In his will, Simon left everything to Octavia, making his book-keeper
executor, without bond. Octavia requested him to immediately settle up
the estate, turning all of Simon's property into money, which he easily
did.
She also requested him to purchase two magnificent monuments for her
mother's and uncle's grave.
Her lover continued his visits, offering what comfort he could to
Octavia. Of course propriety forbade him mentioning matrimony.
Octavia was indeed lonely now. Not a relative in the world that she
knew of. How desolate! It is true, that troubles never come singly;
as the day after her uncle's burial, she saw in the newspapers, notice
of the death and burial of her former governess, Miss Mildred. In her
loneliness, she would weep for hours at a time. But time heals all
things, and in a few months, her grief was somewhat assuaged. She made
up her mind to go North to live. At his next visit, she told the
attorney of her intention. He then brought up the "tender subject,"
again, and made the plea of his life, telling her that she was alone in
the world, and had no ties to bind her here, and to be happy the
balance of his life, he would give up his office, his practice, and
sever every tie that bound him here, and go with her anywhere on the
globe, if, by so doing, he could make her his wife. She burst into
tears because of her loneliness; tears, because of the barrier between
them; and said that it would be best for them not to marry and that he
would soon forget her, after her departure. He went away sorrowfully,
resolving to resort to strategy. The next day, the city dailies
contained the startling information, that State's Attorney ----, had
resigned his office, wound up his affairs and would leave in a few days
to make his home in one of the South American Republics. After seeing
this, Octavia threw herself on her couch, and wept bitter, bitter
tears. There is this difference in men and women when in trouble: the
former, frequently resort to drink, while the latter resort to tears.
The attorney's masterpiece of strategy was successful.
Brutus, who was still doing the chores on the place, came in while
Octavia was crying and said, "Miss Octay, what de matter?" she replied:
"Nothing of consequence." He left, and she immediately recalled him
and told him to come back in five or ten minutes, and take a note to
State's Attorney ----. He left, saying, "Yes, miss." Brutus was soon
back, when she sent the following note to the State's Attorney:
"Dear Mr. ----: I am miserable, oh, so miserable; please come to me at
once! Octavia."
It is needless to say, he went, and was exulting over his successful
strategy as he rang for admittance. She was waiting, and as he
entered, she ran into his arms, saying: "Take me anywhere. I'll be
your wife, regardless of all social laws."
To say there was a happy couple goes without saying.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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