The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1883-12-27
81 am ouite satisfied with Vernon

Mollineaux," she said. Il love-
his grandfather, and there is lii
reason why you should not love tn
grandson. That is my Christina
gift to you-a husband" and sh
laughed shrilly. LET me find yo'
a good, sensible girl"
made no answer. A Christina
gift, indeed! To be, thrust at 1
man, to be bargained for paltr.
lands and riches! I was full O
romance, albeit it had not come
from novel reading.
So another dreary Christmas was
added to the procession.
Vernon Mollineaux remained s
week. He was courteous and gen
tlemanly, but he gave me no chance
to refuse him, as I had surely re-
solved to do.
A fortnight after, my aunt was
found dead in her bed from an
affection Of the heart. Her will had
been signed on Christmas morn
ing. There were several legacies
and the sum Of ten thousand dol.
lars to be settled upon me in my
own right the day 1 became Mrs.
Mollineaux. Notwithstanding
Vernon arrived in time for the
funeral. A day or two after, be
said:
Il thought of asking a cousin to
come and stay at the Manor until
at present, I mean, while it is so
lonely for you. You will like Mrs.
Marsden very much. Since your
aunt planned our destiny"
"Mr. Mollineaux," I interrupted
hastily, u am not willing to fulfil
that destiny. I have some desires
Of my own
"You do not love another, sure.
ly ?''
81 do not love another, but as
little do l love you. I have had no
opportunity to protest against this
barter
NAY, do not use SO harsh term,
I will give you time to think. Your
aunt might have settled matters
more gently, but it was her way.
Will you not try"
''Such love is worth little %
'.Yet, if I am willing to wait
to accept t?"
That angered me.
Il have given you a final an.
swer,'' and turned hastily away.
"No. I will not take it as such.
Besides, l feel in honor bound to
provide for your emergencies, since
your aunt depended upon me-
':Do not trouble yourself
81 shall write directly for my
cousin"
I went to my room in mood
of the keenest indignation. My
aunt had thrown me upon his
charity, as it were. I began to
pack up q few necessary articles
and some clothing, resolved to leave
Mollineaux Manor at once.
Fortune favored me the next day,
The new master was absent fol
some hours. I sent my trunk to
the station, wrote a brief note OF
explanation, and started out as if
might be going for walk, without
even a good.by to the servants. ]
was very confident of my own
strength. I had one friend tc
whom I meant to apply.
My friend was true and kind
but, as l said, 1 had not been re-
markably successful. Ny educa
ton was ordinary, and che ranks OF
teachers were full to overfowing. ]
made one essay at sewing, one as
saleswoman; when 1 heard of the
place at West Willow Grove, ap'
piled through a niece of Mrs. VIII
burton, and was taken. / was SC
glad to have a permanent home.
Did ! wonder sometimes about
Mr.. Mollineaux? Yes. ! was
thinking Of him now, in partly
curious, partly vexed manner. Nc
doubt he was glad enough to possess
the Manor free from membranes.
"Miss Delphy!''
1 sprang up, dropped my book
with a clatter. / had been dream
ing in the midst Of those long sen
tences, with the sound of the Christ
mas bell in my ear. My face was
scarlet, and the quick tears Of
shame sprang to my eyes.
pardon me p I cried confusedly
What were you thinking about p
and the keen gray eyes studied me
earnestly.
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