The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-08-28
TOO LATE.


Young DR.. BacJames looked up at
his cousin second before answer
ing
"My dear, If she were worth ten
thousand, | would marry her tO-mor-
row. She is a girl that ten years from
now will make mark, and will do
honor even to MacJames."
His cousin, fair golden-haired Carrie,
hall Miriam had come, all unhearcd in
her slippered feet, but not unhearing,
and stood silent also.
She was not vain, so felt a strange
delight in this mans words, cruel and
heartless as they we're.
But she was proud and sensitive,
and her eyes flushed, and something of
the superb power that the heartless
hence, thrilled her as she stood there.
how easily she could have been won by
this handsome, careless man had she
been wealthy.
Won, but, alasl not loved.
She crept quietly away, wondering if
she could ever be anything to be proud
Of, anything but a poor, badly-paid
school-teacher.
"I'm thirty to-day. "Once should
have thought myself old at this age,
with the best of life past, and little be-
fore me to enjoy. "But now I am
very happy, thankful, and content"
the blue sea waters, her hands resting
calm, sweet face grave and thought
full.
The people on the beach below looked
up at her, and marvelled at 50 much
beauty.
Every passer-by took a second gaze
at Miriam Roscoe.
"Who is she?" asked William Mac
James of,his friend, Jack Herbert.
Miss Roscoe"
els that all there is to say of her?"
"No. I might talk all day of her,
and you would be just as little ac-
quaited."
"What is this mystery about her2
You have not been quarreling with
her?n
mo, we are good friends. I knew
your questions were prompted by mere
idle curiosity, so | thought it better to
wait until you met her."
% buC WHO Is Sner'
"a lady who has won a fair fame
and unexpectedly inherited consider
able wealth. She has met trouble and
sorrow that would have crushed u
woman less brave and now from it
all she brings nature so thoroughly
pure, that men are made better for her
living"
''She is wealthy and famous, you
say, and yet unmarned2"
Eyes, Mac, even all old maid, if you
like. ''But no one ever thinks Of
that"
Jack Herbert frowned, and there was
ring of grave displeasure in his usu-
ally sW eet, strong voice.
This question angered him, even
when coming from friend.
DR.. MacJames at his side, handsome,
fascinating, and worldly minded
turned again to look at the white-robed
| figure, whose appearance in Newport
had caused so much huttering among
the butterflies of fashion.
An hour later, as the two friends re-
turned from their stroll, they saw Miss
Roscoe Tightening the reins over her
high-stepping horses.
''By Jovel those are magnificent ami.
malsl" exclaimed DR.. MacJames.
Eyes, and she handles them perfect
ly, too.'
And Herbert's dark eyes flashed, and
wonderful light swept over his face
| with the smile and bow he gave Miss
Roscoe, while she gave glance at
both, but smile to only one, as she
dashed by.
The fastidious man of fashion was
smitten.
That evening, at a party Jack Her.
bert introduced her to his friend.
She rose,' smiling graciously, q
thorough lady, with no prctence of
girlishness.
Her eyes were clear, brave, and ten
der, her face one that changed with
every thought, but was very pure and
true.
The. season was nearly over before
DR.. MacJames could summon sufIi-
cient courage to meet his fate.
One night Miss Roscoe was standing
on the balcony listening to the eyer
beautiful music of the oceans roar,
when DR.. MacJames found her there,
looking, he said, like the picture Of a
saint.
"Did you come to escape the crowd2''
he asked.
"No. "IIad the crowd been here, !
should have stayed. II love the sea SC
much"
but you neglect the pleasures of the
Dance"
~ never dance, she answered, "and
ono pleasures are missed"