The Van Buren press., 1872-07-30
land agent. I'll reserve my forces until
Mr.. Eldutcher comes back"

|
"Grace Carr, " said Libbie Hamilton
SIX weeks later, as the two friends sat be
side the windows in Mrs Hamilton par
lor. watching the first snow flakes, a.
thought You told me once that NIGH
have Mr., Courtenay for my especia
property Z"
A series Of rapid bushes darted across
Gracie's face, and for second she bent
low over pile Of worsteds in her lap
SO | did Haven't you got him, OF
rather, can't you have him if you want
him ?"
Libbie smiled quizzically.
Do you think SOP imagined his
devotion to Miss Oracle Carr entirely
prevented his appreciation Of any other
other lady's charms.
I'm sure he's just as attentive to all
the girls as he is to me.
"Oh! oh! does he ever lean over my
chair for an hour at time? Has he ev-
er taken mo riding in Mr. Edutcher's ba-
rouchc Did he ask me to make him a
watch chain ont of my longest hair p
pidtiS DlusNCN ubNlu
"Well, maybe he didn't ANYHOW,
Lib, between you and me, I'm going to
put stop to it But he's splendid "
A little sigh iluttered up to Gracie's
pretty. lips, and Libbie saw weary
shade creep into her eyes
"And reserve YOU forces, until Mr. FL
datchtr come, ell?
Aid then, for the first time since the
two had known each, Oracle gave back
an agra answer
Do hush about that everlasting non.
sense, or you'll make me hate the souKd
of the mans name. "
"lfyou only will, my darling Grace.
It's only one little word to say that will
mako me the proude,t, happiest man liv.
ing You never shall regret it, dear one. |
won't you tell me you love me? know
you do, for your eyes betray the sweet
secret the lips are so slow to confess
He was such bold, gentle loyer-Ais
own eyes were 50 full of tender love
ight, and he bent his head so near to her
hat the sweet fragrance of his breath
'ame TO her. His arm was over the car
iage seat, and his hand lay on her shoul
Ter in a firm yet light touch now she
elt the fingers as they tightened their
old.
She was completely conquered by love.
his Grace Carr, by Mr. Courtenay, who {
'as only the land agent to the man she
ad aspired to win,
But she shuddered as she thought OF {
ir. Elduteler-. now. Suppose she had {
'ou him, an, been hi, w7''r--r-d.lis.pap
ad . i. come c,19T-i!s, across herysy ~ N-
/ him: 'ne answoo
81 will say it, Mr. Cou,y".-, w =
I'VE you dearly, dearly" " II
He let go Of the reins and clasped her c
both arms, kissing her quiverng lips {
"Gracie, my true darling, my own dar- q
ng, for loves sake only" 3
You call me Oracle, she said shyly; g
won't you tell me your first name, that
mhy call you by it, Il
You have never called me by any b
ther, Oracle, than by my Christian =
lme.
e was irving to look grave but her puz- n
ed look brought a smile to his mouth u
I'd eyes, q
" Shall explain, little lady2 Shall ! "
II YOU you are the betrothed bride Of
ourtcnay Eldutchsri" ;,
How he enjoyed the surprised bewil. /
,rment, and how kindly he checked her =
tcited exclamatons, and then told her u
that day he had come home, and heard .
,r declare she would never marry but ,'
II money. =,
81 knew | could win you, dearest, as >
e rich Eldutchcr, but resolved to try, u
ith nothing but myself to depeud upon u
'as presumptious, think you, in keep .
9 this p "
He showed her the golden ball off her '
.r ring. now circled with diamonds, and y y
t into her betrothal ring. :
The glad tears were in hor eyes rs he \
ae it on her finger She had con u
Iercd her merccnary ambition, and now U
ho , grand reward was hers
Il always said | should marry for y
oney, 4" she says roguishly, nowadays. :,
/ L z. Al, 4 .al,a