The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1879-12-25

"Mr. Redmond had called to see ner,
and stayed with Miss Gertrude for
lunch"
She had put the rosy clusters in her
dark hair and on the, bosom Of hMsr M
graceful gray dress, and fushed wltn
her long ramble. I think never saw
her look so perfectly lovely.
"He has been here. Very nice TO!
you to keep her out of the way so long"
I whispered to Clyde. -,
He looked at me queerly, but said
nothing. I did not want him to expostu'
late with me, as 1 believe lie wished to
do, and so kept apart from him during
the evening, leaving him to sing and play
with Patricia.
He was interesting with his very
natural manner of reserved modesty.. !
was glad Patricia found him so. He had
pale. silken hair that fell in shadowy
curls over beautiful forehead, softly
modulated tones. He contrasted nicely
with her dark spirited beauty.
"Clyde has an elder brother-Ray.
mond-just the one for Patricia. l
wonder if it cannot be brought aboutT'
But soon had ray hands full, for at
all hours of the day and night, Mr.. Red
mond came to the Hermitage. And it
was not long before my success as decoy
was patent to the most careless observer.
he asked only for Miss Gertrude"
In three weeks the crisis burst upon
me. He proposed.
"I used to think Mr.. Sherrington vour
lover" he said, standing before me, the
light on his frank, handsome face, /" but
late observations have shown me that his
visits here are for your sister. Since you,
are free, then. will you not marry mel
I can support you well, Gertrude, Or l
would not ask you to join your future
with mine. The death of my grand
fa:her two years ago left me $50,000, be-
sides some real estate. I have apleasant
home on the Hudsou-retired, but ele.
gant-where I would like to take YOU.
What do you think, Gertrude? Could
YOU be contented to leave your friends
and live at Rose Cottage with me?" Z.
NV amazement allowed me to stammer
nothing Ineligible. In some distant
way temporized the matter, and begged
Mr.. Redmond to give me some time for
reflection.
He went away, making an Appointment
for the next evening.
So thundcrstruck was I by the reyela-
tions of Mr.. Redmond's wealth that I
wandered about the house in dazed way,
not needing how mamma was tretting
about Patricia, who had gone to ride with
Mr.. Sherrington.
"What's the matter, mammals it
going to storm?" l said at last,
"To storm? Nonsense! Where are
YOUR ewes, Gertrude? 1t is nearly nine
O'clock. Patricia has been gone seven
hours with Mr.. Sherrington, and know
something is wrong" =.
"Nyhat? I demanded, rousing myself.
"I don't know"
Nine, 10, II and II o'clock passed. No
carriage-no news.
At noon the next day the buggy drove
into the yard. Patricia coolly presented
her husband. They had been married
the evening before by our pastor at Low
bridge.
$50 nice and quiet" said Patricia.
"No fuss, no notoriety."
She took her place coolly at the table.
"You needn't hesitate to take Gage
now, Gertrude. He's dead in love with
you; and, as I like Clyde best, I thougnE
I'd decide the matter without any COM
plications."
think I was dumbfounded. But I
found my tongue when Mr.. Redmond
came that evening, and said Yes"
I give my experience for the benefit
of others. 1t is dangerous-loaning ones
lover.