The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1889-05-16

liant colonel was ioana "a nave mace
q fortune from wesieTu lanRa lac
bought when he was sent oss, ta tight
the lndians.'
Doubtless; but she's all right uosx.
Some thought he would marry that
lltile French girl People used 10 Joke
about his raising n wife to his taste.
'-s-h!" said her companion,
waruingly, with a meaning glance at
Toinetie's corner.
The pupil camc in; she went through
the leSson-shc never knew how then
home, 10 weep over the unworthy sus-
piclons she had cherished and the love
that came too late.
For days she scarcely dared TO look
alta paper, fearing TO see the announce
ment of Col. Graham's engagement
or marriage. Even her father, who
usually, when his tasks were done,
sat like man blind and deaf 10 all
that WIS going on about him, noticed
how pale and haggard she was grow
ing.
Ny child, he said, kindly, "you
are wearing out, fear. You arc not
fit for the life you are leadingl Say
but the word, and you can go back 10
all you gave up for my sake. The
last time Col. Graham was here he re
uewed his offers, and said he would
not como here again-that he could
not, il SO wrung his heart 10 SEQ our
poverty. Shall send 10 himr"
'No, no, father" cried the unhappy
girl Il will not go. My place is nj
your side. We will not part"
You are good child, said the old
man, STOPPING TO kiss her. "a good
child" he repeated, softly. at would
have been better had given more of
my time and thoughts TO you tina.
were wasted on my ungrateful coun-
try. You have done your duty TO mo
better than | did mine 10 you. Re
member that l acknowledged this,
after am gone"
Are you going away againl" asked
Toinette, anxiously.
Only on that journey from which
no traveller ever comes back. Who
knows when the summons may come
for any one of usi Do not look dis
quoted, dear; / am not i'll; mtmory
reminds me that | am an old man,
that is all. Now go TO your rest, and
tomorrow we must devise some plan
to bring back your roses"
When the morrow came, with its
chill and sleet, the old exile had re-
newed his youth, and tho roses he
found were in Paradise. When
Toinette went to call him no was
sitting as she had left him, with a
smile on his face such as she had
never seen him wear 1t was hard to
believe that his spirit had gone on
that journey of which he spoke. The
realization did not como TO her till,
after the funeral, she went back TO
the awful desolation of the little home.
Then she wondered dimly how heaven
could be so cruel; she did not dream
that another blow was i'm store for her.
Her guardian had again besought
her to return, and again she had re-
fused. His hurt, reproachful glance
pierced her heart, but she was firm.
How could she goi She could not live
under the same roof with him and his
bride.
Over and over she thought of il, and
tried to be reconciled, but it always
ended by her desperately wishing she
were not SO young and strong 1t
would be SO sweet to slip out of life
and its crown of thorns.
A knock at her door ono afternoon
disturbed these morbid reflections
When she admitted her visitor, it
proved to be Col. Graham's footman.
Miss Toinette," he said abruptly,
we've brought the carriage for you.
Tho colonel is dying and wants to see
you"
How long the time seemed until she
was at his bedside
Little Toinette," he whispered,
feebly, chow happy i am to have yos
here once more"
How glad I am to be hercr' said
Toinette, looking up through her tears
''Are your Well, don't cry, my
little love. Don't let me make you
unhappy, even for moment"
Sobs choked her; she could make no
reply.
''Toinette," he continued, after a
pause TO gain strength, IF | die-and
the doctor says the chances are evenly
balanced-I want you 10 promise TO
come here to live. All that have is
to be yours, as ] told your father long
ago"
"And Mrs. Etynge2"
a flush for an instant dyed the pal
lor of the sick mans face. "What
have do with herr" he demanded cx-
citedly. II had boyish fancy for
her till found Of what common clay
she was made, but | never really loved
any woman but you, little Toinette.
It was not your fault that you could
not return my love. Do not weep so
bitterly"
But I did, dol" cried Toinette. Il
think l loved you always, but Mrs.
rIynge poisoned my mind ard aroused
my pride against you; and then !
thought / was not worthy, and that
you only asked me to marry you out
of pity"
"Out Of pityl' cried Col. Graham,
starting up and then sinking back ex
haustcd. My lovci My
a nurse appeared from some mys
terious depths of curtains, and ordered
Toinctte from the room, but she woult
not go. This ismy place." she saie
quietly. Il will not resign it,"
| Contrary to every ones expectation
the colonel did hot die. In tI:e'
months time he was well, saved bl
love-" he averred, and Mrs. Graham
did not contradict him. True Flag.