The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1884-12-11
UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

"Do you really mean it, darlincP"
"Of course l do, Frank. Do YOU
think l would joke about such q sub
lectP' replied pretty Grace Ramsey to
her atlianced husband, as she nestled
her sunny little head on his broad
shoulders one bright March evening, rs
the dying sun glntcd through the cosy
drawing-room, casting golden Ghory
upon the pictures, carpet, and crimson
curtains, rs if trying to outvio the
cheerful fire that blazcd in the highly
polished CRATE.
Il could not refuse you anything, my
sweet Grace" he said tcndcrly, rs he
pressed her dewy lips; ''but | would
much rather you had asked me any
thing in the world than this"
"Why, Frank?" she returned, look
ing up igSH his handsome face with one
of her bGwftching smiles, that always
finished any argument in her favor.
"Wcll, you see, to spend ones hon
oymoon in new house, and at this
'trcacherous time of year, might not be
so comfortable, my pet, rs woll-ap-
pointed hotel in the South of France or
Italy," he urged deprccatingly, feeling
the ground slipping fast away from
him with her bright eyes looking shyly
unity to his moustachc.
"But 1t is my great wish; and l will
obey you in everything after we are
married, you know, like Il dutiful little
wife," she said playfully.
"What put this notion in YOUR little
hcadP"
'Grandmamma; and you must agree
that she isPRbver. Now you sit down
here, and will take my old place on
this stool" rs she cnsconcd herself at
his feet coaXingly.
so grandma has put this notion in
to your mindp"
Eyes; she said that when she was
married grandpa took her straight
from the church to their now home, and
they were rs happy as birdsn
But what time Of year minht that
happy event have taken placer" he
asked mischcvously.
July, l believe" Grace said de-
murely. "What matters the timeP
Surely it could make no difference"
That is just what does. March and
July, little sweetheart, are very dillcr-
cnt in our changeablo climate; besides,
l fancy little bird whispered TO me
that their homo was n fine old mansion
that. had welcomed several brides,
whereas ours is q ancwly-built modern
villa, that slr3uld be wcll-aircd before
we take possession"
$50 it is," she persisted. "Janc and
grandma were there all last week, and
the fires arc blazing beautifully from
morning till night. Come, say 'ycs';"
and her soft white arms were round his
neck, and pair of tempting lips placed
dangerously near to his; and Grace, rs
Crpi hn, ,Not,, T,i,,
pay her lover the penalty of q score Of
kisses.
This is delightful, darling husband,"
whispered Grace rs they drove to their
new homo at Clapham, after the we'd
ding-brealifast. 81 shall be such
happy little cwifcy-commencing life in
our own dear homo; it must be better
than those big, cold-loolling hotels,
maids" !"
: 80 long rs my sweet vito is happy,
am content" he said tcndcrly; ''but
there is nasty east wind today" this
as he folded her furS around her with y
lovers anxious care. "I hope every
thing is ready for us.
"Oh, you need not be uneasy; | feel
sure Jane will attend to everything; sho
Is perfect paragon"
>. Here we are at last! Welcome. dar-
ning, wife, .toYour homer he said as he
1Gu her up the flight of steps where old
Jane stood with two maid-scryants TO
receive their young mistress.
II wonder why Jane looks 40 any,
ious, ~" thought Grace; 81 hone ovcrv.
thing is all right Oh dear! what should
! do # there was anything gono wronoP
Frank would never cease toasinot mo
Where are the stair-carpcts, JanoP' s6o
whispered, wR,n they wore in the draw.
ing-room;; Il thought everything was
straight"
80 it was, but the drafted cistorn
took TO leaking this morning, and, be-
ing Easter-timo no man can be cot for
love or money. | never saw such
gingerbread house rs this in all nv
born days!' she said gloomily. -
Cant you manage to put them
down, so that Frank won't notice itP"
the poor little bride faltered.
''Put them down to be spolt! Why,
they arc already wet through in somo
places; but here comes the MASTER "%as
she bnstled out Of the room.
This certainly looks cosy and home
like, said Frank Wharton rs he clasp
cd his bride in a loving embrace, and
seated her in an casy-chair by the fire;
''but, whaS-fs the matter with that wallP
Why, I believe it's damp, the paper is