Morris tribune., 1881-03-17

Grace, with the blood rushing away from
cheek and lips, threw herself back upon
her pillow in an agony of contending emo
tons She had learned that of her heart,
which is not often easily thought-why
should she not with wonder and with shame
own to herself that she loved! Poor Grace!
How her mamma wondered at the feverish
flush of her cheek, as she returned to her
side--how she instantly sent for Dr.. Nor
ton, and how anxiously she watched his
face as he sat by the pillow Of his patient!
The doctor was wise as well as a good
man. He did not attempt to administer
dose to the sick heart, but simply recon-
mending quiet in significant tone, he with
drew. Alas! to what quiet was Grace now
condemned The servants went about with
listed slippers; papa was obliged to part
with his boots the moment he entered the
house-and the really kind mamma fitted
noislessly about like spirit. At last Grace
contrived to convince her papa that she
should die, if imprisoned i'll this room
in profound Stiffness so while Mrs. E. had
gone down to scold servant for sla lining
a door, Mr. Elton took Grace in his arms,
and safely bore her to sofa in the parlor.
When Mrs. E. entered the room, there lay
the poor invalid, with a brighter color on
her cheek than had been seen there for a
week. She was decidedly better. What
had papa whispered in her ear when her
head lay ON his shoulder on the way
down stairs. Oh, he only told her that MIR.
Lawrence Norton had been there every day to
ask respecting her-that he thought him a
fine fellow-that he wished he had a son
exactly like him. That evening he came
again Why should not Mrs. Elton re-
ceive him graciously. Was he not mar
ried man? Why should not Grace frankly
acknowledge that she was very glad to see
him again? Why should he not stay as
late as he chose, and be urged to come
as often as he liked Delightful married
man! Grace had never liked anybody half
so we'll; and said she could not help think
ing that nobody had ever thought so well
of her. AS he was taking leave, Mrs. Elton
smilmgly asked if his wife was in town.
my wife madam" cried the poet, look
ing as much surprised as if he never heard
of such thing before. "Oh all under
stand-she is in town; and Lawrence Norton
looked at Mr.. Elton, half laughing, and adj
ded, II did not know that had told you
about my wife, or at least l had for
gotten her for the moment.
'Well.'' cried Mrs. Elton, the moment he
had taken leave, "a fine husband truly!
Really he looked as much astonished as if I
had asked the most ridiculous question lii
the world. But all men are alike, l believe.
SO you see, Grace, what you may expect if
you are ever married.
Il don't want to get married, said Grace
That's good girl, and now we'll have
you up stairs and to bed-poor child. you
must be sadly tired! That man has asked
you so many questions and made you talk
so much. l could see that you wished him
out of the house all the time!'
What could Grace say? She satisfied her
conscience with a faint ooh no, indeed, r"
which her mamma did not hear
The poet came so often, that Mrs. Elton
began to get out of patience. He comes at
all sorts of odd hours" said she, and what
vexes ME is, that he never mentions his wife,
never asks us to go to see her. never brings
her to see U.S. Poor thing! how much she
is left alone." a.
my dear, answered Mr.. Elton seriously,
II could give you hint of something; and
he glanced significantly at Grace.
''Oh, see now, said Mrs. Elton to her
self why didn't l think of it sooner. Of
course it's not odd that she is not to be
SEEN"
1t became quite evident that the young
gentleman had something upon his mind,
as the phrase is. Once or twice, when
Grace had been alone with him for a min
ute, he had begun to say something which
had never been finished. Grace wondered
what it could be. One morning papa insist
ed upon taking her out for a ride. 1t was
fine day, and there was nothing to prevent
yet Grace seemed somewhat reluctant.
She was thinking how the poet might come
during her absence. Papa, however, would
not allow her to decide for herself and they
set off. Presently they saw Lawrence Nor
ton coming down the street. Hes going
to our house, dare say" thought Grace.
Papa must needs get out of the chaise to
speak to the young man. In few minutes
he returned-declared that he had business
that required attention-that Norton had
nothing to do, and would like to take his
place if Grace were willing. Why should
she not be willing? The poet, in a happy
mood, exerted himself to entertain his COM
panion, and the ride proved a delightful
one.
At last there came pause in the CONVEX
sation. All pauses are awkard, and rather
than say nothing Grace said something about
Mrs. Norton.
You refer to my mother, presume, he
said.
"Oh, no-to-to-you mentioned your
wife some weeks ago, think.
MY wife! OIL remember. Isit posi-
BILE that you thought me serious-that you
believed that
Indeed" said Grace, very much alarm
ed, my father assured me that you were
married"
That is very odd Some time ago be-
fore l had seen you, or rather before our
acquaintance had commenced, your father
said to me one day: When are you to be
married. and answered: oh, for the pres
ent, poetry is my little wife" The young
gentleman improved the opportunity of
making known to Grace that he had never
been in love until now, etc.
And Grace had owned that she was will
ing to have him ask mamma little question.
Certainly when the chaise stopped at Mr..
Elton's door there were two very bright
faces revealed. The poet took papa away,
! and Grace was glad to dance up to her own
room.
We'll, my DEAR" said Mr.. Elton, LAW
renee Norton has proposed"
Proposed what?''
''To marry Grace"
''What our Grace? What do you mean,
Mr.. Elton? To take another wife,"
eyes, my dear"
"And what did you say? Did you stand
still and smile?'
eyes, smiled, assure you, and told
him that if Grace happened to fancy him
that 1 was willing"
Why, what is the matter with mammal
cried Grace as she entered the room.
''Gracew cried Mrs. Elton, "your papa
has told that vile Lawrence Norton that he
may have you for his other wife, if you
wish it.
Grace looked down, and smiled slightly
papa thought proper to explain-Mrs. Eltor
listened with mixture of vexation anc
amazement-and at last promised to thinl
of the matter-and perhaps by the time
Grace was twenty five, she might give bel
answer. In one year there was wedding
"# COnstip ltiOn..
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