Eastern times., 1856-04-10

hurry, for we start at ten. There's a good
girl
Poor Grace; it was very hard to refuse the
pleading of those dark, handsome eyes, for
Charles Munson was more TO the girl than
many cousins indeed, he was rather nominal
ly than really her relative-although some
marriages between members of their respective
families gave the young people the privilege
of this appelation.
Charley, do not urge me. am very CRATE
full for your invitation, and it pains me more
than you can imagine to refuse it. But l am
compelled to do this
lfGrace'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, but
the old, frank smile was not on his lips as he
left her.
There he is certainly offended with me.
knew it would be so,' murmured the girl, as
she sank back on the sofa, while the tears
brimmed over her brown lashes, for Grace was
making no light sacrifice this morning.
I'm almost sorry l sent Matte that note,
but it's too late TO recall it. Charley'll take
Jane Morton with him, know and it will be
great triumph for her to think he's slighted
me- And the fair, naughty face Of the doc
tors daughter rose before the young girl,
while sharp pang of jealousy quivered through
her heart.
But it was wearing toward nine o'clock, and
Grace had little time for reflection.
Il must get Tom to take ne over in the cutter,
she murmured 4; can easily gain mamma
consent, she is so kind-hearted, and Matte is
such favorite with her. Goodness = gIanc-
ing at the small china clock on the mantel, Il
must be off in twenty minutes
Oracle, Oracle, how shall l thank your
Grace stood at the window, robed for her
ride TO the school, and waiting impatiently for
the sleigh 10 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!'
Il couldn't go without thanking you. Oh :
Oracle, Oracle, you have made me so happy .
And now Matte's arms were round Grace S
neck, while great sobs were shaking her fig
,bo
eyes.
You're real naughty girl Grace's tone
was half expostulatory, half scolding. Now
you'll spoil that charming face of yours, after
all my pains, and she stroked the rich brown
curls that fell out of the black straw bonnet
Do you know you're going to pass Tins day
with the only son Of millionaire, and who. by
this invitation, gives very strong evidence OF
having been captivated by your naughty little
selfr
Matte placed her hand on Grace's lips, and
shut back the tears from her shining eyes.
Gracie,' she said, and the tones, tremulous
at first, grew strong and deep with pathos as
she proceeded, Il must be growing very
weak, it came so hard for me to refuse thai
invitation this morning. You know it is SO
long since l have had any relaxaton-any
pleasure,-and this hard, barren, toilsome life
seemed closing all around me. and struggling
vainly through it, reaching my gaze out for
the light that never came, lifting my hands up
with a sharp cry for the blessings that never
filled them. And somehow, that invitation
was such mockery to me; for you see. dear,
| was growing morbid, and thought how
they would all 90 off light-hearted and happy
leaving me choked in by the bare walls of the
old school-room. Well, l sat down and wrote
my regrets with a steady hand, but, oh with
such heavy heart. Just as had finished it
your note came-oh Grace, how shall l tel
you the rest!'
by saying nothing about it, Mattie. Ant
now, do you go straight home, and dress your
self nicely as possible, for the ride There
was quick rain of soft kisses on the damp
cheeks of Matte Palmer, and Grace Hammond
was gone.
| am not one of those, reader, who believe
that the good doing always brings at once it.
own exceeding great reward but rather tina
it is ofttimes blessed legacy, which the pres
ent bears through darkness and sorrow, t.
dover the future. And, therefore, l canno
assure you that Grace Hammond passed al
especially pleasant day in the old red schoo
house, which stood at the intersection of tn,
four principal stage routes from Meadowbrook
| know that once during the morning sud
den mist dampened her hazel eyes, for tn
wind brought the gay rhythm of the sleig
bells to her ears, and she heard the joyou
laugh of the young party, as it leaped out, ful
and rich, on the frosty air.
For moment the oaken desks, the lon
benches of black, brown, and iaxen heads
swan before her, aud an Il wish was wit
them = rushed involuntarily to her lips Blu
the after thought followed quickly, Il am gla
Matte is there
And when the work was done, the las
scholar dismissed, and the short December day
reaching out its cold arms to the night. Grac
Hammond knelt down in that little schoc