The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-11-26
OTTUMWA, IOWA, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER &C. 1863
Il positively; know that be will

yet positively; I know that be vii
not"
"Oh, dear, dear r. groaned peer Mrs
Allaire, in conflicting tempest of annoy
ance and vexation "If had only held my
foolish tongue bout Charles Everett and hii
claims r.
But Gratis, wrapped IN deep thought,
had no ear for the poor old lady's lamenta.
tions.
It was quaint old room that library
with it's heavy gothic furniture and nut.
brown carpet sprinke.ed with scarlet and
amber CLEANS from the stained glass win-
dow, in whose deep reOess stood the round
oaken table. There was faint odor Of
Russia leather in the apartment, and q
strange sense of quiet rested in every nook
and corner.
Gratia sat at tho table, one round arm,
white a. carved pearl and circled with q
plain band Of gold, resting upon the piles of
papers, and the other hand toying idly with
her wstch-chain, while her wistful eyes
were fixed full upon Warren Southall's
face.
''The Deed, then, gives all unconditional
" to Charles Everett's widow and children
-aH?"
.sIt does, Miss Everett"
"And it takes effect immediately
"Yes."
Gratis drew deep breath Of relief
You see that they receive the benefit
Of this document as soon as possible,
Sir ?"
"Certainly If you wish It. And now,
Miss Gratia, another subject demands your
Gratia looked up at the dark bright eyes
fixed with such grave kindness on her
childish brow, and looked down again with
a strange quiver at her heart.
1t was not Handsome face--no one had
ever called Warren Southall handsome
yet there was . nameless something in the
grave eyes and earnest mouth that irresisti-
bly, hnpvlled you to turn and look after
him as he passed you in the street. People
had said, ''whst pity, poor fellow !" when
he came back from Antietam with the left
sleeve fastened, empty, to his breast but
Gratia had always felt = 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 p
"Anothcr subject - she repeated hesita.
tingly. ayes. You have transform cd
yourself from an heiress to a poor girl-al-
most penniless girl"
~ know it," said Cratic. CALMLY 81 have
been thinking it all over, Mr.. Southall. I
am perfectly aware that it now becomes
for me to earn my daily bread.
Need say how ch,erfully ! shall do it!"
He bowed, almost reverentially, before the
clear light Of those soft hazel eyes and she
went on:
"There is but one way in which can
nope to maintain myself, and that is to 90
,ut as govSrness. know but few people,
Mr.. Southall but your circle of friends is
argc, ,and-if you would interest yourself
or me little-a word of Recommendation
rom you"
Gratia stopped to hide the tre,nulousness
n her voice. Sou;hall was regarding her
With grave earnestness.
II think know offs situation for you,
Hiss Gratia."
"Do you" Her face lifted up, "Oh, Mr.. |
southall do you think could do justice to
tt"
IL have not the least doubt on that
,ead."
"But you know am so young, so insxpe-
fenced"
'.Neithsr Of those facts would initiate
lgainst you," he returned smiling, although
10 had grown quite pale.
"Yet I isve such dread Of going out in.
o the world. Do you think they would be
,entle with me. Mr.. Southall-at first, you
know, until learned the nature Of my du-
lies Would they be kind 2"
81 am svrs of that" he said vehemently.
She looked at him, little surprised.
ssWhat is the sitriat atinx, 90
"As my wife, Gratia as the light and
owe of my whole being, Nay, dearest, do
not turn pale and trembls at my tenerity.
Win yoa love me! Will you trust me :
should never have ventured to win your
wealthy heirsss, MANNED and battle SCARED
ls I am but, Gratia, I may tell you how l
have loved her all these years; how my
last thought, when they left me for dead on
the Geld, WAS for her. Dearest, could not
love you more, but this days noble repun-
citation has taught me to revere you still
more deeply. Winyon accept the situation,
Gratia -
Semething in her eye answered ere he
ceased speaking, for eyen as the wonds
crossed his lips he dre~her to his breast
With deep thrill of tenderness.
my love my little wife r.
And 90 on the same day that Grath Eve
rets gave up her worldly wealth to the child
ish of the dead soldier she founda greater
treasure in WSTep Southalrs lovs-a
treasure which neither time nor change
could take from her. Truly, 1T is mors