Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-05
MISS GRANDSON.

MlOO UAdNDlOOs.
She came to Us In the full glory OF au-
tumn's Achest coloring, when October
was written ON every hill and vale IN the
red and yellow tints of fallen leaves. and
the deepened richness of the lndian sum
mer and atmosphere bathing ell in golden
splendor.
Brother Ralph and stood on the YER
anda to welcome her, and as she came up
the broad white steps. the mellow autumn
sunlight flashing back from her golden
hair and seeming to hide itself in the dark
depths of her wondrous brown eyes. she
became associated in my mind with the
rich. dusky beauty. the still glowing
splendor Of that Incompatible month
October; so always thought OF her, and
so think Of her today
took her small gloved hand in mine
moment with few pleasant words Of vel
come, then Ralph did the same.
And, ere he reached it, which was not
quite as soon as he should have done,
noticed an unusual flush mount to his
handsome. fair face. and feared that he
was in danger of losing his heart at the
outset to our fair governess-
Yes, this rare creature was to be our
governess. Not mine nor Ralph's. for we
were long past our school days. but we
had two troublesome young sisters, to
take charge of whom Miss Grandson had
travelled long way. Hers was singu-
lar beauty, the like Of which l had never
seen before Her complexion, one would
think, should be fair to match the bright
dazzling gold on her hair. but it was not;
instead it suited her deep brown eyes.
and was what l can only describe as
creamy olive, with spot Of richest crim-
son on either cheek
She was tall and graceful. with an air
that was half commanding and look,
something about her. IS have said be-
fore. which reminded ne Of all the deep
passion of intensity Of October's warmth
yelled under her stillest haze
Such was Flora Grandson when she
came to US, and it is not surprising that
Ralph's eyes fingered on her lovely face
until he was compelled to turn them
away for shame's sake. Time passed very
pleasantly We lived In the country. or
rather. just outside of stirring town.
and we could therefore combine the pleas
ures of both city and country life.
How Miss Grandson enjoyed her out
door rambles with the children in the
brilliantly tinted autumn woodsl Ralph
frequently accompanied them, much to
her annoyance, it seemed to me, who
watched with jealous eyes every move
uent that indicated his growing interest
in the charming stranger.
We knew nothing of her save that she
was from southern city, and was thrown
upon her own resources for support But
her beauty spoke for itself, and felt con-
WINGED the moment that Ralph first set
his eyes upon her that sooner or later she
would break his heart. wonder why the
! thought never struck me that she. poor
governess. would be glad to win him for a
husband But it never did
There was not the least sign Of coquetry
about her, nor did she seem to care at al
for his attentions She accepted them
quietly, smilingly, when she could not
evade them, yet always felt she would
rather he did not offer them. liked her
for that, though couldn't get over the
idea that she would be his fate
One day, very late in November, the
sun shone radiantly and almost summer
warmth pervaded the atmosphere
Tempted by the beauty of the scene l
donned my hat and cloak and went for a
! stroll in the leahess woods. l had not
gone far when the sound Of Ralph's voice
/ struck my ear 1t was strained and des-
pairing, and he was saying, oh! how ear
nestly:
For Gods sake, Flora. give me little
hope!"
Have not told you there is none?"
heard her answer. almost desperately; 81
desire that you will never mention this
subject again. Mr.. PercivaL"
Not caring to play the eavesdropper.
walked away and joined the children, who
were playing some distance further on
Miss Grandson and Ralph had no. seen
me But my blood was boiling at the
thought of Ralph suffering through her
When | saw him again the poor boy
looked as white and miserable as any
ghost The next day he left Us fer an IN.
definite time. pleading some business ex-
cuse, but / knew well what had driven
him away loved him dearly. and could
hardly bear the loneliness Of the house
after he was gone
at last. exasperated By her calm,
oueeniy loneliness, when my own heart
was aching SO. vented my sorrow and
displeasure upon Miss Grandson She
was sitting by the window reading, end
she Just raised her eyes to give me ons
long. steady look. slightly mingled with
surprise. and then dropped them to he,
/ book again without q word ! then told
her what had overheard. and repeated
angrily that il was her fault that Ralph
had gone away.
II am sorry she said quietly. that
you heard what you did No one would
ever have known Of your brothers dis
appointment from me. But surely. Mss
Perciva. you cannot say that have ever
encouraged his unfortunate love either By
word or look
I Twas forced to acknowledge that sba
had not
( But, since he did love you. IN spite OF
ell. why should you have refused him.
/ Miss Grandisons Is not Ralph young,
rich, handsome, and good enough for any
woman On ea-th?''
/ He is al that, Mss Percivl,' she re-
/ piled sadly.
Then why