Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-09-24

eyes 10 ala them.
These bright eyes turn upon
Grace now as she enters the ore
room of the cottage that serves as
kitchen, chamber and parlor, and a
metallic voice says:
"Ah, is it you, my child, Grace !?
You were caught in the shower; are
you not drenched."
"Oh, no." Grace replies, seating
herself. II have walked very fast,
and wide spreading trees sheltered
me. You are busy, l see. D. you
never rest, Mother Leman p with
an arch smile.
Eyes, when the night comes," re-
plies the old woman. "But my dear
child, you are ILL.,"
"No, indeed" says Grace. "Why,
I thought was looking unusually
healthy. Are not my eyes bright
and my cheeks rosy ? For once,
Mother Leman, your eyes, sharp as
they are, have deceived you
mo, am sure you are ill.," the
other says, gazing at Grace SO earn
estly that she grows flushed and
warm and wishes those piercing
eyes would turn in some other direc-
ton. "You are mol i'll, physically,
perhaps, but mentally. Grace, my
child" warningly, stake 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 suddenly, while her face flush
es 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, and
the same proud, angry expression
that she wore when Kenneth Garlic
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 eyade or deceive
this sharp-eyed woman, she answers:
II am acting as my heart dictates.
[ 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 de.
parture.
She is fully resolved now; size
will marry the wealthy stranger and
crush her love for Kenneth Garlic.
Nothing can alter her decision.
That very day the betrothal is seal
ed, and preparations for the wedding
commenced.
The wealthy sutton showered cost
ly presents upon her with lavish
hand; but somehow they do not af-
ford Grace the pleasure she antici.
pated. The little ruby ring that
Kenneth gave her is far more prec-
ious to her than all the millionaire's
diamonds.
AT last the eventful day arrives,
and Grace dons the pure white we'd
ding lobes that are worth a fortune
in themselves, 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 a 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 I'M
happy bride.
Kenneth earle is not present at
the wedding; he went away a week
ago, the villagers say, and Grace is
spared the pain of seeing him.
A few hours later Grace and her
husband have left the little village