The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1889-04-03


"That is the truth. Lura. Ibeg you 70
say nothing about any of those fortune
hunters" iN
"Ah, there's tho rublp exclaimed Miss
Joyce, with merry laugh, 81 understand
the situation exactly. You don't encour-
age one Of these fellows for fear Re is look
ing only after your fortune. I've no doubt
your fears are not ill-founded. ] have been
at Lone Hollow but fortnight. yet in that
comparatively short space Of time have
made discovery"
Lura Joyce threw herself into rocker
and clasped her hands over one Of the
arms, peering up from under sandy brows
at her cousin. .... ,,'t..
AS urace made no remark Lura went on :
~ have spotted one fortune-hunter at
least, cousin nine, the handsome, heartless
Captain Starbright. Have you ever thought
Of his attentions seriously, Gracei"
"Never"
"That is good" calculated Lura, with
evident satisfaction. Captain Starbright
"a fortune-hunter In every sense OF the
term, and as heartless as demon. Have
met him beforel thought you knew that
he once pleaded with me on bended knees
TO marry him. It's fact all the same, and
you know II now He was after my fortune,
which proved myth, and SO the gallant
Captain ran away from that part Of the
country to seek out the granddaughter Of
old Morgan Vandible, and IL possible win o
fortune and wife at one and the same timo.
He has not yet succeeded and never will, II
you are wise, Grace"
chnI ha xt,iaa anorUh mt N xyad nna
do not love-" answered the heiress, simply.
ave said, cousin. Ihope you will stick
TO that text"
"You m y be sure that will"
SNOW tell me, Is there one that you dc
love, Gracep
The girl ut the glass busted herself with
her toilet without seeming TO notice this
question. 1t was repeated, with still nc
answer
Then Lura Joyce came to her feet, and
crossing the carpet, peered into the face OF
her cousin. She was not wholly surprised
to find the honest gray eyes brimming with
| tears.
A smile fitted over the countenance Of
Lura Was it possible that she rejoiced In
the trouble that was growing in the hear
OF her cOusinl
"See here, Oracle, is 1t this that you art
feeling bad abouti'
Lura laid a gold ring on the dresser /,
front Of her cousin.
~ found IL IN the grass yesterday.
imagined that you might have dropped it.
l am sure that saw 1t on your finger a few
days since"
1t was her ring indeed. the one she hai
given back TO Austin Wentword but few
days since-her engagement ring. Doubt
less he had flung II away that day wher
they had quarreled. The sight Of 1t only
tho more emb ttered her feelings. Gract
did not offer TO touch II, but continued hel
occupation with increased nervousness.
at IS not my ring" asserted Grace, try
ing to speak firmly, indlfferently
Are you suren
The smile deepened on the face Of Lura.
ayes, am sure.n
snow, how could have been so deceived
Twas sure that I 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 other
cousin aud then stole from the room. What
thrill shot over Grace's being as she rec
ognized the well-known chirography oi
Austin Wentword.
Sinking 10 a 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 II you
can forgive me and take me back into your
affections you will never have cause TO 70
gret II. ! will never distrust you again
whatever may happen. A word or line
from you, In token or forgiveness, by the
bearer Of tins will be eagerly looked for.
"AusTIN.n
Grace pressed the note TO her lips, while
tears flowed freely. She breathed easier
then, and happy smile touched her face
as she came 10 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, ahd this was sum-
cient assurance that the young mechanics
letter had been weloome.
"Shall carry the answer today,
Graciep
Miss Penroy turned with beaming face
toward her cousin.
"You did not bring this from stoueheld,
Lurai"
"Certainly. Why noti I 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 q fort
une."
"Lura Joycer
"Well, didn't you say they were all fort
une-hunters, Miss Penroyl Don't look at
me 80 with those gray eyes. was only
taking you at your word"
"But did not mean"
"Wellp as the girl hesitated.
"I did not mean Austin"
"No, IL seems not. Well, hurry and pre-
pare an answer"
"But you can not 20 10 Stoneheld today.
The stage will take the letter over In the
morning"
at will never do 10 trust that mode Of
conveyance; besides, the boy expects an an
swer tonight. A ten-mile ride 10 Just sport
for Romeo and l."
Then Lura danced up 10 Grace, embraced
and kissed her, and quickly rushed from tho
room.
Grace, full Of happy thoughts at this un-
expected reconciliation, proceeded at once
10 pen an answer 70 the letter she had re-
ceived that would bring Joy and peace 10 the
heart Of the anxious young mechanic
Grace was sealing the letter when her
cousin returned.
"Al ready, Gracel Romeo Is anxious for
race over the hills, and Tam fully rs i'm
patient TO be on. All, won't the boys eyes