The Osceola times., 1884-03-08
GUARDIAN AND WARD.
BY FRANK II. sTAUFFER.

II was a handsome coy library room.
1t was evident that womanly hands and
womanly suggestiveness had much to do
with the exquisite taste and order that
prevailed. The books were shelved away
in clcanly- y-dusted cases OF black walnut /;
the writing materials on the green baize
desk were arranged with precision the
curtains were looped away in graceful
folds not a speck was visible on the
massive gilt frames of the quaint old
paintings. The wallpaper and carpet
ings harmonized Delightfully."- in color a
rosewood guitar rested against cabinet
Of minerals; a canary trilled out his
delicious song on the morning air from
his cage of green and white, while the
perfume of flowers floating in through
the wide open windows filed the room
with dreamy odor.
Beside the table with pen behind his
ear, and his sparse locks which were fain.-
ly sprihkled with grey, showed away from
his high, white brow, sat middle-aged
man. His lips were expressive, his
cheeks somewhat thin, while his ewes
had that intense far-away look which
comes into the eyes of men who read
much and think more.
lie was talking and looking up into
the fair face Of young girl who stood
beside him. She was Just upon the
threshold of her womanhood, with full
development of form, bright ewes, and
black, luxuriant hair The wrist of her
round white arm that rested upon the
table was encirclcd with o rich gold
bracelet, while on the small tapering
fingers glittered diamond ring or two.
"Grace,' SAID the man, in calm,
thoughtful voice, "in my estimation. YOU
ought to accept the proposition. Glcnroy
is kind-hearted, well-liked, intellectual
young man. His profession is honorable
and lucrative. \ few short years will
elevate him to high position. I have
known him for years, That he loves YOU
fervently, passionatcly, is beyond all
question
"But | do not want TO marry him. or
anybody, Mr.. Blake" replied the girl in
voice soft and tremuous. 81 want to
live out my life as | have been living it ;
to remain with you, TO be always about
you, to read to you, to care for you, to
serve you, if you please, after my own
way. Sir, | am not devoid of gratitude" 4"
you have been, and are, good dear
girl, Grace. No ward ever was more
kind more obedient, more tractable,
more lovely. The little ! have done for
you has been amply repaid, and long
ago. Believe me, am, indeed, loath to
part with your presence, your compan.
ionship you have brought a groat deal
of sunshine about me. But it must come
sooner or later | will drop off some
time. You must be cared for. You have
a great loving, yearning heart, and are
eminently fitted for home life. | con-
slder that Glenroy has hattered YOU in
his preference
But do not love him." replied the
girl, with quiyering lips.
Perhaps you love him more than YOU
are aware Of"
Il esteem him"
Esteem is the frmest stepping-stone
to love, Grace"
"Not to love of that kind, always"
"Why not, pray ?'
81 hardly know how to answer. you,
MIR. Blake. esteem YOU esteem 9TH
er men yet | could not love all or any Of
them enough to marry them
There vas that in her words which
panied Mr. Blake. His face grew shade
paler, and he cast his eyes to the table.
noting the clean, pink-tinted nails OF her
hand, and that her arm trembled. not
withstanding she leaned heavily upon it.
The glrl was watching him with her
large, beautiful eyes. She saw that
something had panied him, and when
she recalled the words she had used.
Pallor swept over her face.
in correcting him in that unfortunate
sentence, | intimated that my esteem
for him could not be changed 10 love"
She thought. Heavens worship
him now And that panied look Can
it be that he loves me?
Looking up, Mr.. Blake said:
81 promised TO give Glenroy an al =
wcr this evening"
"Hou shall DO 50 will give you nav
final decision ~ nouu.'
She spot" IN o stead, tone, aal ueut
out OF thc r,riu with steady step hut