The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-11-23

~ SaAo, ~ least. Wlu you allow me to
carry you home and see your fathers"
But the revelations made there are not
Tor mortal pen to describe. When he left,
there was peace between them. t9NHT2 :
: 1T was buf q little time that the sick
man fingered, Maurice doing all he could
Tor bis aid and comfort, and he went to his
rest, happy In the assurance that Grace
Brown should ever hold her mothers place
IN the heart and home of the repeatant
old man.
This promise Maurice songht earnestly
70 fulfil, and though his daughters pres.
ence seemed still conscious at times the
shadow on his heart grew less, and not all
Of pain. Yet thoughts of the unreturnlng
past, regret, softened though it weIe, serv-
ed IN after years asia warming, a beacon, the
reminder hls imperviousA will still needed.
Five years have passed since Grace Brown
came to Maurice Greenwood. Her presence
has becomes the sunlight Of his home; her
voice tho weetest music that meets his
ear: her hand alone rests on his temples
with soothing touch, when sad memories
Cypress him; and even, as she comes near,
the shadows on hearth and heart grow
less. IL. -
He sits musing alone this evening, and a
shade of troubled thought ls on his brow.
Rarely does he talk to himself, but he feels
lonely now, though Grace Brown has been
away but ono short day. 1872
Five yearst" he says. GLOW happy
we have beenlE. And here this girlish fancy
must upset 1t all. Why haven't seen this
before2 Why didn't Istop ita must
have been an old fool to let them 20 off on
that boating trip to-day1 I, But, II, / had re-
fused, what thens -1t'woul,l only provoke
Frank, and make him more resolute than
ever; and as for Grace, she'd have cried all
day, I suppose. I'm in pretty plight, I
declare! might have foreseen it-but l
didn't-when took Frank into the Office,
and let him come here so much. don't
want HIM to have her; he's as poor as Jobs
cat--steady and sure, and loves her, no
doubt of that. I'm not afraid she wouldn't
be happy; but wanted my pet, my pride,
my beauty to take place 'bsfitting her.
But, dear mel if say say no, she'll run
away with him, or she'll go and break her
heart, perhaps They're all alike, these
girls.'
A look of intense pain passed over the
old mau's face, and he murmured:
''Maybe if I'd been different, Annie
might have been here now-Miriam, too
who knowsa What makes me think of
Annie 80 tonight, wonder2" he said,
moving uneasily in his chair, 81 wish
those youngsters would como home--I do.
1t seems as If she stood by me this blessed
minute. Oh, Annie Anniei don't look 30.
haven't harmed theml" cried the old man,
ha'f-wild in his excitement.
"Will you have dinner now, sir, or wait
for Miss Grace?" asked the housekeeper,
opening the door. '.It's past your usual
time"
"Dinner before she comesl Nolndeed!"
was the instant reply. 'tBut isn't 1t time
for her to be homer"
''It is little late tonight, sir. She'll be
In soon, no doubt"
';LateI" The old man sprang to his feet
as If his years had suddenly rolled from
him. ''Latel" he repeated, as he hurriediy
glanced at the clock, and then walked ner-
vously to- the window and back again.
Tho door-bell rang. An instant, after,
Grace's merry voice wound through the en-
tries and up the stairs, and in she came,
radiant with health and happiness, just as
she had parted from HIM in the morning.
ooh, grandpa, such . splendid day we
have hadl" she exclaimed, delightedly
clasping her arms round his neck.
''Ihen you have had no accident9"
"No, indeed. What made you think of
that, grandpaa Am later Oh, yes, see."
talking, and l didn't think much about
It," '.."
''Happy child" thought Maurice Green
wood. "God helping me, I'll not break
her heart-one's enough; and the shadow
grew less than ever.
A year went by. Frank Shirley had be-
come junior partner in the firm of Green.
wood s. Co., and in the old family mansion
a bridal feast was made. rs
"Ahi" thought the housekeeper, as she
herself fastened the white dress, and placed
the orange blossoms ons Grace's fair brow.
''lf could have done this for Miss Annlel
Well, what's past Is past forever, and she's
angel crowned now.n
"God bless you, my childrenl" said the
old man; and the shadow grew light, misty,
aud almost disappeared.
Ten years more. Grace had filled Annic's
place; her gentle care and tender affection
making the old mans heart warm, and his
homo sunny. Her husband had long been
as dearly loved son; her. .cf ildren, the little
hearts ease blossoms that brohght comfort
to his spirit. He Is way-worn and weary
now, and the loving friends gathered around
him know that he is passing from them
swiftly, but with peace and trust in his
heart. n ,as 3
For an hour or two he had slumbered
lightly, Grace sitting beside him, his hand
clasped In hers, when he opened his eyes,
and, looking at her with world of aiIec-
ton in their clear, steady gaze, said:
"Grace, darling, have seen your Giother
She forgavc me long ago. In little while
l shall hold her to my breast again, rs did
when she was babe. She Is 80 beautiful,
Grace, all In white, with rose crown on
her forehead, and young and bright as you
are now. have tried t. make you happy,
dear-kiss me!' Aud o., Grace bent her
face, dripping with tears, to his, the failing
hand caressed her golden hair, as 1t had
bten wont, and he spoke once more, feebly:
''The shadow is gone nowl She stands
there, but 1t Is all glory-Annie3"
"What does he meant What shadow9"
whispered Grace's husband. But she raised
hor head, slightly.
"Hush, dear-see---hc is gOne!"
S..nss......aa
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