The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-06-14
TRI-WEEKLY EDITION

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A moment after she would have given
anything to have been able to recall what
she had just said Ill the impulse of anger,
but 1t was too late. DR.. Keith had moved
to another part of the room, and the con.
vcrsation was soon changed by the party.
In short time the chafed lover bowed
his adieux to his hostess, saying there was
u sick child whom he must visit that night,
a few hours before he had assu.cd the dis.
trcsscd mother that it was but q cold ailine
the infant; but now one might judge that
it was threatened with an inciplent scarlet
fever. Mrs. Jones' baby received one visit
more that uight than it would have done,
had 1t not have been for Clara Graham's
careless words.
And how Jared it with Cara2 She was
unusually gay after her lovers departure,
but one might Judge that she expected some
one by the anxiety with which she watched
| the opening Of the door. The flush which
mounted to her brow died away, leaving
only bright spot On each check, and an
unusual brilliancy in her eyes.
why, Miss Graham, are you ill2"
asked the lady of the house, as Clara's hand
touched hers in putting down vase of
flowers. 1t was icy cold, whilst the fever
spot on her face burned holly.
IL do not feel well, but II nights sleep
will restore all, hope" said Clara.
But there was no sleep for Clara that
night. She reached home in fever OF an
ger and excitement. She could recognize
no reason why DIR. Keith should take her
testing words 80 seriously. In her indigna-
ton she forgot how much reason she had
given for otfcnse, though unintcntionally !;
now sensitive poor man is who loves.
Clara was one of those peculiar natures, the
very depth Of whose aifcc ion makes them
undemonstrativc. She forgot that lie did
not know, rs well as she, how bravely her
strong heart would battle out the world's
Trials with him by her siIc.
The night passed in this conflict between
resentment and love, and the morning
found her wcaricd out and weeping. After
al hour or two of unrefreshing sleep, she
arose and hurried through her toilette But
her haste was unnecessary. The leaves of
her mlsic-bo0ls had been turned; the
plants in the window had the dead leaves
pluckcd off, and placed towards the sun
one piece Of sewing after another was
thrown aside, and still DR.. Keith did not
make his appearance.
Clara felt angry again, Il few hours b.
fore had be come she would frankly have
acknowledged her thoughtlessness but
now, at the ring of the door bell, the old
naughty spirit rose up as she thought, "Hc
has been giving me time to repent, I sup
posc;' and her manner chilled to iciness
Although she knew the voice and step
perfectly well, Clara sat unmoved in her
room till the servant announced DR.. Keith.
She arose with the most impcrturable
calmncss, and brushed off the ships of
Aephyr-worsted which clung to her Dress
as II to her own heart she would not ac-
knowledge her excited feelings.
When Clara entered the parlor her lover
was standing looking out of the window
with his back TO the door. Whether 1t was
that her light footstcp was unhcard or that
he was determined that she should speak
first, Clara could not determine. For the
moment her impulse was to 20 up and
place her hand on his shoulder, but pride
Tor badc her, 30 she only said, coldly
"Good morning, DR.. Keith.
Clara drew up her tall figure, then took
her seat, and carelcssy turned over the sofa
cushion against which she was leaning.
Twill you be seated Slr.2"
''Thank you, no. called, Miss Graham,
to release you from an engagement, which
by your own avowal, was irKsome to yor.
1t is not 80 great curse, after all, this
being poor; one finds out 50 soon how little
suca pretty thing rs heart is WORTH"
Clara sat with her eyes fixed uuquailing-
ly ON his face; and except that at this last
taunt the bright spot sprung TO her check,
and the lines of her flexible mouth grew
wonderfully rigid, she gave no sign of the
death lhrocs in her. heart.
''You will rcmember, if you please, sir,
that have before SAID l should be most
happy TO be released. l sec no chance of
happiness in our union;" and she arose and
bowed haughtily to her lover.
lie had hoped that when he went in
Clara would have made some apology, but
now that was all over; 50 coldly bidding
her good morning, he departed.
And Clara, poor Clara she was not one
to give way to violent wecping; but she
threw herself on the sofa, buried her head
i'll the cushions, and after one deep groan
lay like one dead. A long time after she
arose aud went up stars; but to both din
ncr and tea she excused herself on the plea
OF a severe headache. When her mother
stopped in her room before retiring that
night, she was alarmed st Clara's appear
ance, and sent for DIR. SIN til who pro.
nOunccd her dangerously Ill.
Day after day she fingered in violent
fever; and when she rose from her sick
bed her mother asked no questions as to
the absence of DR.. Keith, for she had
gained intelligence enough, not from
Clara's rawlings, but from the hcart-broltcn
voice and look of her sick child.
Years have passed, and DR., Keith, the
bachelor, is rich man in tho village; and
the once guy, proud Clara is Clara Graham
still.