The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-02-20

"Would 1t be too much trouble to ask
you to get my shawl from the carriage?
Thnnksl Will you wait here with it?
We shall be back soon.''
Ho started as she spoke.
lie had been looking ut Annie Stuart,
at the girlish figure in that soft white
dr, IS; through which arms and bosom
family showed, at the hrmly-sweet
eyes, ut the great clusters of May
flowers glowing palely pink at throat
and waist.
Miss Chelmsford noticed his glance,
andiclt Il sudden sharp contrast between
herself and Annie Stuart.
The girl looked almost childish in her
pure fresh dress, and simply braided
brown hair.
She felt old and cumbrous now, in her
cut velvet and diamonds.
With the quick perception of n woman
of the world, she saw even more than
Annie Stuart had seen.
She would play her caras accordingly.
"You have known Wilbur long
time? questioningly, rs they turned
away.
A puzzled panied look came into tho
girls eyes.
mo. not very long time.
''Long enough to appreciate him how
ever.
"My little brother was injnred 10y a
fall some time ago, and since the aoci-
dent we have learned to value Mr.. Car
rington's kindness and friendship"
"Dcar Wilbnr!'
"rhere was IN unconceaicd tender-
ness in Miss Chelmsiords voice that
made her companion whit"''-
"-'-rlo WAS always good.hearted to every
one.
"He-I, that is, wo often talk of what
we shall do when
''Bnt pardon me, had forgotten This
subject holds no interest for yoa.
"Whnt lovely spring daisies!'
She knew by tho girls tense silence
that she had taken all her implied con-
tidence us she had meant she should.
She knelt down to gather q cluster of
tho daisies, drawing of her gloves.
AS she did SO great diamond on her
lott hand sparkled i'll slanting sun
beam.
"Ohl' ANNE Stnnlt cried involuntar-
lily. Miss Chelmsford held up II long
slender hand.
"You like lt?" she said.
"Wilbur gave it to me!'
There was y a.na!lor, pla;=er ring on
her hand. that he had gwen her as
schoolboy gift fifteen years before.
If questioned, she could protest her
mistake in having imagined it the one
referred to.
If possible she would mislead her.
Annie Stuart caught hor hand against
her bravo glrlish heart, crushing the
May flowers in her belt.
''Then-then it is all engagement
ring2"
''rhe diamond?"
eyes"
She told the lilo with shyiy-drooping
lids, but voice ceol with deliberate
emphasis.
''Is it, though, Agatha2 and you never
told U.S.
Dick Ieaped lightly ovor n low bush
Oh the path beside them.
IL say, Wilbur" raising his voice us
only boy can, chores n gol
"Agathas engaged, think Of it!
III caught her showing the ring to
Annie Stuart.
"And Annie asked her If it was an ell
gagement-ring, ana sho said .Yes!'
"rhorev, tri4mphaptly I've foYypaa d
great one to keep things dark"
But Wilbur, coming down the path
wit tho nn"pi" 60 ,vresl,, in tol uptoQ him
by holding out his hand and saying.
"Hearty congratulations, Miss
from-Annie and me-"
He hesltated little before the last
words, then turning to Annie with "a
smile, lie offered her his arm,
"Dlek, take care OF Miss Chelmsford
awhile
"Wo will be bnck sooD."
And they walked awayin into the shadow
Of the trees.
What did he say?
just snoh honest, tender words,
sprung from M ennobling affection, as
oycry man speaks and every woman
hears once in their lives.
But Annie cried out in amazement:
II thought Miss Chelmsford was
engaged TO you'll"
"Well, yon thought n gigantic mis-
take, my darling," he said, uuyhingly.
Nov let us go back"
Agatha ChelmsfHrds face grew ghast-
y under lts faint rouge, and WIlUur
Darlington stood gravely Deforo her.
"Wc congratulated you an hour ago,
Miss Chelmsford, he said. "Won't
you wish lis Joy now2"
And the woman who had so narrowly |
escaped detection and humiliation said |
ne conventional words calmly, despite
ier maddening despair.
>, What a happy May.dayl" Wilbur
harrington cried, ~ his eyes rested on
Annie Stuart's face,
"You bet" echoed Dick madly, as he