The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1875-07-29

eyes, yes-I know all about that, !"
said Abel, interrupting her "it is
just due, and I am not SO we'll prepar-
ed for it-as I should be. But Robert
Trustworth is rich man, and will
not come running after his money at
twelve o'clock ON quarter~day."
"And if he should, there is twenty
five po-"
mo, there is not, said Abel, sharp
ly, and looking so firm and hard at
the suggestion that Grace did not al
lude further to that expedient. She
returned to the old question, and was
grave and demure enough to have de-
ceived Argus himself:
"And is it wise, with fresh diff
culties ahead of us, to talk of an as.
sistant, Gardy r. she asked. Had
not the young man better go his
wayY :,
mo, I think not" =" he replied; "for
he will give me time to myself; and
I want time immensely. And as for
difficulties, I will smite them down,
expunge them from the face of our
daily life in less than a week, my
dear"
''very well. guardian-you know
BEST"
Grace said no more, but went about
her work cheerfully-went down into
the village of; Greymor, after: seeing
Victor and her guardian in conference
together1n the parlor, and gave her
orders for the next weeks housekeep-
ing, and that days dinner, with her
usual alacrity,; She = was in high,
bright spirits it was observed by the
shopkeepers, and full Of CHEEKY gossip
with the Villagers and as she was
generally light and bright-the sun
shine of the place. as of Abel Wray-
fords home-it was strange that. her
manner should have been especially
remarked that morning. Stranger
still that she was not aware that her
spirits were brighter and lighter, and
that she would not have acknowledge
ed the fact had she been questioned
concerning it. Indeed, she had risen
with dull heart and headache, she
was sure, that very day; and only
her high spirit had thrown off the de-
preston. She went up the ascent to
Abel Wrayford's home, and found
Victor Dufoy standing on the edge of
the cliff; looking out to sea, with his
arms folded, very much like a certain
illustrious exile and Frenchman
whose portrait we have seen very of.
ten, He was so absorbed in thought
that he was not aware Of Grace's pres
ence until she touched him lightly on
the arm.
"Oh! I beg pardon" he said; II
did not know that you were here"
"You' are looking very cross, Mr..
Dufoy," she said; ~ do not think
that I have intruded on pleasant
thoughts, and so I hope that I am
sure Of your forgiveness
mo, they were not pleasant
thoughts" he answered, almost with
out looking at her.
Nothing has happened to disturb
you, I hope?'
"N-no-nothing particular" he
said. Il am going away from my
new friends-the only friends whom I
possess in England-and am not in
good spirits. There, I confess it.
"But-'
And Grace paused, and looked at
him steadily, and with the faintest
increase of color on her pretty face
He waited patiently for her to con.
tinue, and she said,
"But have you not seen my guard.
ian? Has he not asked you to stay
and assist HIM for a while ?" )
HE has asked me, Miss Grace, and
I have refused"
Refused !" she repeated, in amaze
ment. "For what reasonW =
Il would prefer your not asking
me my reasons he said, folding hit
arms; and looking out to sea again q
Ia Bonaparte..
Every we'll, Mr.. Dufoy," she said
1T Is no business OF mine, OF course
If you are tired Of us it is natural K
60 away"
She wished that she had not utter
ed those words the instant after the,
had escaped her; but it was too late
He looked quickly from the sweep O.
ocean, Aecked by myriad of COLDER
ripples that bright winters morning
and: turned with eagerness towar'
her. She began to quicken her pace
in the direction of the house but hi
rapid strides soon brought him u
| with her.
"For what reason, you asked me .
moment since, Miss Edmonds," h
said, in hoarse, agitated voice; "pe,
haps it is fairer to tell you: becaus
you have all been too kind and gen
erous toward poor refdgee-becaus
I am too happy"
I'll do not understand yeu."
r ~