The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-12-04

say of me2"
"Nething, aunt, but that your niece
was qngrateful, disobedient and re
bellious-neitber of which, thaul
God, size Island deserved expulsion
from -FOUR roof, with all the penalties
that attach to selfwill and wayward
ness.m
In the meantime she had deanee
her clpak and bonnet, and taking the
note p Danton, in which she had
told b i'm of her intention to marry
another, she bent over and, kissing
her aunt's forehead, rushed down
stairs hnd was soon en- route to the
store Ia which Oscar Howard was
employed. .. =
Onftte street she met William
Dantdh b, who drove up in flashing
phet@, drawn by a pair of sleek
dapplSd bays, that seemed to scorn
the eRrth upon which they dainty
feet rSsted. Beside him sat we'll
kept, kveried coachman, while all the
appointments of the equipage evinc.
ed NOT only the wealth, but good
taste df the owner.
Butsabout him there was an air OF
recklebsness and insouciunce against
whichIthe pure soul Of Grace Stanley
revolted.
Driving up to the pavement, he
leaped from his seat and stood beside
her.
"Oh dear, how lucky p' he exclaim-
ed. q was just going to take you
out, but - All! 1 see. You are
not dressed for drive" casting his
fastidious eyes down upon her plain
street dress, sand, upon my soul, l
couldn't think Of taking you out
without a chaDce Of better display
than this" laying bis hand upon her
modest, neutral tinted cloak, and
glancing up at her equal negative hat
"But, Grace" he took occasion to
whisper, II did very much wish to
see you this morning. 1t is getting
time that we should come to some.
sort Of a decision in our efaire de
ceur. Tho old governor says | must
get married; 60 to the Sandwich Is
lands; do something-stop this lazy
dogs life. | am spending too much
of his money!" etc.
He laughed, and, forgetting where
he was, caught up Grace's hand, much
to her disgust. With an effort she
withdrew it, and as calmly as posi-
BILE.
"Thanks," she said, "Mr. Danton.
We're | ever SO appropriately dressed,
| could not drive out with you this
and az to our a6air de eceur
you will have note from. me to-mor-
row that,wiIl define my position l
have put one in the post since coming
out | wish you q pleasant drive.
Good-byer'
And releasing her hand, she threw
q thick veil over her face, and walk.
ed rapidly until she reached the store |
When she entered she sent to Oscur
a notice at once of her pres
ence; but he being busy, she sat be.
side one of. the counters until he
could come to her.
During this lime she was busy with
thought. Her whole life had been
surrounded with luxury, but never
theless it was one Of dependence.
Would she be less dependent by Civ
ing up the luxury to which she had
been accustomed to, because the wife
of a man wholly dependent upon his
salary asa mercbant's:clerk?
"Yes," she answered to herself; "a
wife should be help and not an in
cumbrance TO her husband, and al
helpmate l am resolved to be-"
and look Of smiling resolve over
spread her features, as Oscar Howard
approaching recalled her from her
abstraction.
What has brought you here this
Grace p The said tenderly,
his quick intuition not;failing to note
unusual in her manner.
Are you ready, Oscar, to be mar
ried ?" she asked, in W hisper.
Not exactly, Dearest" he whis-
pered. 81 have been trying to sum-
mon courage to ask Of Mr.. Lacy an
increase Of salary in prospect; / wish
to nuke you as comfortable as pos
sible.
'.We must gei married at once"
she said. firmly, "without regard to
your salary
"Well," he answered in return, "to.
morrow, if need be" feeling that she
had been impelled to her course by
some unquestionable motive.
"Then tomorrow evening, at seven
o'clock, at t. Church, let it be.
Bring some of your friends as wit
nesscs. and with asingle female friend
1 shall meet you. Dolnot fail.
She extended her hand 10 him
across the counter, drew her veil over
her face, ard with tears of mingled
emotions brimming her eyes, she
passed out Of tho store, and fastened
her steps to the house of her friend,
to engage her services.
From this interview, Oscar How
ard retired to the private office of his
employer. He was pale and agitated;
and thinking the excellent young
man was i'll, Mr.. Lacy sprang up
from his seat at his desk to offer him
glass of iced water. Declining the
courtesy and taking the seat indica'
ted by Mr.. Lacy Howard said;
II have come TO speak to you on
some very important business l am
about to be married, Sir, and ---"
"Ah," said the employer; "and -"
81 must make bold to ask small
increase of my wages"