Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1888-03-11

did not hear. but the softening curve Of
his lips spoke "Little wife, ITO be follow
ed by purpose breathed aloud, "she's
mine, and naught shall separate US"
"True lovei Whstshsn separate? Shall
pride of race, shall sectional prejudice.
shall parental authority, Oh aught ssve
death sever the link forged in heavenly
fame? George Townsend ans wered, nay,
he claimed right, not asked boon.
This Colonel Thornton was rot slow to
recognize, for in q talk he had with his
daughter his language was rather al AZ
peal than command. Fay listened duti-
fully, tear gently dropping when her
fsther's face WAS tUrned-dutifully
listened, but plegded no pledge, once only
the angry flush deepened on her cheek.
Twas when her father spoke of intruders,
aliens In the land, that dared aspire to
those above them. at last the feeling OF
tstherhood prevailed, snd, drawing her to
him, he spoke Of her dead mother, his
lonely life, how he had lived for this
daughter, his Fay, and the hope which
had animated him that she would choose
fitting mate and restore the former
prestige OF the family. In tones half
contrite he told her that he WAS partly to
blsme, but now all should b.
different, he recognized her Claims
as heiress to the Thornton name, the
house should once more open its hospis-
able doors and when the winter was over
they would travel abroad that she might
see the world aud lesrn to properly es-
innate men and things. And thus 1t
ended. Like many maid she took
counsel OF none, but more wisely thar
many, she kept her purposes, if she had
any, hidden IL her hearts chamber where
dwelt her hero.
NJ impatient lover was George
Townsend, ne was man who could
Dide his time, but no enc could
mistake that his purpose never
| faltered. No one could deem him bstfl d.
H went merrily to and fro, supervising
0is fathers farm, bringing mis- engineer
ing skill into play By ditching, draining
| and otherwise improving bottom land,
| while his Knowledge in other departments
supplied the sterile soil with needed
: imulsnts Tor coming crops. The young
man was fast becoming authority among
Dis neighbors.
| Cousin r sc sometimes tessiugly asked
about Du lting, but he only smiled, and 3
gentle pley about the firm mouth spoke
Of inwbr satisf ctiOn.
CGri-tmss m orning daWned bright and
clear Manifold had been the prepeszeons
1t the big nuuse for an old foshioaed re-
ioicing. Nose and Phillis had been over
9nelmed with work. Even Scip had
proudly lent his aid to little Mistis-
bringing in great punches of mistletoe
and holly for the decorations.
Early as it was, the country gentry in
nign lumberlug carriages were coming In
snd peachy checked girls, with merry
laughter, shouted to each other, "Christ-
mas giftl" while Mis- Fay, in the dignity
Of her new position, gIaciouslY received
her guests.
From every window streamed guild
ing rays of light, and beaux from
country and from town stood ready
TO lead forth the msidens, whose
feet tmpatiently kept time to music
Inspiring strain. Brightest, merries5 OF
them oil, like fairy, fitted Miss Fay
and PnilIis was not alone in her opinion
"dat dan was none ekal to her 'mung De
ladies', and de berry bes' o. de city fell
lows Wss not fitten to pick up her slip
per"
Supper was announced, ami ss tbs
, doors we're flung apart what repsst Was
displayed Those who remember tbs
, skill of Virginia cooks will need no testi
: mony 10 the wealth Of provision, the ex
celencY of the serving, and the tempting
: display that not only could appeast
r the appetite, but also charm the
: seuses Toasts were drank to the fell
hostess, merry responses made to al
J healths proposed, and while enjoyment
} was at it's neighth none noticed q whis-
/ pered message that drove the blood from
the cheek of Little Mistis" and caused
: her to quickly withdraw from the supper
room.
J Ia quiet strength George Townsend
awaited her coming, and scarcely was hel
right football on the doorstep wheI
ciesped in his strong arms he whispered
in Ter esr, ;'My Christmas gift, my little
: wifi -
l "Ohl George, you did not mean it.
: cannot, no, indeed l cannot; poor papa
no, no, must not"
J The strong man trembled; one brief
second he paused Then out in the dark
ness where he had borne her, he crystal
r zed life purpose in single question
3 Fay, do not uif1; tell me, darling, de
= you love MP" Was it the sigh of the
t night wiId2 A sobbing und among the
tree tops; msyhsp some imprisoned
= Hood-pymph voiced forth her plaint
The stars locked down, the white fros
spsrkled on leaf and twig, but half i'm
I pstient neigh spoke Ct earthly considera-
I ions. The next utterance was of.every
d day life. "Come, Cousin Rose is in 'h'
e carriage aud mas all needed wraps. Yes
D little wife; just as you are, my bonnie
r bride; have provided for Your comfort.
E Then to the driver: "Do not visit; driV
0 on"
!. Same time elapsed before Miss Fay We
e MISE from the supper room, and
longer interval elapsed ere her absenc
@ excited comment, each supposing he
o duties as hostess called her away. WheI
!, however, search began, Phillis, with a
old tried servants privilege, ventured t
call out the master to hear Scip's story c
the carriage driving away and Mr. TowI
), send "sendin' him from de cabin wild di
q mere paper" that he had lost, and thu
), delayed the delivery until now. An ash
= psleness crept over Colonel Thornton
q face as he tried to resd and he would hav
, fallen had not faithful PDillis been near
4 quickly hand him glass of wine.
What the proud man suffered none eve
b knew; no word escaped his lips
d the merry crowd dispersed an
t. life went on in the OIL
ID dull way, the house more gloomy tha
e before. He turned the key on the apsr
n ments Of his daughter and none venture
le in his presence TO speak her name, nor
g, since the faithful Phillis announced
,r him her intention to 60 and take care I