The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1882-03-18

TEACH lildl SiulitCb tlCC On thO OthOA
-side.n
So in another instant the merry trio
were flying over the ice in hotly-con-
tested race.
A day later.
Tousin Ally, please let Mamie tum
in" said a baby-voicc outside the door,
and two chubby hands pounded Justify
upon the heavy oaken panels in the hope
to expedite Cousin Ally's movements.
Another instant and the door was
opened, and Alice Anstruther caught the
child up in her arms and kissed her,
without noticing that she had compan-
ion in another tiny sister who had reached
the mature age of six.
But s. Here's me, too, Tousin Ally"
piped small voice, and Kitty was in
turn kissed and made welcome.
1t was not long before the little runa-
ways were missed from the nursery, and
Miss Alleyn, their young governess,
came in search of them to Miss Anstruth-
er's room.
You rogue" she said, smilingly, as
she shook her finger at Kitty, why did
you let Mamie come and bother Miss
Anstruther?"
mamie tuned, and TUNED to bring
her." said Kitty, ''and we don't bother
Tousin Ally, does weP''
sNo, pet, not in the least. Come in,
Miss Alleyn; promised the children to
show them my scrap-album, and as there
are some things in it worth the attention
of grown people, perhaps you would like
to look it over with them"
Grace Alleyn accepted the invitation,
and was soon engrossed with the pict-
ures. As she sat with her head bent and
her eyes cast down. Alice took the OPP
portunity to satisfy her wish to have a
good look at her face. 1t had charmed
her artistic nature at the first glimpse
she had obtained of it, when the evening
before her cousin had introduced her to
her, and closer study of it did not les
sen the attraction. A rich bloom lay
upon the round cheeks and colored the
pouting lips. A purple darkness brooded
upon the heavy, curling masses Of hair.
which had evidently been cut short at no
distant period, for it was only Just long
enough to cluster in great round rings
about her head.
Suddenly, as Alice gazed, death-ike
pallor overspread Miss Alleyn's face,
and she fixed her eyes upon picture as
though fascinated by it. After time
she turned them upon Alice with an in
tense question in their brilliant depths,
as she asked, in low, strained voice.
" Will you forgive me if seem to be
taking the liberty hardly warranted by
our short acquaintance? l hear you are
soon to be married. Is that gentleman
your intended husband?"
AS Alice glanced at the portrait her
lips curved into an amused smile.
Wayne Clifton is my cousin. We are
just like brother and sister," she said.
A low cry startled her; but Grace Al
leyn's next words enlightened her as to
the cause of her strange agitation.
80, Miss Anstruther," she exclaimed,
hoarsely, ''pity me! i, who might have
been at this moment the happiest wom-
an upon this earth, am instead the most
wretched of mortals. Take warning
from me and guard against jealousy as
you would against taking a serpent to
your heart. o, Wayne, see it all now.
Well might your love turn to hater'
Ahce's beautiful eyes were radiant
with happy thought. She went up to
Grace and put her arms about her.
$50 you are 'Grace?'" she said, soft
ly, "whom Wayne loved so dearly-his
promised wife. You naughty girl to al
most break my poor cousins heart. /
thought should hate you if ever met
you, but don't one bit. love you, for
l see that you are as unhappy as he is,
and that there has been a mistake. VIII
you let me be peacemakerP''
What more she intended to say re-
manned unspoken. for an interruption
came Elsie rushed into the room, eager
and glowing from her walk to the post
| office.
80, Cousin Ally, see what lovely
valentine has been sent to me, and ii
isn't any of your stupid boughten ones;
it's hand-painted, and know who did
it. It's Mr.. Wayne Clifton, who's visit
ing Harry Wallis brother-he's his col
lege chum, Harry says"
Grace had recovered her self-posses.
sion by this time, and, but for the
trembling of the hand which stroked
Mamie's curls, one would not Mve
known that she had heard the name
Elsie's rosy lips had uttered.
Alice examined the valentine admir-.
ingly, and then handed it to Grace, say
ing:
wayne is quite an artist. What a
pretty fancy that is. will leave you tc
look at for moment while show Elsie
a gift have for her. Cousin Ally's val
entine is useful one"
/ Another moment and with delighted
face Elsie was trying on a sealskin skat
ing cap, while Alice took the opportunity
to whisper to her,
81 want you to ask Harry as you
call him, to tell Mr.. Clifton his Cousir
Alice is visiting at your house, and tina
she wishes to see him as soon as he car
make it convenient to call. Ask Harry
to come with him to show him the way
and mind, say nothing about my reques
to Miss Alleyn."
Then she led Elsie back to the groul
she had so lately left and said: