The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1889-03-14

Lura Was II possible that she rejoIced in
the trouble that was growing In the heart
Of her cousini
"See here, Oracle, is 1t this that you are
| feeling bad abouti"
Lura laid gold ring on the dresser In
front OF her cousin.
II found ii IN the grass yesterday
imagined that you might have dropped it
am sure that saw iton your finger few
days since.n
Itakas her ring indeed. the one she had
given back to Austin Wentword but few
days since-her engagement ring. Doubt
less he had flung 1t away that day when
they had quarreled. The sight Of it only
the more embittered her feelings, Grace
did not offer to touch 1t, but continued her
occupation with increased nervousness.
sit is not my ring,p asserted trace, try
ing to speak firmly, indiferently.
"Are you surein
The smile deepened on the face of Lura.
"Yes, am suren
'Now, how could have been 80 deceived
/ was sure that l saw this ring on your
finger not week since"
at was mine then, but"
"Just read this, Grace. think you have
made yourself miserable for nothing"
Lura thrust letter into the hand OF her
cousin aud then stole from the room. What
thrill shot over Grace's being as she rec
ognized the well-known chirography Of
Austin Wentword,
Sinking to chair, she tore open the let
ter with nervous fingers, and read;
DEAR GRACE: am ashamed OF the tenn
per exhibited at our last meeting. be-
lieve was wholly in the wrong, and IL you
can forgive me and take me back into your
affections you will never have cause to re-
greet it, will never distrust you again
whatever may happen. A word or line
from you, in token Of forgiveness, by the
bearer of this will be eagerly looked for.
"AUsTIS."
Grace pressed the note 70 her lips, while
tears flowed freely. She breathed easier
then, and 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 smiling,
half-questioning look on her face. She
seemed to realize at once that Grace was in
more pleasant mood, and this was suffl-
cient assurance that the young mechanics
letter had been welcome.
"Shau / carry the answer to-day,
Gracier'
Miss Penroy turned with beaming face
toward her cousin.
"You did not bring this from Stonefield,
Luram
"Certainly. Why mott 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.r
"Lura Joycer
swell, didn't you say they were all fort
une-hunters, Miss Penroyl Don't look at
me so with those gray eyes. was only
taking you at your word"
"But did not mean"
"WellW as the girl hesitated.
~ did not mean Austin"
"No, it seems not. Well, hurry and pre-
pare an answer"
"But you can not 90 to Stonefeld to-day.
The stage will take the letter over in the
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 upto Grace, embraced
and kissed her, and quickly rushed from the
room.
Grace, full Of happy thoughts at this un-
expected reconciliation, proceeded at once
to pen an answer to the letter she had re-
celved that would bring joy and peace TO the
heart Of the anxious young mechanic
Grace was sealing the letter when her
cousin returned.
"All ready, Gracei Romeo is anxious for
a race over the hills, and am fully.as i'm
patient TO be Of. All, won't the boys eyes |
snap when he reads thisl'
The last words as Grace placed the letter |
in the hand Of Lura were:,
"Iwould not send you
"Of course not, Grace, y the irrepresslble |
Miss Joyce interrupted. "Iengineered this |
expedition myself" Then snatching 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
Stonefeld mechanic. A dark tragedy was
soon to astound and horrify the inmates of
The old stone house at Lone Hollow