Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-05-19

Wynne," he said gravely, as be joined her and
walked along by her side "I was recommend
ed to apply to your mother for board this
| summer
Grace was too much confused to reply. For
once she was really disconnected. But Mr..
Barnard went on talking 80 easily and freely,
that Grace soon recovered herself, and before
| they reached the house door, was able to an
swer his questions.
In less than a week from that day, the new
teacher was quite domiciiated in the family of
! Mrs. Wynne.
| The first snow of winter fell early in Novem-
Der. and by Thanksgiving day there was fine
sleighing So the Cherrytown bcaux met one
evening at Jabez Grants house to plan ride
| for the evening before Thanksgiving. There
| was good hotel in the town of Chester, about
| ten miles distant, famous resort on all such
occasions, and thither it was determined to CO.
They were to set out in single sleighs at six
clio ok, have a little dance in the hall of the
inn, and supper at ten, after which they were
to return home.
The girls were delighted, especially those who
were quite sure of being invited. Some of the
older ones thought it would be much more
the majority were in favor of single sleighs.
Grace received two Invitations, one from
Jonathan jerks, who, Notwithstanding her re-
fusal of his hand, was still quite as much as
ever in love with her pretty face--the other
from Jabez Grant, which she accepted, but not
until the very morning of the party. She pre-
tended to be very indifferent whether she went
or not, and said to Jane, just before Mr.. Grant
came for his final answer:
~ almost wish l was as old as you, Jane.
Then shouldn't be troubled to know who to
go with. But if 60 with Jabez, want you to
go too as for riding ten--twenty miles in COM
pany with that Ounce sha'n't do it,
And Jane made answer:
~ would crafty you if I could, Gracey,
dear, but Mr.. Barnard invited me to ride with
him three or four days ago.
The color rushed up over Grace's face bright
and warm but she did not speak. She was
very busy running lace ruffle into the neck
of her crimson merino gown but her little
fingers trembled, and Jane, who was much
more observant than she seemed saw two or
three tears fall upon her hand, which, instead
of exciting her sympathy, only made her quiet
ly smile.
1t was glorious evening of clear moonlight.
The horses sped across the frosty ground as if
winged, while shouts of laughter and snatches
of gay songs rang out on the clear air, and
mingled with the musical sleigh bells. In all
the party, there was no one so bright and fair
as Grace Wynne. Her lips were wreathed with
smiles, her long dark curls fell to her waist,
and kept time with her feet, as she moved
1uhf1 1v fba had
seemed SO bright and clear, her voice had |
never sounded SO musical before. Mr.. Bar
nard was the only person in the hall who ap-
peared entirely unmoved by her charming |
beauty and grace. He devoted himself to Jane,
who did not dance, and who was looking very |
much pleased with his efforts to please her.
Once as Grace was near them, sho overheard
her own name, and caught these words of Mr.. |
Barnard
''Yes, she is fascinating and beautiful, but |
she has no heart-and woman without heart
is pitiful object"
How Grace laughed and danced after that
Her feet seemed winged, and her eyes wero 80
bright it was almost painful to look at them
while every time she drew near the quiet couple
who sat at the upper end Of the hall, she would
make a low, mocking bow, go provokingy sancy
and audacious, that even James good temper
came near failing.
Well, the merry-making was over. Thelights
we're extinguished in the hall, the remnants of
heir feast strewed the long tables in the din
ng-room, and the Cherytown party were on
IN their homeward way. Jabez Grant drove
'ast, for Grace's high spirits were sll gone and
she only spoke in monosyllables. He left her
1t her door, and she was quietly in bed long be
ure Jane reached home But not asleep. For
'nce in her life, Grace was unhappy and al
hough she was too proud to own to herself
he cause, yet her pillow was wet with tears,
md her pretty face was SO flushed and hot that
Ter careful sister, as she bent over her, before
the candle. was really afraid n