Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1880-11-04

Arthur was q stern, naughty man of the
world, with an austero face, upon which
cold and repollant look always fingered,
dlgnltied mien, and stately air. Clifford
was gay, joyous, and generous, winning
respect from every one and beloved by all.
This was tho way we found them at the
opening of our story.
The lovers parted, as VIC havo said, each
to tako up tho burdens of lifo more
oheerfulIy Each looking forward to tho
end.
Arthur Grey's visits to Col. Orno's be-
oame more frequent. IIo was received
kindly. The Colonel beloved him to: be
very superior man, and Bessie was of tho
same opinion. Although not liking him,
yet she simply esteemed him for the sake of
Clifford.
Arthur Grey, passionate and meroiIess as
no was, hated Gilford-hated him with all
the hatred that an unrestrained passion can
hato, chen they see loved object, almost
10 their grasp, pluokcd by more daring
hand than theirs.
Arthur secretly loved Bessie, if the cold,
mercenary feelings which no felt might bo
called suoh. Ho had never brcathcd them
mover by the slightest look, or words, in :.
timated that they wero moro than the
homage paid by mon to all beautiful wo--
men; but when Clifford set out for Jamaica
they found outlet, aud a wild hope shot
through his soul. 1t found dcfuitc shape
in the following thoughts:
ri will win this girls love. She cannot
be indifferent. No, no-Pll not despair,
and when Bho becomes my wife, wo shall be
quits, Mr.. Clifford Grey
lie never thought once of tho possibility
of failure, although hor cold and distant
manner toward him would have convinced
any man less sanguinc than he of the prob
ability Of such eu undertaking. He never
once thought Of receiving naughty and
indignant refusal. No, ho never thought
Of this.
One year passed nwuy, sYiftly borne on
the wings of time, aud another was ushercd
into existence. Clifford Grey came not;
but, instead, news came of dreadful ship
wrcck-of many lives lost, of many homes
mado dcsolate,. aud then all was shrouded
in the deepest mystery. Nothing further
could be learned. No news of the absent
ono could bo CLEANED from tho many highly
exaggerating accounts given of tho fearful
disaster by thc>newspapers. Oh, how un-
certain is life!
Arthur Grey, at tho seaside, listened
with almost suspended breath to the many
surmises respecting his brothers. fate. lie
accepted the verdict of death, given by
public opinion, With composure, with cheer
fulness, and why not? lis brothers.
wealth fell into his possession, and now ho
must win the affection of Bessie Ornc.
He had accomplished his mission, and he
turned his steps homcward. The next day
hc called at Colonel Orne's aud stood in
the presence of Bessie.
"Bessie, I've got something to tell you.
Can you guess it's import?" lie asked
in as sorrowful tono as he could well
assume.
She had read it On his face
"Gilford is dead?' she cried, in q cold,
strange voice "rcll me--oh, tell mo if it
be true!'
"Alas, fear it is too truc!" returned
Arthur, mournfully. "Dear Bessie" he
continued, taking her cold, icy hand in his,
I'll extend to you my sinccrcst and most
heartfelt sympathics for this sad bcrcayo
ment which has fallen upon you Although
1 almost idoized my poor brother, yet
feel very sonsibly for you
She did not faint, as Arthur had antic-
pated Many another ono, under such
trying circumstances would have dono SO.
Neither did she scream nor wcep-tho
shock was too great, poor child She sank
into seat, her cheeks blanchcd, the color
slowly left her face, her eyes cleaned with
an unnatural sparkle, and yet she shed no
tears. She did not seem to realize the fu
extent of her loss. IIor every faculty ap-
pc'rcd as though paralyzed.
thur stood gazing upon her in amaze
ment. lie had expected scene, but was
disappointed-agrccably so.
"Sho cares nothing for him." he
thought. "ller actions plainly express
that"
But he was mistaken.
A thousand thoughts were revolving
through her soul striving for uttcrance.
The consolation Of spcaking-of telling
how miserable she was in reality, WIS de-
nied her at that moment Onco in tho
solitude Of her own room, with the door
locked, she sank upon the| floor.
And during the silent watches of the
night she never onco sumbcrcd nor slept,
but paced the narrow limits of her room
with untiring feet until tho breaking of
gray dawn proclaimed morning and new
day.
x
Winter, with its drifting SHOWS, had
como and almost gone.
Bessie Ornc had not avoin cntoroa eoo;o