The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-12-18

S>SA>S
"Whatl-at this hourp Why, surely not,
Dir. Oaklandl" .."'.. ~
NEVER mind tho early hour. The roads
are 80 good, and this air will revive you.
10 come, pleased" pleaded he, eagerly.
She looked misch,evously at hl.a saying
merrily.
"Why are you 80 anxiousa Go and find
Bertha, and take her with you. She will
be delighted am sure"
Oakland turned away at last. wounded
ny her refusal, and In moment she was
beside him, a rosy flash mantling her cheek,
and gay smile On her red lips. -
1 did not think you would desert me 80
soon," she began.
lie looked at her searchlngly, but she
bore his scrutiny well; upon which his
countenance lost it's gloomy expression, and
happy smile played over his features.
Ho helped May to seat beside him, and
they started off at brisk trot.
They did not return till near noon, and
when they arrived, Edwin came out to
meet them at the gate.
Oakland leaped out Of the carriage, and
stood by IN readiness to lift her out.
May glanced from ono to the other, and
finally allowed her cousin the privilege of
helping her. ",. ..la t~...,
Oakland looked on angrIly, and drove off
without deigning to say word.
Several days later, Oakland called at the
fol intc kl>o
the family were assembled. They all well
coined him gladly, for 1t was dull, wet
day, and they did not expect any callers.
Bertha sat at the piano, talking to Gerald
Oakland from time to time, and finally
coaxed him into giving them q song. BE
had clear, melodious voice, and sang with
great taste; but he was so very shy of his
accomplishment that May did not know he
possessed fine voice, and complimented
him 80 highly that he begged her to desist
with blushing face. ...
Edwin at least seated himself beside
Gerald Oakland. and, after some desultory
conversation, said, In an audible tone:
"Do you wish to know what my cousin
May turned round at this, and said,
quickly and imperatIvely:
"Edwin, do not repeat what said to
you!"
He looked at her with a provokinsly in
nocent face, and went on, heedlessly:
''Well, she told me privately that size
would never marry farmer, and that you
were too awkward and simple for her re-
fined taste" "' - '' -~ 'S"'
Gerald glanced at Mays downcast
countonance, and asked, quietly:
els that true, Miss May3"
She shot a whitening glance at Edwin,
and replied eyes in low tone.
Gerald changed color, rose abruptly, and
bade them all good night. lie kept his
eyes studiously averted from May as he
came to her side; then he went hastily
away.
After he had gone, May went upstairs
TO her room, too sad and mortified to remain
with the family.
Oakland did not come to the Hall for
some time after that; but he treated May
with marked GOODNESS that panied her
excessively, although she, true to her
womanly instincts, retained her gay, CO.
quettish manner STILL
The months passed swiftly on, till, be-
fore any one realized II, winter had come
with ita keen, frosty breath.
Then came the liveliest time for the
young people, and May soon learned to be
skillful in skating, as she was in waltzing,
and almost every day her slight, graceful
figure could be seen fitting as lightly as
bird over the ice.
1t was clear, cold day in January, and
May accompanied by her cousins, set out
for Glenwood Brook, which was situated
about two miles from their home They
he'd not gone far before they were overtaken
by Oakland, who came along whistling, his
skates slunc over his shoulder.
"Ah, Oakland; just the fellow we want.
edl You help May along. and will take
care OF Bertha" exclaimed Edwin, who
od.naturedly wished to bring the estrang-
cd couple together. 6 ,y
Ihus addressed, Gerald could not do
otherwise than offer his services to May,
who accepted then, nonchalantly enough,
although her heart was beating loudly at
the same time.
The pond was large one, and soon May
and Gerald found themselves quito separa-
ted from the rest of the party.
o4n 80 -
making for the opposite bank, when Gerald
called out, anxiously:
ado not 60 too near that bank, for there
is a swift current underneath, and tho ice
Is thin"
May did not pause IN her course, and
scnt cl ar, slvery peal Of laughter after
her.
"Ah, am not afraid, and am deter
mined on reaching that BANK,