Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1883-02-21
SET WITH THORNS,

Rose Gurney came slowly down the
broad path, and pausing before an old
fashioned red-rose bush, began to Sc
lect with dainty fingers some partly
opened buds which she fastened with
deliberation in the knot of lace at her
bosom.
A broad straw hat, with q scarf Of
white muslin shaded her features: and
her morning robe of white lawn daintily
rutfled. and draped in spotless purity,
the little nosegay of roses being the on
ly bit of color about her.
Philip Grantley, smoking his morn
ing cigar under one of the big elms,
stepped forward, tossing the fragrant
weed aside and dotling his straw hat.
He was fine looking fellow, with wav-
ing, jet-black hair, and bold gray eyes;
and when you find such combination
- black hair ard grey eyes-you will
generally find will as indomitable and
immovable rs a stone pyramid.
How do you do, cousin Rose?' he
said.
The young lady surveyed him with
great calmncss, quite ignorant Of his ex.
tended hand.
Il suppose you are Mr.. Grantley,"
she said, with the slightest possible
bend of her head; "but am not aware
of any existing relationship between
u.s."
mo? Then am not" rejoined the
young man, philosophically, rs he drop
ped his neglected hand into the pocket
of his loose flannel coat.
She looked ut him in some perplexity
now, but his face was inscrutable.
''May | have a rose, Miss GurneyP'
he asked, with great politeness, his ewes
fixed upon the little cluster at her bo
som.
'Oh, certainly! Help yourseifr' with
little graceful gesture toward the
blossom-laden bush.
But he only glanced upon it with
smile and turned away rs the breakfast
bell rung out an imperative SUMMONS
from the house.
.'You will come in to breakfast"
said Rose. with a stiffness not at all
natural to her.
..How very kind you arer' murmured
Philip. languidly, as he sauniered on
by her side.
Papa, how can YOU expect rue to
marry that man?" cried Rose, an hour
later. as she joined her father in the Ii
brary.
lis he not agreeable to YOU. nv
dearP' querried Papa Gurney. shade
of anxiety drifting over his handsome
old face.
agreeable? why. papa. he is the
most-insutlerable man | ever saw!
Such GOODNESS, and such insolent, grand
seignor ways! Why. l wouldn't marry
him if he was the last man on the face
of the earth"'
"Well, well, Rosamundi. there's no
compulsion about it." And MIR. Cur
ney smothered sigh. But l had
hoped you might fancy each other; the
hoyy's father was an old friend of mine.
At least You can treat him courteously
while he stays with us. He is our
guest, remember
Rose lett, the room silently, with com.
pressed lips. ''Treat him courteously,'
indeed. Conventional courtesy seemed
utterly lost upon this young fellow who
made himself so entirely ut nome. anu
who was discomposcd at nothing.
In the days that followed, Philip was
like the girls shadow. waiting upon her
with the most scrupulous attention. yet
not hesitating to criticise her playing,
her singing, and her riding. Rose
quarrelled with him unconsciously; as
for Philip he was as imperturbable as
mortal man could be.
After ali he could be a most delight
full companion when he chose. Rose
realized this when on rainy days he
read, exquisitely, bits of her favorite au-
| thors, while she busted herself with sew
ing; or when in the long, scented twi-
lights he related strange adventures in
faraway countries.
There had been not the slightest word
| of love between them; therefore it was
| . good deal of surprise when Philip,
lingering with her over the piano one
| lovely Summer night, said suddenly
"Rose. will you be my wife?"
| With her heart in her mouth, and an
gry astonishment in her wide eyes, Rose
answered directly, ,-"No, sir!'
Philip did not seem to take her refu-
sal much to heart. He drummed out q
little opera snatch rather abseutly on
lhe white keys, and presently went out
upon the lawn for smoke; while Rose,
very much disturbed, ran up TO Rel
room and came down no mors tLat
night.
The next day Mr.. Gurney was str.ck-
en- down with paralysis.
He was quite conscious, but as helpless
as little child, with no control Of hands
or tongue.
| The attempt at speech, the wistful en-
treaty of his large eyes. wrupg the
heart of poor little Rose, who was SURE
that he desired to communicate some
thing to her
When Philip came to the bedside, tha
same dumb, passionate. beseechins
glance went out to him. The young
man seemed to understand il.
He bent over the stricken man quiet
", and said, with his hands upon th
poor helpless hands on the spread
Il know what you wish to say. dea
friend. Do not be troubled-every
thing is right. Be oomforted.