Eastern times., 1856-04-10


some complimentary speech which Charles
Munson was that moment making her.
'Wel, don't know And the lady twist
ed her diamond ring round her white finger.
Il presume she would have come, had she re-
ceived an invitation
There was quick, half imperceptible curl
of the young mans lip, for, Notwithstanding
his affront at her refusal, Grace Hammond
was to his heart what the naughty lady at his
side could never have been.
Il had the honor of inviting her myself
was the reply that well-nigh sprang to his lips,
and, with all his chivaIry, it was exceedingly
difficult to suppress it.
But Matte Palmer had heard all this as she
stood near, leaning over an engraving of rustic
life, on whose naturalness Mr.. Hunt was des-
canting, and her face flushed eagerly as she
turned toward the trio, and her sweet, earnest
voice answered:
Grace remained at home 10 take charge of
my school to-day, so I could come here. 1t
was very, very kind Of her.
Charles Munson's prond face bent on Matte
a look that she could not interpret ; look of
mingled light, gratitude and tenderness, which
she had never seen there before.
He understood it all now-the sacrifice she
had made. and the pain it had cost her, and
looking down in his heart, he felt, for the first
time, whose face shone there, serene and holy,
and that Grace Hammond was his souls cleo
ton.
No wonder his companion repeated her
question three times before he heard her.
so you prefer school teaching TO sleigh
riding, do you, Gracel You know [ always
thought you something of blue, but never
supposed you would carry the matter to such
lengths.
1t was the morning of the day after the
sleighing party, and Grace was leaning over
the rare exotcs which occupied the deep re-
cess by the sitting groom window, now peering
into the rich heart of half-opened moss rose,
or cautiously lifting the delicate bells of the
cematis bloc ms, sprinkled like snow fakes
among the dark leaves. She lifted her face
from the flowers, among which it was half con-
cealed.
why, cousin Charley, good morning =
w no told you had been teaching!'
No matter, now. You needn't blush so
prettily about it, though you were very
naughty girl for not telling me the truth, and
letting me go off offended with you.' And he
laid his hand on her shoulder, and looked fond
ly down on the dropping face, which surprise
and embarrassment was incarnating with
bushes.
'Of course, couldn't tell you my motives
for declining your invitation. cousin Charley
she said, unconsciously pulling off the gera-
mum leaves, and scattering them on the car
pet. 1T would have looked quite too much
like sounding trumpet in my own praise.
You're a proud little girl, aren't you,
Gracie1 But don't like you any the less for
it, He smootbed, caressingly, the plaits of
hair over the fair forehead. Il wonder if you
will be too proud to answer the question | am
about TO ask you g And, leaning down, the
young lawyer whispered it TO the girl.
] do not know what the answer was, but L
do know they stood long time, conversing in
a low tone, by the window that morning. And
when Charles Munson parted from Grace
Hammond, he ella sped both her hands in his,
and said, with mingled tenderness and ferven-
cy, May God ia ke care of you, my Grace
Now, tell me all about the ride, Matte.
You know you're not going home until after
tea, so Just sit down, without any demurring.
And Grace pushed Matte into the cushioned
armchair, and untastened her bonnet strings
while she spoke.
We had delightful time, Grace. [ never
enjoyed myself so much in all my life.' But
the beaming of the smile was half lost in the
bushes that gathered into the usually pale
face
Grace saw these, and with woman's intu-
ition, she half OWNED what lay behind them.
She pushed stool to Mattie's feet, and the
gray light of the departing day looked into the
window, and saw picture which an artist
would have rejoiced in.
The graceful, unconscious attitudes of the
two girls, the sweet, uplifted face of the one,
the pure, fair, half pensive outline of the other,
shaded by its rich curls of brown-black hair,
were in beautiful contrast.
sAnd was MIR. Hunt as agreeable and chiv-
alric as usual!' queried Grace, looking up
archly in her friends eyes.
sOf course he was but we will no. talk
about him, now, darling. | have come over
here to say once more, 'Grace, thank you
but that seems very little, when feel SC
much
Don't say it, then, Matte; or, rather, say
it to God. that He gave me strength to resis
the temptation, for it was not light one, wher
Charley came for me say it to God that he
put it in my head to pass one day of my life il
doing unto others as would have them do un
to me-
Tears-tears of happy gratitude, were swell
ing over the hazel eyes of Grace Hammond.
yes. darling, will say it for you, as
have said it for myself everv night for the pas