Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-05-06


that Grace had eloped on the previous
evening with William cordwell.
"And why she should run away.I
can't imagine poor Mrs. Ryland said,
with tears In her pale blue eyes. II
never opposed her in anything, and I
never would have objected to the young
man II once he could have proved that
ne was able to support herr
"You see, Mr.. Hyde,' said Stacia,
''poor Grace has very romantic notions,
and see somehow got It into her head
that Mr.. Cordwell was a wealthy per-
sonage in disguise.r
nNonsense, said Ralph, soberly.
"The question IL, . said Stacia, "what
are we to do?n
go and bring her home,n y said Ralph.
"With her husband?"
81 suppose SO. Stacia, you and !
must go, for your mother cannot leave
her business. Poor Gracie.n
| Meanwhile Mr.. and Mrs. William
Cordwell, In a retired country inn, on
| the eastern coast Of New Jersey, were
tasting the delights Of rainy day in
the bleakI month Of March. Mr.. Cord
well stood with his face pressed against
the window-panes, and both hands In
his pockets. Mrs. CordwelI, radi ant In
smiles and blooms, sat by the crochet
| ing purse for her lord and master.
"This is deuced bore!' said Mr.. Cord
well, distending his jaws in prodigi-
ous yawn. II wonder what the con-
founded old stiffy ofa cashier at Merri-
on & Morenthope's will say when
turn up missing this morning."
Grace laid aside her work and came
tripping to his side. Il
dearest, you have played incognito
long enough, now
"What the mischief is that?n inter-
rupted the bridegroom. "You are 60
fond Of long words, Grace"
"But you will confide your secret to
me, at last, love?" she pleaded.
"Secret! what secret?n
nAh, you have not blinded me-
archly declared the young wife. 81
have known 1t all along"
s.Known what?n
"That you were Walter Canfieldv'
Her husband wheeled short around
and stared at her with round, meaning
less eyes. s
"Grace, are you crazyp'
But, without needing him, she rat
tied on TO tell the whole story of the
letter she had found in the vest pocket.
"Yes," said Mr.. Cordweil, ''but 1t
wasn't my letter. I picked it up on
| the counting-room floor after Mr..
Walker had gone out, the evening be-
fore he went to India. And + gave it
back to Mr.. Morenthope the next day.
Grace uttered little shrek.
land you are not Walter Canfieldg'
mot tina, / know Of" he doggedly
answered,
"And not wealthy? Not
.I'm clerk with Merrion & Moren-
thope: that's all. And I don't know,
after all that's come and gone that I'm
even that now! But, Oracle
Don't speak to me! don't touch
met" cried Mrs. Cordwell, eyincing
strong symptoms Of Mysteries. You
have basely deceived mel"
Upon my word, dearest, haven't;
/ never thought Of such thing!' but
Grace refused 90 much as to listen to
him.
There was the end of her cherished
life romance. She went joyfully home
with Stacia and Mr.. Hyde the next
day, when they came for her, her hus-
band following meekly, like whipped
dog, in their train. Aid she is now
living at home, waiting for poor VIII
liam TO get a new situation IN place Of
that he has lost with Merrion& Moren-
thope, and helping to make up the
trosseau for Stacia and Ralph's ap-
praching wedding. Alas, poor Grace!