The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-12-02

remarks, while his heart ached at
her pathetic stories Of her child
life.
"What a beautiful home" she
said, as they stood on the portico,
Il think you must be happy
She lifted her shy, dark eyes to
the grave, gentle face Of the men
before her The tender light of
some newly awakened feeling was
in their depths, and Gilbert Pier
sons heart gave a great throb as he
thought of the possibility Of having
this girls face always at his tireside.
81 am not SO very happy. Riches
do not always bring happiness, you
know he said with q smile.
"Ah, | know" she replied; "some
people have everything their heart
desires but cententment. l hope |
shall never be among the number" "
"Yet, you are not content, he
says wistfully.
"Not very; but still I am thank
full for the few blessings showered
ed upon me, one of which is your
kindness this morning" she laughs
as she trips down the steps and
takes her seat in the wagonctte Seth
had driven round.
"What splendid berriesH' she eX-
claimed.as Mr.. Pierson takes hisiseat
| bv her side. She felt confused and
shy, for she expected Seth to drive
her home, and tried to hide her con.
fusion in examining the berries.
"Mrs. Patterson will be delighted"
II hope so, for l intend to ask a
favor of her
Marah Gray's checks were like
roses, and her eyes glowed like
stars as they drove home under the
tall naples, for some strange, deep
happiness had crept into her lonely
heart. Her life had been so joyless
that Mr.. Persons gentle protfered
kindness seemed like glimpse into
another world. Summers might
bloom and blaze, winters come
and 90, with chilling blasts and
cheerless rain, but the glory of that
summer day would never grow dim.
The crimson poppies that edged
the corn flushed a deep red as the
sunlight touched their silken leaves,
the wild roses nodded gaily as the
girls lovely eyes fell on them, and
the birds broke into blithe snatches
of song, as if they would re-echo
the gladness in the young girls
fresh, sweet voice.
II can never thank you tool
much," she says, with smile and
blush, as Mr.. Pierson set her down
at Mrs. Patterson's door.
II will call tomorrow and ask
Mrs. Patterson's permission to call
on you. May ~ he laugh mer-
rily.
"O-with q shrug of "horror, you
must not; Mrs. Patterson would not
like it,"
eve shall see"
And he did see. Mrs. Patterson
was politeness itself until Narah |
Gray's name was mentioned. After
that ice itself could not half been
colder. She could not see how
a man in Gilbert Persons position
cold stoop to associate with bound |
girl. But she was too wise to risk
her reputation by refusing her per
mission, and Marah was sent into
the parlor, becomingiy dressed, to
the chagrin of Mrs. Patterson's |
daughters. who had often tried to
attract the attention of the bache-
lor master of Locust Heights.
Marah Gray's bondage was draw
inc to close. In two days she !
would be free--frec to 60 where
she pleased; yet, strange as it may
appear something akin to fear sent
q saddened expression to her
bright face as Gilbert Pierson
sood by her side in Mrs. Patterson's
elegant parlor.
Il have not had happy home
here" she says, in low voice, "but
in two days I will be homeless
Does Mr.. Patterson refuse to re-
tain you in her scrvice?'
"Sle says I cannot stay one hour
over my time" |
Marah's eyes filled with tears, for
Gilbert Persons friendship had
cost her many q frowr.
"Marah'--his face is very close to
hers-ehave you been blind? Do
YOU know that I wonld not have
sought your society unless | loved
you. for l think ! have loved you
since the first moment | met yo1.
O, my little homeless one, let me
give you my love and protection
for life Il
Marah's head drorp d lower and
her lips murmured some feint pro-
test against his marrying a bound
girl. ;,
"Bound or free you arc mine"
And he read his answer in the
dark eyes as he kissed the upturn-
ed face.
Mrs. Patterson was shocked. But
Gilbert Pierson had hts way, and
carried Miss Gray Off to the De
lancy's, who were delighted with
the bride elect. In q month they
were married, Jack Delaney giving
nwar the bride