The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-12-02
Susie's Gift.

Tho days wero growing dark for George
Graham. His studious habits had resulted
IN al affection Of tho oycs that threatened
to grow serious.
Ihis was his last term at school, and Il
he passed his examination credltably. he
was to have place in Solomon Grant.
store, with wages that would not onl,
take care of himself, but greatly hell
his mother
His mother was widow, and George.
love for her was a sort of passion of deyo
t0n.
He was very fond of Susie Hale, bu,
Susie was only IL nice girl to him-a dear.
sweet, good girl, such as any fellow would
like; but his mother was the lady to whom,
was due his love, his care, his uttermost
duty.
The plans ho made III life were all for
his mother sake.
What If this growing dizziness bout him
was to increase until all was dark2 What
II he must be no help to his mother but
only burden on hor forever2
Ills scholarship had beon so fine that his
tutor hcsitatcd to reprove his now continual
failures; and George said nothing of the
increasing darkness around him to his mo.
thcr, Tor he felt that it would break her
hcart nothing to teacher or schoolmates
Tor 1t seemed to him that his grief would
be nothing to them. But one afternoon
tho crisis came.
NO one who was present that day--not
even tho smallest child--will ever forget
tho look of wild despair that swept over
george Grahams fuce, or the gesture OF
helpless anguish with which he stretched
out his hands, as il to seek among them all
some friend, as he cried
"God help me, have been going. bllIuI,
and now cannot see one figure in my
book"
There was silence after this, through
which came no sound but the audible beat
Ing OF George Grahams tortured, desparlng
heart.
Then the master sent away the others,
for school hours were nearly over, and
tried his best to comforthis stricken pupil.
The words of tho teacher entered his
ears, but they did not reach his heart or
kindlc his hopc.
AS soon as ho could he went away Ho
did not 60 straight home. How could he
face his mother and tell her what he must
tell her now?
He sat down on bank u little removed
from tho road side, bank which ovcrhung
swift, deep yet narrow stream.
, An awful temptation came over him.
To DO sure to die would be to leave his
mother to fight her battle Of life alone but
also 1t would relieve her from the heavy
= burden he must needs be to her II he lived.
The rivor rushing down there below in
vitcd him with its murrnur.
lIo bent forward over the stream Then
no drew back, for longing came over him
TO go home first and sec his mother lust
once more.
''Sec her. What am talking about ?
DO not know shall never SEQ her again."
And girls voice, soft and tender, an
unexpected voice, answered him
eyes, you will see her again. Surely
you will sec her again."
Tho hoy turned his face towards the
sound
''How did you como hore, Susie Hale ?
he asked
''Don't be angry, George the gentle
voice entrestcd. II waited for you. I
could not 90 home till had told yo,r how
sorry was, and tried to comfort you. You
must take heart and try to be cured.
have known people who could not see at
nll to bo helped, and why not you2 At
least you must try."a " =
An evil mood was upon George Graham.
and he answered, harshly
"Whcrc Is the money to come from, II
You pcasc9 1t las been all mother could
do just to live, and she has struggled on ir
the expectation of my being able soon tc
help hcr. She has no money for expert
lncnts. There Is nothing for It but for mt
to rest dead weight upon her hands, Or
die"
"You believe In God, George Graham
and you will not defy him.. If he means
you to bear this yon will bear 1t liko man
md not try to get rid Of the burden Jus
now, 1t scoms to me, you ought to 60 home
Would youlliko your motherd to. hear thi
from someone elsc?"
lie roso slowly.
"You arc right" he said, .and you ar
good girl Good bye, Suse''
She did not try to 60 with him; sho fol
lowed him only withher eyes. /. .gF
His mother met him ut tho gate.t 3 g.E
When she took his hands in hers the poo
fellow felt that she knew oil. She wa
very quiet and self controlled.
your tutor has been here, she said
land he has told me. My darling, VIII,
have you sat In the darkness, and Shut you
mother out from any share In yoir troubled q
"Oh, ] couldn't tcll you, mother, II
obbed. 81 conldn1. Itlioiight It woul
break your heart"
Meanwhile, Susie Hale had gone HON
full of an absorbing purpose. e f-Sa
Somehow money must and should
raised to try, what q skillful ocplist could d
for George Graham 1ssss4 atS
susie was tile orphan t,iece ois Soion,o
Grant.
Sho knew that abe had a, modest It'll
fortune Of her own; hut itSwas Sall sins ihe
sncle's hands, and .wtths.lt HE consent sl