The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-08-02

piled Frank; and with much scrambling,
holding of twigs, perilous slips, and pre-
carious footing, up they went, and sat
painting on the top. They could hear
their party on the other side little be-
low them, but thick growth of trees
prevented their seeing them. They were
we'll repaid by the fine view and the
beautiful sunset, Carrie very much en-
joying the little rock chamber and the
reputation of having accomplished what
none of the other ladies had. AS the
gold and red curtains closed over the
suns departing face, and a blush, which
slowly paled before the approaching twi-
light, stole over the sky, the two became
confidential, and Carrie said:
"How odd it was for Captain De
Lancy to admire my dress. It's only
a cambric."
"Not odd at all"
"And it's funny, too" Then she
told him all about her quandary and
subsequent independence.
"Was that the dress you were wash
ing yesterday2"
"Yes; did you see me9 with deep
blush.
"Didn't -! Inever saw anything so
lovely. And this isn't the sort of thing
the others weara like that. Inever
loved you 80 we'll before"
Mr.. Warden" flashed out Carrie.
Yes, Carrie, you're the girl for me-
I've known it good while. Do come
and wash dresses where can see you;
wash them for me-"
81 can tell you Mr.. Warden" cried
Carrie, rising. "I don't generally wash
my clothes, and I don't like such nom
sense"
It's all true, he eaid, gently press
ing her down again. 81 love you, Car
rie-have come to take you back to Cali
fornia with me-"
'.I don't want to CO." replied Carrie,
with an averted face.
But only consider. / love you SO
much that I came back for you, ran the
risk of losing my business, and if you
don't return as my vito you'll never see
me again"
Franks tone was grave enough, and
his faco very red, as he tried to see her
eyes. Carrie pulled at the moss, and
said, family:
"I don't want to be married."
"Oh, Carrie" he replied, with half
groan, "think Of me-"
Carrie made no reply.
"Can't you love me 2" pleaded Frank,
putting his arm about her.
Carrie moved little, and still did not
speak; but he was evidently waiting for
an answer, and at last she said "yes, {"
with jerk,
Then you'll marry me-"
"Nc-that is-not now."
ooh, yes; why not2"
Because" she replied, facing him,
"married people are tied up. I should
have to do as you say, and you know I
like to be Independent"
81 wouldn't want you to do anything
you didn't want to.
"Oh, know how it would be-" re-
piled Carrie, springing up.
"You don't. You should do Just as
you pleased. Now will you give me a
kiss 2"
Carrie turned look of indignation
upon him, which was basely taken ad-
vantage of, and the kiss was stolen.
Mr.. Wardenl" and away she ran.
"Oh, don't go down there |" he cried.
You can't; you'll hurt yourself. At
any rate, wait Until leone to help you. I"
Carrie did not heed, but went on; and
in a moment q crash informed Frank
that his fears had been realized. He
fastened to the spot, and found her sit
ting very still, apparently studying the
ferns.
care you hurt p
"It's nothing"
"Shall we go on2"
"No, don't wish to-"
"You are hurt; let me help you risc;"
this anxiously.
81 don't wish to rise."
T." But you can't cit here all night. I'll
get help"
81 don't want any help" Carrie
started up, but fell back with a white
face.
Darling" said Frank, tenderly,
let me put my arm about yo1. There /
SO. Now you can walk"
Carrie consented without word, and
at last broke the silence by saying:
"There's no use trying to be inde-
pendent"
"Not if you are going to run away
from me. and jump down rocks like
that
II slipped"
"Then you give up2" asked Frank,
stopping: you'll be my dear, indie.
pendent little wife2''
eyes, if you'll be good"
Always" said Frank; and before
they reached the rest of the party the
independent damsel was 80 far overcome
as to lean on a loving shoulder when
they rested, and her foot was 80 much
better as to enable her to take the prom
ised walk home in the evening.