The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1881-01-19

must have been an old fool to let
them go off on that boating trip
to-day? But, if l had refused,
what then? 1t would only pro-
woke Frank, and make him more
resolute than ever; and as for
Grace. she'd have cried all day, |
suppose. I'm in q pretty plight,
| declare 1 might have foreseen
it-but | didn't-when l 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 [ wsnted my pet,
my pride, my beauty to take a
place BETTING her. But, dear
me! if l say say no she'll run
away with him, or she'll 60 and
break her heart, perhaps. They're
all alike these girls
A look of intense pain passed
over the old's mans face, and be
murmured:
Maybe if I'd been different, An
ME might have been here now
Miriam, too-who knows :?
What makes me think of Annie
so tonight, l wonderT be said,
moving uneasily in his chair. 4
wish those youngsters would
come home-I do. 1t seems as If
she stood by me this blessed min
ute. Oh, Annie! Annie! don't
look so. I haven't harmed them !?
cried the old man, half-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 comes! No
indeed!' was the instant reply.
sBut isn't it time for her to be
home!'
1T is 8 little late tonight, Sir
She'll be in soon no ooubt.'
'Late!' The old man sprang to
his feet as if his years had sud.
denly rolled from him. Late ! be
repeated, as he hurriedly glanced
at the clock, and then walked ner'
vously to the window and back
again.
The door-bell rang. An instant
after Grace's merry voice wound
through the entries and up the
stairs, and in she came, radiant
with health and happiness, just
as she had parted from him in the
morning.
oh, grandpa, such g. splendid
day we have had! she exclaimed,
delightedly clasping her arms
round his neck.
Then you have had no accident?
No, indeed. What made you
think of that, grandpa? Am !
late? Oh, yes, l see,' glancing
towards the clock. 'We were
talking, and 1 didn't think much
about it.
Happy child' thought Maurice
Greenwood. God helping me
I'll not break her heart-one'f
enough ) and the shadow gre"
less than ever.
A year went by. Frank Shir
ley had become a junior partner
in the firm of Greenwood & GO.
and in the old family mansion {
bridal feast was made.
sAh!' thought the bousekeeper
as she herself fastened the white
dress, and placed the orange bios
SONS on Grace's fair brow. If
could have done this for Miss
Annie! Well, what's past is pas
forever, and she's angel crowned
now
God bless you, my children !!
said the old man and the shadow
grew light, misty, and almost dis
appeared.
Ten years more. Grace had hllet
Aunie's place; her gentle care an<
tender affection making the old man
heart warm, and his home sunny
Her husband had long been as
dearly-lovei son; her childen' tn
little hearts s-ease blossoms that brough
comfort to his spirit. He is way
worn and weary now, and the loVln|
friends gathered around him know
that be is passing from them swiftly
but with peace and trust in his heart
For an hour or two be had slum
bered lightly, Grace sitting besid
him, his hand elasped in hers, Whe