The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1873-02-26

tory about eleven O'Clock, and con
front the conspira.ors.
To this Lily agreed.
Mrs. Gray's party was a most bril-
liant affair, and the crowd of guest:
so great that Grace and Belle did noI
meet until just before eleven o'clock
Are you bound for the conserva
tory, Grace 7" whispered her friend
with mischeivous look in her eyes
/ Yes replied Grace, they are
both here, and it is almost time, So
au reroir.r And she moved hastily
away.
That's all right" soliloquized
Belle, for Edward Fairfax has been
there for ten minutes past. When
peeped in be was reading over the
note, and unless I'm much mistaken,
pressing it TO his lips. But | must
get where | can see them"
Grace, in the meantime had passed
swiftly through the conservatory, IN
til she came to a beautiful fountain,
near which was a seat so surrounded
by tall orange trees and oleanders,
that she thought she should be effec-
tually screened from observation. To
her surprise however, the seat was al
ready occupied by Edward Fairfrx.
Hastily springing to her side, he ex-
claimed, in low, impassionate tones
Dearest Grace, how can | ever
thank You for your generous avowal
of love? Had our positions been
differentiated | been rich and infu-
ential, instead of poor artist, should
not have been pleased to have the Of
fer from you, but as it is, | car only
strive by lifelong devosion. to re-
pay the sacrifice that this confession
must have been to YOU" And as he
concluded, he drew her fondly to him,
and stopped to imprint a kiss upon
her lips; {; but Grace was too quick for
him, and starting back. cried:
II do not understand YOU, Mr..
Fairfax. Of what avowal do YOU
speak"
"Of this" replied her lover, draw
ing forth Bellies note and extending
it to her.
Grace gave one glance at its con-
tents, and realizing the whole, exelalm-
ed:
20, Belle Belle how could you ?"
And sinking on the seat, covered her
face with her hands.
Mr.. Fairfax stood astonished and
irresolute He could not fathom the
mystery. Atlength some light broke
on his mind, and he asked, gently:
did you not write this note. Miss
Grace ?''
Never sobbed Grace.
Then must ask your pardon. and
bid you farewell" said Fairfax sadly.
Grace made no reply.
"Will you not shale hands, as a
token that you forgive nv innocent
share in this wretehed trick ?r he
asked.
Grace slowly raised her head, and
extended her hand. As she did so,
she caught glimpse of his sad face,
and the love she had so long hidden,
asserted itself, and shone in her eyes.
1t is / who should ask forgiveness,
she said timidly You do not under
stand how wicked i have been. but
indeed, ! did not realize it until now
Fairfax caught her rapturonsly in
his arms.
Say that YOU did not realize until
now that you loved me. he whispered,
and care for nothing more
And say that you forgive me, for
I'm ashamed of myself burst in
Belle, who suddenly appeared before
them. THAT is I'm half ashamed
and half glad,' she added, as she
glanced from one to the other.
III both forgive and thank you.'
said Fairfax, at once comprehending
that Belle had written the offending
note.
And so will L. added Grace, nest
ling her hand into that of her lover.
though / must tell nv share of it,
Belle. l hope my note has done no
more mischief than yours,
Not at ALL said pleasant voice
behind them, and turning suddenly,
the trio beheld Archer and Lily
standing near.
Many thanks for your kind efforts
in nv behalf ladies' said Archer,
Had Lily and l not been
engaged six months ago, they would
doubtless have been crowned with as
complete success as | see they have
been in another direction
Allow Us to offer our most sincere
congratulations, Grace, DEAR said
Lily kindly, and Archer. accompanied
by Belle, moved considerably away.