The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-01-27

aRalil, pcilcVlnS he mcaut nothing by his
careless words.
The red rose she had first offered to Guy
Winter was still in her hand.
81 will take this as a love token" Wilson
said, taking 1t from her, ''and if ever the
time comes when love you lcss will
send it to you, and you will understand
lie spoke jestingly, but her face grew
grave
"Wison," she said, "it might be that in
the future you would love me less, and long
for your freedom; if that time comes, pro-
mise me you will send me this red rose
write me no word, or line, simply send me
this flower"
Il PROMISE" lie said, "but as my love
will never grow less, you have seen this
| red rose for the last time
He drew her to him and kissed her.
"Goodby, my darling" he said, and then
he left her standing in the falling shadows
of twilight.
What will you wear tonight, Miss
Lcigh2"
Tho graceful woman standing at the
window turned slowly around, and ans
wered in tone of inlencc sweetness:
IL will wear black silk and lace, Meta,
with red roses III my breast and hair"
"8ut your white silk and pcarls9"
II prefer black this evening, Meta"
the lady answered. gently, and then turned
around to the window again.
4 conn tip,o OH ,,,o,,t a.....
laid desk, and drew out letter, written in
clear bold hand, and signed ''Wilson
Audrey"
1t was passionate declaratan of love to
the beautiful woman holding it in her
hand. She read it slowly over, then from
beside she lifted an envelope, directed in
the same dashing hand to ''Nlss Eunice
Dalton"
Opening the envelope, she looked at
what she had looked hundred times be-
fore, faded June rose, wthcrcd and
scentlcss; and now you know that Miss
Leigh, whose wondrous voice made her
famous, whose rare beauty and grace had
turned mems heads wherever she went, was
farewell at the rustic gate, eight years be-
FORE
The change in her life had come suddenly
an eccentric old lady had heard her sing, and
charmed by the depth and power as well as
the sweetness of her voice, had taken her
under her patronage, and placed her under
the best masters, and two years after had
the satisfaction Of knowing that her fair
young protege was fatcd to be one of the
greatest singers in the world.
But before all this had come the falslty
OF her lover and the anguish that nearly
killed her, and then the news that the old
folks at the farm were dead, and that Guy
had sold everything and gone abroad, then
her new life began, and the people were
thrilled by her beautiful voice, and men
infatuated with her beautiful tace, and
when she returned to her own land, FORE
most among her lovers was Wilson Audrey,
who never dreamed of her identity.
There was to be q reception that evening,
given in honor Of her, the creme do la
creme Of society would be there, and Will
son Audrey, would be among them waiting
to receive his answncr from the woman he
loved.
There were many fair women present;
but. Miss Leigh rcigncd queen, by right of
her real beauty, and Wilson Audrey
watched her with thrilling pulses, and
wondered he ever believed he loved women
before.
Ho was talking to grave, handsome
man, whose earnest eyes, had wandered
more than once to- Miss Leigh's proud pale
faces: E5
They were standing in the shadow of a
bay window, and neither of them noticed
that slender, stately woman in sweeping
robes of silk and lace was leaning against
q flower -wreathed column little distance
from them.
''It is good to see you again Winters
after all these years" " Wilson said, "and yol
have come back hcart-whole as we'll"
Guy Winters face grew grave.
~ came as I went, Audrey, he said,
slowly. ''surely you remember loved
Eunice Dalton.,' a
Wilson Audrey laughed lightly
"Ah, yes, sure enough Well, Eunice
was a pretty littlo thing. She was"
'Eunice Dalton was the one woman on
earth to me-" Guy interrupted sternly.
sIIad known she was not your wifc--"
"Not my wifel No, thank goodness.
Winters, ! don't mind telling you, but I
have met at last the woman before whom
my very soul bows down. If wealth and
energy can accomplish it'll will marry Miss
Leigh, the beautiful prima DONNA"
II do not understand" Guy said, thow
once caring for Eunico, you can love an
other; as for me, this Is more precious than
the love of tho fairest woman on earth,n
and he drew q little sandal box from his
pocket and opening It, displayed faded,
red June rose.
Il 49,.