The Grenada gazette. (Grenada, Miss.) 1885-18??, 1888-11-22
.sDarling." she whispered. ~ am no

Earring. u whispered, Il drn o
happy! Every thing has been explained
Reginald has loved me through all
even when he thought me a selfish
worldly girl; and now that he know
he was wrong, be loves me eve bette
than before"
The next day l awoke with a strange
burning sensation in my head, AM
when essayed to rise, my limbs re
fused their Office. That was the frs
Of the fever that made me for man!
months unconscious Of aught but sui
fering. Then, as the days went by
and | grew convalescent, l remembered
certain tender words some one had said
to me the night OF the party.
''Lucia!"-I called her name softly
as she passed through the room-"has
Mr.. Darlington called to inquire for me
since l have been sickp"
Lucia smiled as she came to my side.
"What a strange question! As II a
gentleman of society would think twice
of a mere child like you"
Then l had been mistaken, and II
was only vanity which prompted the
thought that l was something moro
than a mere child" to Mr.. Darlington.
by the way, Gertie, did you know
all along of Miss Ogilvie's engagement
to that rich Mr.. Gainsborough? What
a sly puss you were to keep . secret so
we'll"
But l did not heed Lucia's further
words, for, with my eye-lids closed, l
vas forcing back the tears which
would come at the thought that Mr..
Darlington had not cared enough for
me ven to make a passing inquiry.
One mild, sunny day. l felt so much
stronger, an irresistible desire for
change stirred within me. Without
asking permission l descended thu
stairs, and lay down upon a lounge in
the sitting-room.
Lucia was singing in the parlor, aunt
busy with some household duties and
Margaret in the ]school-room with Dick,
so l was all alone.
Suddenly, through the open window
near me, a cluster of fragrant rose
buds was thrown into my lap.
"At last" cried a glad voice. "At
last l see you again?"
Before a moment had passed the
owner Of the voice had followed the
roses into the room.
1t was Mr.. Darlington. l held out
my hand rather coldly. He took it
and went on:
"How glad | am to speak with you
once more! l have tried day after day
to see you, but your cousin Lucia has
declared it an impossibility. So I
have waited patiently, hoping you
Gov enough to see me and
me goodbye before I so abroad"
My expression must have been rathec
confused, for he noticed it, and a sud.
den thought seemed to come to him.
Have you not heard of my visits, or
received the flowers l sent you every
But by this time I had rallied myself,
and though Lucia's deception (Which
have sent my friend from me
one farewell word) was plain
e t31R RsSp ttc 81 Sf conve sSr
Are you going away very soon" l
asked, looking up.
An eager light sprang into his dark
ACE.
Miss Gertrude, would you carep"
My eyes fell upon his earnest gaze,
and grasping my hands, rosebuds and
Ill, in both his own, he spoke again.
What he said is sacred between him
md me. But I was right, after all,
and Mr.. Darlington did love me. little
Gertrude Ward; and before he left ME
had promised to make haste and get
quite well, and then accompany him
upon his travels abroad.
Aunt Howard persisted that Miss
should be married from her
house, and l stood as bridesmaid.
Iucia's manner towards the promised
bride Of the wealthy Mr.. G ainsbor-
,ugh was very different to what it had
been to Dicks governess; and
When Mr.. Darlington asked my aunt's
'anction to his engagement with my.
elf, !, from the height Of my own
happiness, truly pitied her in her dis.
appointment.
But, notwithstanding l do not feel AZ
t Lucia in her heart really likes me,
he is very willing to enjoy the bene.
It's her cousins position and means
an give her, and outwardly, at least,
We are good friends. / often hear
my dear Margaret. and very o o
expect q long visit from her and her
.oble, devoted husband.--M Y. Ledger.
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