The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-09-11

acquainted with Miss Carlyon."
But the end was not quite at hand
yet.
Vernon stayed because he liked tc
be where Genevieve was, with whom
he had come to be wonderful friends.
She told him that she was q protegee
of Mr.. Bascom's, but that Augusta
Miss Carlyon-had superseded her in
his favor.
Vernon watched Miss Carlyon very
carefully.
She was undeniably handsome and
charming in her manners.
She could sing and pay and read
aloud most exquisitely, whereas little
Geneyieve was no elocutionist what.
ever, and only played simple little
pieces, and sang the easiest ballads.
Yet Otis Vernon fell desperately in
love with her, and before one weak
had gone by had made up his mind that
he would marry her if she would have
him, and the two hundred thousand
be lost as far as he was concerned.
1t was not without a struggle though
Otis Vernon would have been more
or less than human had he been placidly
willing for such a fortune to pass him
even for the sake Of such a darling as
Genevieve was, with her truthful wist-
full blue eyes that lighted so at sight of
him.
And Augusta Carlyon who could
have lowered him 50 royalty, was no
ordinary insignificant woman, who
would have palled upon the man she
favored.
She was proud and reserved and
elegant, and she did not in the least
Interfere i'll the very pronounced devo-
tlon between the lovers, and so every
thing went quietly along until
One stormy July night, when thun
der-shower that had threatened for
hours, burst over Royal Oaks in fury,
and then settled into a pouring rain
storm.
Mr. Vernon had spent the evening
with Genevieve in the library, and had
told her in Il lovers frank confidence
just what was before him, according to
his grandfather's will, and took her IN
his arms and told her how infinitely he
preferred her and her sweet love to all
the goods the gods could give him.
lie asked her il she would be his
wife, and told her how he loved her in
al! of loves most eloquent words.
And Genevieye, with a little hnppv
smile on her baby-sweet mouth, and an
upward rapturous look of her innocent
blue eyes, did not say him nay.
81 almost believe I loved you that
worry frat day, Otis,n sho said.
"And 1 know I did, nv darling,
When L saw you standing there in the
Pickering sunlight, looking like saint
throned Oh her shrine.
THAT V3Q nt nIo1oo1, &c 4I,,l .-..t
July night, and at eleven a servant
raped OH Vernon's door-would he
please go at once to Mr.. Bascom.
Miss Carlyon begged he was yery
much worse, and She was alarmed at
his symptoms.
Vernon found Augusta dismayeI
and anxlous-but the thought that first
flashed over him as he opened the door
ana saw her leaning over the sufferer,
was how beautiful size was.
The next, how marvelously well she
had played her cards to have become
SO great favorite with this rich old
man.
81 do not understand his symptoms"
She said dismayedly. CDR. Fortune
told me what to expect--but there wa.
nothing said Of such agony as this
"See-oh it is terriblei' 'sDo send
Davis at once for DR.. Fortune, Mr..
Vernon"
That the old man was in mortal
agony was apparent, and Vernon in
stantly despatched a carriage for the
doctor, then returned to the bedside.
81 have done all 1 could" Augusta
said pitifully. "But l cannot endure
to see him suffer So"
Vernon looked straight at her.
Are you 80 much attached to my
grandfather?"
A very faint little flush went into
her cheeks.
Gle has been very good to NO." she
said simply. "He heard me sing, and
volunteered to cultivate my voice, and
1t ended III my coming to this beautiful
home"
"And completely running Gene
vieye's chances," he said, so sternly
that he felt chagrincd as he saw the
look on her face.
A look that instantly changed to one
Of naughty coldness.
"GenevieVe has not ch osen to devote
herself to her best friend have.n
a little sneering smile was on his
handsome mouth, he almost answered
her that she had played for high stakes
and played them well.
lie was surprised at her next words
abrupt eager.
You do not like me, Mr.. Vernon,
why l cannot tell, but at risk of Offend
ing yo" beyond hope, I shall say this
lie stopped her by an imperative
gesture.
II shall hear nothing unkind against
the charming girl who has honored me
by promising to be my wife,
Their eyes met in a glance almost
defiant.
Then Miss Carlyon's lips relaxed
slowly into almost smile.
"You are right. We will not speak
of her. Mr.. Vernon, do you think
Mr.. Bascom is easierf''
II should say he was."
| "Can you leave him to me until the
doctor gets here? You must be worn
out-you look very tired"
| His sudden kindness of speech made
her cheeks flush.
| "Thank you. [ am tired, and l
have done all that any one could do.
If you will be 80 good as to watch by
him-ten minutes or so, while gain a
little rest--n
She went away, and Vernon, seeing