Daily Republican., 1888-06-06
saAurrsUL xHss asAxDisom 81.

She came to US In the full glory O
autumn's richest coloring, when soc
tober' was written on every hill and
vale in the red and yellow tints o
/. fallen leaves, and the deepened rich
ness OF the IAdian summer atmosphert
bathing all In golden splendor.
Brother Ralph and / stood on the We
randa to welcome her, and as she can't
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 won
drous brown eyes, she became associ.
ated In my mind with the rich, dusky
beauty, the still glowing splendor Of
that incompatible month-October; 80
| always thought Of her. and so think
of her to-day.
/ took her small gloved hand in
mine moment with q few pleasant
words of welcome, then Ralph did the
same.
And, ere he released it, which was
not quite as soon as he should have
done, l noticed an unusual flush mount
10 his handsome, fsir face, and feared
that he was In danger of losing his
heart at the outset to our fair govern
|ess.
Yes, this rare creature was TO be our
governess. Not mine nor Ralrh's,
for we are 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 singular beauty, the like
|of. which l had never seen before.
Her complexion, one would think,
should be fair to match the bright,
dazzling gold of her hair, but II was
not; instead, 1t suited her deep brown
eyes, and was what l can only de
scribe as creamy olive, with q spot OF
richest crimson in either cheek.
She was tall and graceful, with an
|sir that was half commanding and q
ooS, something about her, as have
said before, which reminded me of all
the deep passion of intensity of Octo-
ber's warmth yelled under her stillest
haze.
Such was Flora Grandson when
she came TO us. and 1t is not surpris-
ing that Rslph's eyes fingered on her
lovely face until he was compelled to
turn them away for shame's sake.
Time passed pleasantly. We lived in
the country, or rather, just outside of
q stirring town, and we could there
fore combine the pleasures OF both city
and country life.
How Miss Grandson enjoyed her
outdoor 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 movement 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 fol-
itself, and felt convinced the mo-
ment that Ralph first set his eyes
upon her that sooner OF later she
would break his heart. l wonder
why the thought never struck me that
she, poor governess, would be glad
to win him for q husband. But it
never did.
There was not the least sign OF co.
quetry about her, nor did she seem to
care at all for his attentions. She &C.
copied them quietly, smilingly, when
she could not evade them, yet al
ways felt she would rather he did not
offer them. liked her Tor that, though
couldn't get over the idea that she
would be his fate.
One day, very late in November, the
'lln shone radiantly and almost sum-
ner warmth pervaded the atm sphere |
Tempted by the beauty of the scene l |
ionned my hat and CLOAK and went |
or stroll in the leafless woods. |
1ad not gone far when the sound of
Ralph's voice struck my ear. 1t was
'traiaed and despairing, and he was
aging, OIL how earnestly:
''For Gods sake, Flora, give me
little hopel'
Have not told you there Is nones"
heard her answer, almost despairing-
y. a desire that you will never
mention this subject to me again, Mr..
2srcivsl."
Not caring to play the eavesdropper,
walked away and Joined the chill
iren, who were playing some distance
urther on. Miss Grandson and
RALPH had not seen me. But my blood
vas boiling at the thought of Ralph
through her. When / saw
him again the poor boy looked as
White and miserable az any ghost.
he next day he left US for an indefi-
lite time, pleading some business ex
use, but knew well what had