Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-04-18

Eura- Was it possible that she rejoiced in
the trouble that was growing in the heart
of her cousins
See here, Oracle, is it this that YOU are
feeling bad aboutl'
Lura laid gold ring on the dresser in
front Of her cousin.
found 1t IN the grass yesterday. /
imagined that you might have dropped it
AN sure mat saw it on your finger few
days since"
1t was her ring indeed. the one she had
gwen back to Austin Wentword but few
days since-her engagement ring. Doubt
less he had flung it away that day when
they had quarreled. The sight of it only
the more emb.ttered her feelings. Grace
Old not oner to touch it, but continued her
occupation with increased nervousness
ut Is not my ring" asserted Grace, try
ing to speak firmly, indIfferently.
Are you sure!'
The smile deepened on the face of Lura.
'Yes, am sure"
Snow, how could have been so deceived
was sure that saw this ring on your
finger not a week Ssnce-''
ut was mine then, but"
"Just read this, Grace. think you have
made yourself miserable for nothing"
cousin and then stole from the room. What
thrill shot over Grace's being as she rec
ognized the wellknown chlrography Of
Austin Wentword.
Sinking to chair, she tore open the let
ter with nervous fingers, and read:
DEAR GRACE: l am ashamed of the tenn
per exhibited at our last meeting. be-
lieve 1 was wholly in the wrong, and if you
can forgive me and take me back into your
affections you will never have cause to re-
greet it. I will never distrust you again
whatever may happen. A word or a line
from you, in token of forgiveness, by the
bearer OF this will be eagerly looked for.
''AUsTIN."
Grace pressed the note to her lips, while
tears flowed freely. She breathed easier
then, and a happy smile touched her face
as she came to her feet, after concealing
the precious letter.
A few minutes later Lura came in and
stood regarding her cousin with a smiling,
half-questioning look on her face. She
seemed to realize at once that Grace was in
more pleasant mood, and this was suffi-
Gent assurance that the young mechanics
letter had been welcome.
"Shal I carry the answer to-day,
Oracle"
Miss Penroy turned with beaming face
toward her cousin.
you did not bring this from Stonefield,
Luram
Certainly. Why not2 1 would delight
to carry your answer to-day, for, to tell the
truth, the foolish boy is about distracted
over the thought of losing you-and fort
une."
"Lura Joycew
swell, didn't you say they were all fort
une-hunters, Miss Penroy. Don't look at
me SO with those gray eyes. l was on,y
taking you at your word"
But did not mean"
"Well!" as the girl hesltated.
81 did not mean AUSTIN
"No, it seems not. Well, hurry and pre-
pare an answer"
"But you can not go to Stonefield to-day.
morning"
at will never do to trust that mode of
conveyance; besides, the boy expects an an
swer tonight. A ten-mile ride is just sport
for Romeo and l."
Then Lura danced up to Grace, embraced
and kissed her, and quickly rushed from the
room.
Grace, full of happy thoughts at this I'M
expected reconciliation, proceeded at once
to pen an answer to the letter she had re-
celved that would bring joy and peace to the
nearC OF the ANXIOUS young mechanic
Grace was scaling the letter when her
cousin returned.
"All ready, Gracea Romeo is anxious for
race over tho hills, and l am fully..as i'm
patient to be off. All, won't the boys eyes
snap when he reads thisa"
The last words as Grace placed the letter
in the hand of Lura were:
81 would not send you
"Of course not, Grace" the irrepresslble
Miss Joyce interrupted. 81 engineered this
expedition myself" Then snatching a kiss
Lura darted from the room and the house.
Fate willed, however, that the letter
thus consigned to the hand of Lura Joyce
should never come under the eye of the
Stonefield mechanic. A dark tragedy was
soon to astound and horrify the inmates of
the old stone house at Lone Hollow.