So, after learning a little more than he had already heard from +Margaret, he was called, very urgently, to the city. After an absence +of only two days he was back again, and stated to Doctor Wadsworth his +knowledge of Mark Brownson's possessions. That evening Mrs. Brownson +received proposals for both of her daughters. + +She must consider the matter, and consult with her friends, the +prudent mother thought and said to the anxious suitors. + +This made them each more determined to secure the prize. + +"Dear May, plead with your mother for me!" said the ardent young +doctor. + +"Mamma will consent after a while," answered the gentle girl. + +"After a while! Why not now? I am going away next month for a long +time. I cannot leave you, May. Would you wish me to?" + +May turned pale at the thought, and raised her pleading eyes to her +mother. + +It was enough. Doctor Wadsworth had used the surest weapon. A +separation was dreaded by both mother and daughter, and each for +different reasons. And then it was an easier thing for Harry Bennett +to obtain the mother's consent, to claim his love at the same time. + +Mrs. Brownson, after giving her consent, requested a private interview +with her prospective sons-in-law. The girls were sent from the room, +and then Mrs. Brownson said: + +"I have thought possibly, gentlemen, that a very foolish rumor may +have reached your ears respecting the wealth possessed by my +daughters, and that--excuse me, but I must allude to it--this may in a +measure have influenced your selecting them from the many young girls +here--" + +"Oh, madam!" both men exclaimed simultaneously. + +"If I tell you they have nothing but their pure hearts and loving +natures, will you not be disappointed?" + +"No, madam. How can you judge me so?" exclaimed both. + +"I am glad it is so. I would not have you marry my daughters under +false impressions." + +"When May is mine, I shall think I have secured the most valuable +fortune any man can have," said the doctor, with a really honest look +in his eyes. + +"When Maud is mine, I shall _know_ I have secured _all_ I would wish," +added Harry Bennett, with rather a sly twinkle in his eyes. + +And so it was agreed that they should be united there, and after a +very private wedding leave for an extensive bridal tour. + +"The old fox! Is she not a sly one? She thought to throw us off, I do +believe. But _I_ am as bright as she," said Harry Bennett, after the +interview. + +"Really, Bennett, that is not a very respectful way of speaking of the +mother of your promised wife," replied Doctor Wadsworth. + +"Well, no; you are right. But just to think of her talking so to us!" +answered Harry, with an air of injured pride. + +The ceremony was over. After an acquaintance of less than six weeks, +Doctor Wadsworth and Harry Bennett had won their wives. + +And while the brides had retired to change their dress for the +travelling-suit, the happy young husbands requested to speak a moment +with their mother-in-law. + +"Indeed _you_ must speak; I will not," said Doctor Wadsworth, in a low +tone, as he closed the door, and with Bennett approached Mrs. +Brownson. + +After a moment's hesitation, Harry Bennett said: + +"Now, Mrs. Brownson, that we have proved our sincerity and real love +for your daughters, there is no reason for any longer concealment." + +"About what, sir?" asked his mother-in-law. + +"Come, my dear madam; this is entirely useless. You have tried and +proved us. Now to business." + +"Really, Mr. Bennett, I am at a loss to understand you! Will you +please to be explicit?" + +"Well, madam, then I must tell you that I am perfectly well aware that +my wife is entitled to the one-third of two hundred thousand dollars +left by her father. Now, my dear madam, we are going on a very long +and expensive trip, and may need more than I have in ready money. +Now, that is just the whole truth," said Harry, who had gotten over +his slight embarrassment, and then spoke in a very business sort of +manner. + +Not so Doctor Wadsworth; he seemed very much mortified, and looked as +if he wished he was away from that scene. + +"Mr. Bennett, I spoke to you about this report, and told you how false +it was, did I not?" + +"Oh, yes, madam; but you see--" + +"You still believe this, even when I again tell you that neither I nor +my daughters have a dollar in the world beyond the small amount I have +now from the sale of my household effects? I assure you, sir, I speak +the truth," said Mrs. Brownson, in a tone and manner that would have +enforced belief. + +But Harry Bennett said, triumphantly: + +"Madam, I have seen Mr. Brownson's will." + +"_That_ will, my dear sir, is not worth the paper it is written on. +Mr. Brownson was out of his _head_, and _imagined_ he was possessed of +that sum in bonds and stock. If you can find any such possession, no +one would welcome it more gladly than I. You can readily prove the +truth." + +Harry Bennett gazed bewildered from his mother-in-law to Doctor +Wadsworth, and then said in a low voice, as if to himself: + +"Caught and caged." + +"And I am glad of it," exclaimed the doctor, who was truly glad of +anything to end that very embarrassing interview. "Come, Bennett, we +must arrange our trip to suit the extent of our purse, and be happy +with the prizes we have won." + +"Well, madam, I must say that the old gentleman's will _was_ worth +something. For I'll own up now, it helped very much to secure you +_one_ very nice young man for your son. I'll speak a word for him, +although he has been _done up to a very Brown son!_ I'm ready now, +Wadsworth, and we won't shorten our trip one mile; for _I've_ got a +fortune, thanks to my old uncle. Yes, and _another_, I'll have to +admit (there she is now), thanks to her father's will." + +Mrs. Brownson could not resist a smile. She had no misgivings about +her children's future happiness. If they had not already secured their +husbands' affection, she knew they would soon; for who could help +loving such lovely girls! + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDNA'S SACRIFICE AND OTHER STORIES*** + + +******* This file should be named 15486.txt or 15486.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/4/8/15486 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: +https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + |