The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-01-04
here, and recognized the very peculiar

neie' anu recognized the very peculiar
writing"
Lily explained Gracc's plan of the after
noon, and expressed her belief that she also
had some share in this letter.
"They will watch us closely tomorrow
evening, Lily" said Harry. Suppose we
stroll into the conservatory about eleven
O'Clock and confront the eonspirators.
To this Lily agreed.
Mrs. Gray's party was most brilliant
affair, and the crowd of guests so great
that Grace and Belle did not meet until
just before eleven O'Clock.
"Are you bound for the conservatory,
Grace = whispered her friend, with a
mischievous look in her eyes.
YES replied Grace, ''they are both
here, and it is almost time, so an reroir."
And she moved hastily away.
That's all right soliloquized Belle.
$50. Edward Fairfax has boen there for
ten minutes past. When pceped in he
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, until she
came TO a beautiful fountain, near which
was seat so surrounded by tall orange
trees and oleanders that she thought she
should be efectualy screened from obser-
vation. To her surprise, however, the
seat was already occupied, and by Edward
Fairfax.
Hastily springing to her side, he ex-
claimed, in low, impassioned tones:
dearest Grace, how can | ever thank
you for your generous avowal of love2
Had our positions been differentiated
been rich and influential, instead of a
poor artist, should not have been pleased
to have the offer come from you, but as it
is, can only strive, by lifelong devo-
tion, to repay the sacrifice that this con-
fession must have been to you" And as
he concluded, he drew her fondly to him,
and stopped to imprint kiss upon her
lips; but Grace was too quick for him, and
starting back, cried
Il do not understand you, Mr.. Fairfax.
Of what avowal do you speak.
"Of this" replied her lower, drawing
forth Bellies note and extending it to her.
Grace gave one glance at its contents,
and, realizing the whole, exclaimed
20, Belle! Bellel how could you ?''
And sinking on the seat, she covered her
face with her hands.
MIR. Fairfax stood astonished and irreso-
lutte. He could not fathom the mystery.
At length, some light broke on his mind,
and he asked, gently:
"Did you not write this note, Miss
Grace ?"
"Neyer," sobbed Grace.
"Then | must ask your pardon, and bid
you farewell, said Fairfax, sadly.
Grace made no reply,
"Will you not shake hands, us a token
that you forgive my innocent share in this
wretched trick p he asked.
Grace slowly raised her head, and extern
ded 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.
at is | who should ask forgiveness, y
she said, timidly. "You do not under
stand how wicked have been, but indeed
/ did not realize il till now
Fairfax caught her rapturously in his
arms.
Say that you did not realize till now
that you loved me, he whispered, "and |
care for nothing more"
"And say 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.
"Ill both forgive and thank you," said
Fairfax, at once comprehending that Belle
had written the offending note.
"And so will |, - added Grace, nesting
her hand into that of her lover, ''though |
must tell my share of it, Belle, hope
my note has done no more mischief than
yours"
"Not at all, said pleasant voice be.
hind them, and, turning suddenly, the trio
beheld Archer and Lily standing near.
MANY thinks for your kind efforts in
my behalf, ladies, said Archer, laughing.
"Had Lily and | 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 con-
gratulations, Grace, dear, said Lily, kind
ly, and she and Archer, accompanied by
Belle, moved considerably away.
The tables were completely turned, and
two weddings were the result.
Coon News FOR THE BALD.-Better
than all quack medicines is the invigorat-
ing power of the sun. Here is bit of
newsfor ald-hcaded people. Says writer
from the silver mines of Montana: "a
friend of mine who had the misfortune to
be bald-hcaded, knowing that there is a
wonderful invigorating power in the suns
rays, last spring threw away his hat, and