The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-07-03

1t was only. a passing compliment, yet
somehow it tannoyed me. turned to Ger
tie; she wassleaning out of the WINDOW,
and as I approached she. suddenly drew
back, Holding up a cluster OF purple
grapes. - 1..l
sFrom fairy land, she said gajily, laugh,
ING like a gleeful child at Guy $ puzzled
look, and then ilf mocl1ng tone she re.
peated; "Come into the garden, Man.
And skipping Immediately to the piano,
she dashed off lively waltz.
Edgar's boyish face appeared for mo-
ment at The easement, and then was gone,
but a basket Of grapes rested on the SILL
and the tinkling notes Of guitar, accom-
panying Gertic, Hoated into the ROOM.
/ was alone at last-alone with my
thoughts
"Gertie will be very happy" I said,
half aloud; but 1 sighed as spoke. Some
undefned feeling, know not what, made
me sad; ;9but true it's that Coming events
cast their shadows before" ] thought Guy
was tickle, and so it proved.
The gaieties of the winter had ended.
The spring had come and gone, and the
month of roses was upon US. Gertie was
ill one day, and I went,to see her. re-
member she wore pale muslin wrapper,
and some one had put white rosebuds in
her hair. She was very pale, as she lay
upon the lounge in herroom. She looked
up wearily. as entered.
ssI am so glad you have come, Man.
People tire me to-day"
There was dreary look in the brown
ewes, and quivering of the lips as she
spoke. drew stool to her side, and sat
down, taking one dimpled hand in mine.
oShall l read to you, Gertie ?"
She shook her head.
ssShall sing you to sleep ?"
She smiled assent. / sang some simple
ballad in low, soft tones, and at-length she
fell asleep. .e-sg.z.
I went down into the parlor, leavingthe
chamber door aiar so that Gertie might
call if she awoke, and taking a. volume of
Longfellow's poems from the table, I was
soon lost in Evangeline. A shadow fell on
my book, and.I looked up. Guy Tracy
stood before me-
ssGertie is sleeping" said.
He nodded carelessly, thew himself. into
a lounging chair, and picked,up the volume
which I had just discarded. He read
few passages III q rich, melodlous voice,
tossed the book upon the tableand turned
toward me.
sYou have poets soul, Miss We're, that
finely strung nature so seldom met with IN
our day, at least not in these quiet walks
of life,' and looked ateme- earnestly.
Ianswered himquietly, fG had become
accustomed to his impetuous nature. But
ne went on.
ssI never saw the woman who could
awaken in my innermost soul such intense
longings after goodness and greatness as
YOU have awakened since first We met.
sprang to my feet. He too, was stand
inc. tried to speak, but lie stopped me
with an impatient wave of the hand.
aDon't remind me of my duty he burst
forth angrily. 81 accept my lot, bitter
though it may be, but / would to God our
paths had never crossed each other
"Mr. Tracy" l said, ssyou forget your
aNo, 1 do not forget myself," he return
ed. "Nan We're, you know that i love
you"
"Guy Tracy, you do not love mc-you
are incapable of loving any true woman"
I said scornfully. "Have YOU grown tired
of the sweet child to whom you were affi-
anced few months ago, that you come to
me with your soft speeches? I depise
you for them. I would that our paths had
never crossed each other, for then / had
not learned to regard you as less than a
man.
He started, while sudden pallor over
spread his countcnance. Gertie glided
into the room so very still and white.
"I have heard all,' she said. "You are
free, Guy. shall never be your wife,
She staggered and would have fallen,
had not caught her.
Guy sprang forward, but she put him
back with her hand-the hand OH which
the engagement ring was yet glitterlng.
Then she stood up very straight, and as
weak and trembling as she then was, look
ed him full in the face.
don't think he attempted any explana-
ton. do not even remember what she
said. only knew when he had gone; and
-have some very faint recollection of assist
ing Gertie up the stairs. Iknow my heart
was very heavy.
Two years afterwards I read of Guy
Tracy's. marriage. He had married an
accomplished woman Of the world, just as
1 thought he would dol had been
bride one year then, and Gertie was with
me in my beautiful home. She had grown
so womanly since then, SO torgetful of self,
and there was quiet dignity about her
which she never had in olden time. /
watched her face when she read Of Guys
marriage, but there was nothing by which
| could read the thoughts within.
1 was called from the room just then,
and when would have returned, the voice
Of Gertie, singing q soft, sweet melody,