The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-06-14
Careless Words.


Various were the comments Of the good
people Of A-wlcn the sign of Alfred
Keith, Nj. d., was first nailed upon the
window shutter. The old ladies wondered
if his cures were as infalliblc as Blink 8
Panacea; the young ones if he was married
or handsome, loved picnics and slcighing
parties; whilst the gentlemen of the village
positively declared that if he was young
physician, it was presumption TO cndcavor
to compete with old DR.. Smith.
But alas for the interest hanging around
young Alfred KeithI Had he envclopcd
himself in mystery his Office would soon
lave filled with patients, but 1t was quickly
known that he only came to A. in order
to increase, if possible, very smpll in
come; that he had never prescribed dozon
times in his life, and that he was to poor
and agreeable for mammas with marriage
able daughters to care about cultivating his
acquaintance.
But with none did Dr. Kcllh's voice har-
monizc 50 well rs with Clara Grallam's
Clara WIS the belle of the village. Her
father was the richest man, her mother the
proudest lady, and Clara tho prettest and
salclest girl in the place
NOR said that The doctor and Clara were
engaged. The white jcssamlne flowers
over ccrtain vine-covcred piazza ut the
side of MIR. Graham's house might have con
tirmcd the report could they have spoken,
but MIR. Graham was supposed never to
trouble himself with anything less import
ant than money, and his lady was alto
gether too naughty dame for the curious
TO risk the fear Of her displcasurc by pry-
ing questions. Had Clara been asked if
tho report was true, she would undoubtt d.
ly have replied Eyes, with such comical-
ly serious face tnat no one would have for a
moment believed her.
Not that she was ashamed Of marrying a
poor man, rs Alfred Keith undoubtedly
WAS; but the sensitive delicacy of the
young girl shrunk from having her love
talked aud jested about.
One afternoon party IF village gossips
happened to assemble at Mrs. Jackson's,
where the doctor boarded, and the CONVEX
sution turned upon the visits of gentleman
to the place, who was supposed to be an
adn.irer of Clara Graham's.
"They do say he is very rich; but one
can't tell nowadays whether man has
money or not; fine feathers make such fine
birds" said old Mrs. Patterson.
"Wcll, then, he need not be coming to
see Clara Graham; for, take my word for
it, she will never Harry poor man." re-
piled Mrs. Jackson, putting the half knit
stocking up towards the window, in the
deep evening twilight, to take up a sti,ch.
I" l thought the doctor here had an eve
on her. said another, looking at him and
laughing; but you cut your wisdom teeth
before Sou came here, didn't You, doctor!
She you'd have dismissed you with smile
and a bow like qucen.''
Alfred Keith laughed, and SAID there was
no danger of Miss Graham's dscarllng
him; but ut the same time he felt rather
uncomfortable.
Gould Clara be ashamed of the engage.
mtnt, that she insisted upon It's hcing kept
so quleL2' asked he, mentally. lie had
told her frankly of his small dependence
but Old DIR. Smith was nearly supcranu-
Atcd, ard his own practice was increasing
daily. Clara had declared herself perfectly
willing to Stare his small fortune; but her
lovers pride had often chafcd thut he must
ask such sacrihCo from her. The evening
after the tea-drlnking ct Mrs. Jackson's,
Clara met Dr. Keith at a party. She was
the gaycst of the gay, and connan:ly at
tended by tho stranger to whom alluslon
had been made the afternoon before.
"What do you think, Clara Mary Hay
is going to marry young Abbott" said a
friend by her side.
"Poor Mary how she is throwing her.
self away. Why, he Is as poor as IL church
mouse; and as TO this love III cottage, it
IS more romantic than comfortable" was
The laughing rejoinder.
81 think Mary will he very happy,
though she is not ambitious, and is accus-
toned TO sacrifices. If she loves MIR. Alb
bolt, all these petty trials will be light"
replied her friend.
Clara gave groan, threw up her hand
and eyes with much carnoSlncss, and said
"POor little innocent thingl YOu know
nothing at all about H. How ctI1s love cX-
ist through tho soap.suds Of washlng-day
And where Is the romance of sweeping
from garrct to cellar with a white pocket
handkerchief tied around ones head, or
burning ones hands and arms preserving
time? Oh mol let me marry a rich man,
WHO can afford to keep servants for all this.
A poor man, indecdl he would he the
death of me-"
Careless words, carclcssly spoken, but
how bitter the fruits.
DR.. Keith was standing nc T. Clara at tho
time. The gossip of tho afternoon before
had made him suspicious. He feared the
feelings did influence Clara, and that shc
had rcpcntcd her promise to him. lie
drew near to her, and said, in low voice,
care you serious, Miss Graham2"
"As a judgcl" was the laughing reply.
The annoyance of the lover increased,
and hc said with arperity, elf | was en-
gagged to young lady who really enter.
tanned these sentiments, eli uld be most
happy for release"
Clara looked up In surprise, but seeing
how seriously he had taken her triling, she
answered, as tie hanghty flash mounted to