The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-12-14
Popular GALES.
GRACE STANLEY'S DECISION.

81 dare say, Gracie, you have by this
time, made up your mind as to what you
propose doing ?" said Mrs. Manning, in u
half doubtful manner, gliding into her
niece's chamber and furtively casting her
eyes over its rich and delicate appoint
ments.
'Yes, auntie, believe | have, return
ed the young girl, looking up hastily from
Il just-fnished note on her escritoire, and
rising to offer some courtesy to her aunt.
And pray what is it p said Mrs. Mann
ing, peering searchingly into the tender
blue eyes of her niece, and evokiug from
her a treacherous blush. "You have, at
least, taken long enough to come to a
conclusion
Grace turned away to avoid the gaze of
MH. Manning and happy couplet re-
curing to her memory, she smiled pleas
antly under the deepening blush, and gayly
sang
"And Of the choice who can doubt
0ftents with love OF thrones without. ~
A frown usurped the questioning ex.
preston on Mrs. Mannings countenance,
and reddening with anger, she said:
"And so | am answered p "You will
marry Oscar Howard p
"That is my intention, aunt said
Grace, firmly.
"And will throw away all chances for an
alliance with William Danton p
without doubt, auntie
"And per consequence-' said Mrs.
Manning, cold, sarcastic sneer distorting
the symmetry of her beautiful lips.
But Grace would not allow her aunt to
finish her sentence.
"Must arrange at once to seek other
shelter than my uncle's roof | feel
know this
Fora moment look of tenderness swept
over the face of the fashionable, world
loving woman A sudden rush of recollec
ton brought before her the death-bed of
her only sister, and the words with which
she committed to her the charge of her
only child-a little cherub of two years,
that hid its faxen ringlets on auntie's
bosom, and wept herself sick when
they shut up pretty mamma in the box
All the winning gracefulness, all the
tender affections of this childs childhood
and youth came up before her heart $
vision, and she doubted whether her own
conscience would justify her, or whether
her own happiness would be materially
increased by proceeding harshiy against
her niece But the world came in with
its cruel cynicism; she had never loved,
herself; but she was rich and envied, and
to place her penniless niece in the same
position, would, in her estimation, be full.
filling all the requirements of her adop-
tion.
And then the voice of her dying sister
stole up like broken chords of sweet music,
through her soul:
"lf my little girl should live to be a
woman, do not force her heart, Emily.
Do not let her be sacrificed in marriage TO
any consideration, but the holy one, which
should rule in the bridal. | married a
poor NANNY family discarded me for it
but was happy; and now | am going
to meet the husband of my love where
marriage is eternal"
The brown, fringed lids closed over the
violet eyes, the pale lips murmured:
Lord, Jesus, receiye-my-spirit.
A seraphic brightness flashed over the
pale face, and the spirit of Marian Stanley
had joined its love,
Mrs. Manning remembered all this, and,
closing her eyes against her rebellious niece,
for few moments, sat holding communion
with her own soul. 1t was over. She got
up and, without a word, left the room, re-
turning almost Immediately.
"If it must be, she said cody, "hasten
your preparations, laying before her niece,
well-flled portemonnaie.
"Thank you, aunt, said Grace, decidedly,
returning the pocket-book to her aunt, ~
shall not need the contents of this. In
the station that shall fill, as the wife of a
merchants clerk, | shall not need costly
wardrobe, and if you will permit, what
have already will answer all my purposes
Under the circumstances, | cannot think
of accepting a single dollar from you.
"Grace Stanley said Mrs. Manning
sharply, "what will the world say of me 2
Nothing, aunt, but that your niece wa
ungateful disobedient and rebellious--
neither Of which, thank God, she is--ant
deserved expulsion from your roof, viii
all the penalties that attach to self-will ant
waywardness.' y
In the meantime she had donned he
cloak and bonnet, and taking the note Il
Danton. in which she had told him Of he