The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-01-24
EDITION.

She took every occasion TO draw the Doc
tor to herself, sometimes getting some at
tcntion from him, but the very next thing
he spoiled il all by appearing with Miss
Benson.
At last there was Il grand excursion on
the river planned, and Miss Morton was one
OF The committee of arrangements.
She meant to make it a crowning stroke,
rule Mabel out, and secure the Doctor for
herself.
She contrivcd to have it understood that
no lady was expected to attend who could
not appear in an entire new suit, stylish
dressed
This she knew Mabel could not do.
Mabel would not attend, therefore, and
she would have the field clear with the
doctor, having already secured his promise
TO be there.
The doctor meant to go.
He also guessed what Miss Alfredo was
up to, and determined to beat her at her
own game.
She had told him that she was sure Miss
Benson did not mean 20 20, and she felt
quite confident that he would invite her
instead Of Mabel.
But Dr. Grey resolved to find out for
himself what Mabops intentions WERE
day or two before the excursion, he
raped At Mabcl's door again, and after
they had chatted socially upon different to-
pics for few minutes, he said:
''hliss Benson, l should like to escort
you to the excursion on Thursday. Will
you 60 with mc2"
N1abcl's sweet face flushed, she hesitated,
and then said
81 should like to 60 very much2 But
do not think can this timc'
"Plcasc tell me your rcason?" said the
doctor, plumply.
Mabel still hcsitsted and flushed deeply.
ANY objection to your escorts"
"Oh, no!''
"Please tell me, then."
lie got up, crossed over TO Mabcl's
chair, and sat down beside her.
'Don't be afraid to speak frankly to me,
Miss Mabel, he said, gently
Every wcll," said Mabel, still blushing.
~ know it is very silly of nc to care, but
this is to be very grand thing, and the Ia
dies will be very stylish dressed. I can't
afford new dress, and had therefore de-
cided not to co."
sPreciscly,' said the doctor, cody.
'May l allowed remark or two2"
eyes, | suppose So"
"Then, ] SAW young lady last Sunday,
dressed in hat with grey feather, a
plain black silk dress, and linen dusler.
That young lady was quite stylish enough
for nc to be proud to take her anywhere. 1
want her to go with me next Thursday.
Will she do so2"
''Shc would be glad 10 go. But others
might not be SO kind in their Judgement"
said Mabel.
"That isn't an answer"
every WE'LL will go DR.. Grey"
The young doctor bent down and took
Mabels hand in strong, warm clasp
'Thank you. But Pm not satisfied, yet
Miss Bcnson-Mabcl, if you accept me for
your escort on Thursday, shall nnder-
stand that you also accept me for your cs-
cort through life. Now, Mabel, will you
60"
Mabel hcsitatcd one minute, then, lifting
her eyes frankly to his face, she said,
softly:
81 think wil.'
Half an hour later, rs they were sitting
side by side, she said:
81 shouldn't mind the old black silk dress,
If only had a new bonnet"
"When you belong to me you shall have
new bonnet every week if you want it."
s"lu lhc hoCtoI, DlI 1tlSC ITO" nau raticr
see your pretty head crowned with that
little grey concern than the finest hat
milliner ever got up. Why, Mabel, that
little bonnet brought me to YOU"
And when Mabel looked mp in wonder,
he told her all about the night of the lee
ture.
But Mabel did not care now for all Miss
Alfrcda's spitcful filings, for the whole
world could offer her nothing better or
swectcr than the offering just laid at her
feet.
Miss Alfredo was furious on Thursday
when Doctor Gray stepped on board the
excursion steamer with Mabci Benson on
his arm, and she read, or guessed the truth
from their happy faces.
But If she had known it was her own
work she would have been much more 80.