The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-08-12

Mother Leman ?" with an arch smile.
eyes, when the night comes" replies
the old woman. "But, my child, you
are ILL.,"
"No, indeed" says Grace. why, I
thought was looking unusually healthy.
Are not my eyes bright, my cheeks rosy?
For once, Mother Lemau, your eyes,
sharp as they are, have deceived you"
"No, l am sure you are i'll" the other
says, gazing at Grace so earnestly that
she grows flushed and warm and wishes
those piercing eyes would turn in some
other direction. "You are i'll, not ply
sically, perhaps, but mentally. Grace,
my child" warningly, "take an old
woman's advice and never exchange an
old love for a new."
Now, Mother Leman has heard several
stories concerning Grace and her two
suitors, and determines to discover
whether they are real facts or idle
rumors. She is satisfied as to their
truth when she sees Grace start sud
denly, while her face fushes deeply.
"Ah, Grace, my child" she says,
"don't act against your own heart. Turn
back, turn back, before it is too late"
Grace draws back haughtily, while
the same proud, angry expression that
she wore when Kenneth Carle uttered
the same words crossed her face.
81 don't know what you mean," rises
to her lips, but knowing it is useless to
try to evade or deceive this sharp-eyed
woman, she answers:
81 am acting as my heart dictates. I
see no reason why you should warn me-"
And Mother Leman, perceiving that
the subject is an unpleasant one to
Grace, Immediately changes it.
1t is not long before the storm clears
away, and Grace takes her departure.
She is fully resolved now; she will
marry the wealthy stranger and crush
her love for Kenneth Carrie. Nothing
can alter her decision.
That very day the betrothal is sealed,
and preparations for the wedding COM
menced.
The wealthy suitor showers costly
presents upon her with lavish hand !;
but somehow they do not afford Grace
the pleasure she anticipated. The little
ruby ring that Kenneth gave her is far
more precious to her than all the mil
lionaire's diamonds.
Atlast the eyentful day arrives, and
Grace dons the pure white wedding
robes that are worth fortune in them
selves, excepting the costly jewels that
glitter on her fair neck and arms, and
among the braids of blue-black hair.
Then the bridal party are driven away
to the village church, and the marriage
ceremony is performed.
Grace stands like statue through it
all, her face white and cold as the
sparkling diamonds about her, and the
village maidens' envy turns to pity, for
they see what the love-blind husband
does not, that she is an unhappy bride.
Kenneth Carle is not present at the
wedding he went away week ago, the
villagers say, and Grace is spared the
pain of seeing him.
A few hours later Grace and her hus-
band have left the little village and are
on their way to the Old World, where,
amid new scenes and new people, sur
rounded by every luxury that money
can buy, Grace will endeavor to forget
her sorrow,
Ten years later. In the largest,
handsomest room that the "Eyrie Ho-
tel" can afford sit two gentlemen; one
slim, blonde young man, whose attire
borders on the "dandy" style, the other
a tall broad-shouldered gentleman,
whom we have met before, Kenneth
Carle. But he is no longer known by
that name, for some reason of his own
he has changed it to Ellis Cary.
Ten years have altered him greatly ;
indeed, it would be difficult for his
nearest friend to recognize him. He is
thinking Of old times now and, chanc-
ing to glance into the mirror opposite,
smiles at the bronzed, bearded face
revealed there as he contrasts it with
the smooth, boyish one of ten years ago.
He is aroused from his revery by the
voice of his companion, saying
II say, Gary, have you seen the new
arrival--a young widow, with no end of
q fortune? Worth looking after / tell
you. There she goes now"
Kenneth glanced out Of the window
in time to see slender figure, attired
in deep mourning, pass by; but her
head is averted, and he does not see her
face
Handsome, too" continued his
friend II got an introduction last
evening. I'll present you tonight"
That evening Kenneth Carle, for by
that name he is best known to us, meets
the young widow in the hotel parlor,
and is introduced to her.
MRS, Ashly, Mr.. Gary"
The widow bows low, and softly mur,
murs q few words of acknowledgement