The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-08-03

you like, I'll be here at O'Clock 70 sno"
you the way" 49,,
|" Thank you kindly, shad," said Rachel,
" TN he ready for you" >,
aYou'il be . happy woman to-n'gp',
said Shad, In q tone OF tender regret
"for. saws Pat to me, Sbad, II Racne'
Cary. In the presence OF the Bradys, ASKS
me TO marry her, I'll not hold out mo.
ment longer. Pve behaved cruelty TO her,
what do you thipk.of that, Rachel?"
"Pars an angel" replied Rachel. "Wss
I right or wrong in saying I'd bear no
other name than Mrs. Ryleyi"
"Rieht, hope" said shad, softly us ne
took his leave.
He presented himself at 0 O'Clock to the
minnie. and, arm.in-arm, he and Rachel
walked from the township to Jack Flat. III
was a beautiful night; the air was sweet,
and before them In the clear sky shone the
Southern Cross.
Which Is my starr" unused shad,
aloud, looking up. is II that one !'-ne
pointed to the brightest in the heavens
I" or that 20 His outstretched finger traced
the swift descent OF n star falling into the
black chasm Of space.
at is the bright one" said Rachel.
al hope So" -..,
"You are full OF hopes to-day, Shad."
"You never spoke truer words, Rachel.
There's the Bradys' tent"
IL had been set up on an elevation, ond
through the canvas walls came the soft
glare Of lights.
ANY one in 20 cried Shad.
He was answered by a chorus OF joyful
voices. and he and Rachel were cheerlly
welcomed. She was at home in moment.
She kissed the girls and the mother, and
shook hands with the old gentleman, who
was brimming over with pleasant fun, and
with Matt, who was almost as fine man as
Shad Ryley.
This IS Norah," said sbad, pulling for
ward a lovely lass OF eighteen, whose saucy
eyes had already made many heart ache.
Somehow or other little cloud came
into RachePs face, for she felt that by the
side OF Norah she was No. 2.
"But where's Pat!" she asked, anx.
iously.
The centre OF the tent was divided by q
green baize.
Here" cried Pat, and at the sound OF
bis yeice Matthew Brady stepped to the
partition, held it aside, and led forth IL
q
gazed at her in bewllderment.
"Pat!" she exclaimed, putting her hand
70 her heart. PATSY, il you please" said
Pat Ryley, with a wistfu look at Rachel.
"Will you forgive me? 1t isn't my fault
that Pm woman"
"Thank God. you are one!" cried Mat
thew Brady. "How could you be my VIE
IL YOU were ;iotr"
There was a silence for a few moments.
Rachel Cary's eyes were fixed on the
ground: her face and neck were covered
with bushes. Patsy stole to her side and
nut her arms about her, and when Rachel
had the courage to look up only she and The
Ryleys were present. The Bradys had re-
tired behind the green baize.
.You might have told me, Patsy" whis.
pered Rachel.
90 Alb, but forgive me D." pleaded the girl.
II it had been known that / was a girl
how could have continued working with
Sbad? And then my sweetheart was in Ire
land, and | didn't want to be pestered with
other men. Say you you forgive me J"
"And me :" said Shad..
She TUNED to him. II he had looked
wickedly or triumphanty at her his
chances would have been gone. But his
love was too sincere and strong. and she
saw that his eyes were moisiened with
tears.
"I'lI keep my word" she said. with a
sigh of mingled pain and joy. "Pll be
Mrs. Rylcy."
He caught her in his arms, and almost
frightened her by his violent embrace.
"YOu picked out my star for me to-
night" he said.
Then the three kissed each other all
around again and again, and Rachel was
obliged TO confess TO herself that Shad's
kisses were Infinitely sweeter than Patsy's.