The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1856-07-29
NUMBER 9.

tive families gave the young people the privi-
iege OF this appellatIon.
Charley do not urge me. am very CRATE
'ul for your invitation, and it pains me more
han Won can imagine to refuse it. But am
Ieempelled to do this'
If Grace's manner was cold, it was because
her words cost her such an effort
Very well, Grace. OF course shall not
press my claims any farther. Excuse me, if.
in my desire to secure your company, / have
been importunate. Good morning."
He lifted his hat with his natural grace, bat
the DID, frank smile was not on his lips as he
left her
"There! he is certainly offended with rro
knew it would be So" murmured the girl,
she sank back on the sofa, while the tears
brimmed over her brown lashes, for Grace was
making no light sacrifice this morning
"Im almost sorry | sent Matte that note,
but it's to late to recall it. Charley'll take
Jane Morton with him, | know, and it will
be great triumph for her to think he's slight
led me-" And the fair, naughty face of the
| loctor's daughter rose up before the Young
girl, while sharp pang of jealousy quivered
through her heart.
But 1t was wearing towards nine o'clock,
and Grace had but little time for reflection.
Unjust get Tom to take me over in the cut
ter" she murmured: 81 can easily gain man.
mas consent, she is so kind hearted, and Mat
tie is much favorite with her. Goodness!n
Eglaneing at small china clock on the mantal
must be off in twenty minutes.
"Gracie Oracle, how shall thank YOUR
Grace stood at the window, robed for her
ride to the school, and waiting impatiently for
the sleigh to present itself at the front gate,
when these words, whispered, because of the
tears that lay behind them, reached her ear.
She turned quickly. "Why, Matte what
has brought you over here?''
81 couldn't go without thanking you OhI
Oracle, Oracle, you have made me so happy."
And now Matties arms were round Grace's
neck, while great sobs were shaking her fig
ure, and tears raining from the large, mellow
eyes.
You're a real naughty girl" Grace's tone
was half expostulary, half scolding. "Now, /,
you'll spoil that charming face of yours, after
all my palms, and she stroked the rich. brown
curls that fell out of the black straw bonnet.
'Do you know you're going to pass this day
with the only SON of a millionaire, and who by
this invitation, gives very strong evidence Of
having been captivated by your naughty little
self?"
Matte placed her hand on Graces lips, and
shut back the tears from her shining eyes.
"Grace," she said and the tones, tremulous
at first grew strong and deep with pathos as
she proceeded-"I must be growing very weak
it came so hard for me to refuse that invitation
this morning. You know it is so long since
have had any relaxaton-any pleasure,-and
this hard, barren, toilsome life seemed closing
all around me, and struggling vainly through
it, reacI ing my gaze out for the light that
never came lifting my hand up witha sharp
cry for the bEsssing that never filed them.
And, somehow, that inv tation was such Q
mockery to me for you see, dear, was grow
ing morbid, and l thought how they would
ali go off light hearted and happy, leaving
me choked in by the bare walls of the old
school-room. Well, sat down and wrote my
regrets with steady hand, but oh! with such
a heavy heart. Just as had finished it your
note came-oh!. Grace, how shall l tell you
the rest?'
CONCLUDED To MORROW.