Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-09-12


piles of papers; and the other hand toy
ing idly with her watch-chain, while her
wistful eyes were fixed full upon Warren
Southall's face.
1.-The deed, then, gives all ancondition-
ally to Charles Everrett's widow and
children-all?"
at does, Miss. Everett"
"And it takes place imm ediately?"
yes"
Gratia drew deep breath of relief.
"You will sec that they receive the
benefit Of this document as soon as pos
sible, Sir?'
"Certainly, if you wish it. and now,
Miss Gratia, another subject demands
your consideration"
Gratia looked up at tbe dark bright
eyes fixed with such kindness on her
childish brow, aud looked down again
with strange CULVER at her heart.
1t was not 4 handsome face--no one
had ever called Warren Southall hand
some-yet there was Il nameieSs some
thing in the grey eyes and earnest mouth
that irrcsistibIy impelled you TO turn and
look after him rs he passed you in the
street. People had said, 'What pity,
poor fellow" when he came back from
Antietam with his left sleeve fastened,
empty, to his breast; but Gratia had al
ways felt a strange secret pride in that
folded sleeve-was it not badge Of the
Legion of Honor brought back from the
rolling clouds Of battle, the very mouth
Of red-throated artillery.
''Another subject!' she repeated hest
tatingly.
Eyes. You have transformed your
self from an heiress to poor giH-al
most penniless girl.
II know it," said Gratia, calmly. ~
have been thinking it all over. Mr..
Southall. lam perfecIy aware that it
now becomes necessary for me to earn
my daily bread. Need say how cheer
fully | shall do it"
He bowed most reverenJially before
the clear light of those hazel eyes, and
| shewent on:
'There is but one way in which l can
hope to maintain myself, and that is to
go ont as goveruess. I know but few
people, Mr.. Southall; bnt your circle of
friends is large, and-and if you would
interest yourself for me little-a word
Of recommendation from you"
Gratia stopped to hide the tremulous-
ness in her voice. Southal was regard
ING her with grave earnestness.
81 think | know of situation for you
Miss Gratia."
''Do you?' Her face lighted up
"Oh, Mr.. Southall Do you think l
could do justice to it ?"
81 have no doubt on that head"
"But you know that am so young,
so inexperienced"
"Neither of these facts would initiate
against you," be returned, smiling, al
though he had grown quite pale.
"Yet | have such dread of going
out into the world. Do you think they
would be gentle with me, Mr.. Southall
at first, you know, until l learn the
nature of my duties Would they be
kinda"
II am sure Of that" be said vehe-
mently.
She looked at him little surprised.
"What is the stuation?"
GAS my wife, Gratia; as the light and
love of my whole being. Nay, dearest,
90 not turn pale at my tenerity. Will
you love me! VIII you trust me? l
should never have ventured to WOO the
wealthy heiress, manned and battle scar
red as | am; but, Gratia, may tell you
how have loved her all these years:
how my last thought, when they left me
for dead on the field, was of her. Dear
est, | could not love you more, but this
days noole remuneration has taught me
to revere you more deeply. Will you
accept the situation Gratia?"
Something in. her eyes had answered
him ere he had ceased speaking, for even
as the words crossed his lips, he drew
her TO bis breast with deep thrill of ten
derness.
MY love! my little wifer'
And so on the same day that Gratia
Everett gave up her worldly wealth to
the children of the dead soldier she !
found greater treasure in Warren
S0ufhall'c lava traooura Il