The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-09-15


June sky. Her charms were enchanted
by her absolute freedom from the self
consciousness which too often mars
ones admiration for q beautiful face {;
and the innocent enjoyment evinced by
her shining eyes and heightened color
delighted her enthusiastic little hostess.
II never SO much enjoyed receiving
as have done to-day" Dolly said to
her papa, when going to him for her
goodnight. Allie is so fresh. 50 much
like sweet mountain daisy, that l
Love to watch her; and every one seems
immensely taken with her. Oh, papa,
1 expect such fun in going to parties
with her. May give dance, 80 as to
get her, we'll mtroducedp"
"Have anything you wish, Dolly. I
know you will do nothing wrong"
GLOW could [, when have such a
good dear papal
"There never was such a happy girl
before. wonder il it will always last2"
"But Imusn't tstop any longer. must
go to Allie. Good night, and sweet
Dreams
''Good night, my darling. May God
guard your slumbers."
Dolly's favorite cousin, Russell Stur-
gis, had but lately returned from
abroad, where he had been pursuing his
studies at a famous German university.
Much to Dolly's delight she saw that lie
was very much attracted by Allie, and
that i'll her presence he lost completely
the listless, Indifferent way which had
been one OF the ''foreign accomplish.
ments brought from abroad" rs Dolly
had teasingly informed him. 1t had
been the earnest desire of Russell's
parents that he, their only son, should
choose wife from among the circle Of
fair and high-bred girls amid whicn he
moved. But his heart had remained
untouched until he had met this little
''mountaln pearl" as he called her III
his secret thoughts. Allie rejoiced i'll
her new happiness as a flower just
opened to the sunlight rejoices in drink
ing in the life-giving rays, and III the
same quiet fashion.
''Every one is 50 kind to NO." she
said to Dolly.
And that young enthusiast threw her
arms about her neck and kissed her as
she said
"How could any one help it2''
Ihen with sudden gravity she held
into her eyes searchingly. She was
question, judging by her manner. But
checked the words trembling upon her
lips. She lifted the bit OF pasteboard
from the salver, and glanced at it.
cit is cousin Russell, Allie. w i'll
you go down and entertain him? have
letter to write, and you will please
make my excuses to him."
All unsuspectingly Allie obeyed.
Russell rose az she entered the room.
lie listened i'll an abstracted way to
her apologies for Dolly's absence, and
IL am glad Dolly couldn't come.'
But before she had time to wonder
long he had taken her hand and was
giving voice To his passion in a flood Of
eloquent words. White as a lily, and
trembling in every limb, Allie listened.
She was attired in one OF the pretty
dresses Dolly had given her, and until
now had taken an innocent pleasure in
wearing it, it for no other reason than
to please her generous friend. But like
flash came the thought
'lf this elegant gentleman had only
seen me i'll my own home, dressed in
the garb which alone belongs to a poor
farmers daughter, he would not have
given me a second thought
SO she said quietly, her calm manner
cOnceallng the emotion caused by the
painfully Chrobbing heart which seemed
10 be beating her death-knell-
"Forgive me for deceiving you, Mr..
Sturgis. thank you for The honor
you have done me, but cannot be
your wife. am not what you think
l am"
Russell's face expressed variety of
emotions as Allie SAID ths-incredullty,
disappointment. but above all deter
minaLion to win the girl he loved--all
were tO be read upon its expressive
lineaments.
IL will tell you what my thoughts
picture you TO De. You are as lmlo-
cent OF guile as u baby--.L true frlenu,
! modest, intelligent, and--may say IL,
| even ii it calls biusiles to those f;lir
cheeks, which have grown 80 wniCe
since our interview cOmlnenced?-yo
are my ideal OF ali that u man could
desire In the woman he chooses for his
llte's companion. Have l described
you wrongtully? Iell me it have said
| aught that was false and untrue.n
Allie Dlushed.
~ 10 " AIiAOJ plSu'ilo 9ou nave ulL~I,
Mr.. Sturgis. / do not feel that l AN
at all equal to your description. am
plain country-bred girl, aud have al.
ways tried to DO my duty. But / am
not one OF your brilliant companyI i
have come frolh my country home to
lead II charmed life for few months.
When go back L shall again be as
plainly dressed and as humble in my
surroundings as ! have been all my pre-
yious life. Choose from among tllUse
who are worthy OF your"
Tell me one thing before you say
any more," and Russoll's eyes absolute>
ly compelled Allie to speak the truth
he washed TO hear. Is your reason tor
refusing to marry me because you can
not love mop"
For the first time Allie faltered.
She could not say anything but that
she thought him the noDlest, handsom-
est gentleman she had ever seen, and
that he was also the most worthy OF u
gil's devoted love. She tried to frame
an evasive answer, but her lips refused
to obey her. She burst into tears.
10 not ask me, she sobbed. 1t is not
fair"
s'All IL fair in love. ,, said Russell tri-