The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-10-23


60 cry.
Our family physician lived just two doors
away. and ] took my little friend 10 him, and
told him how broke the finger. lie gave me
q good scoiding, coupled with the wish that he
might add Gaming. He might perhaps have
done so, but Grace seized his hand, and vowed
he should not touch me.
Every day ! saw my little friend. and every
day grew fOnder OF her. ] coaxed my sister
Therese into the idea that we would get on
better with stranger 20 share our studies,
and 10 crafty me she in turn won our guar
dams consent for Grace TO study with us.
For three years our lives glided on quietly,
then we began TO talk of my college life.
Uncle armitage insisted on q year OF travel
abroad. but not alone, sir; your sister shall
60 too"
And Grace" hazarded.
And Grace! Well, really, like your i'm
pndence"
Therese came in just then, and appealed
20 her.
Don't you think Grace might come too,
uncleg' she asked, gently. Z" suppose 1t is
only q question of expense; and uncle, you
have never told US what We are TO have in the
future Would not now be good time TO do
Bo?'
There was little to tell; fifteen hundred
year apiece was all we would have.
Il will double Therese's portion IL she
m8rTies with my consent You, sir. must
make your own fortune with nothing from me
but advice"
Then, of course we must leave Grace at
home" l said and she was dropped from our
plans thenceforth.
took farewell walk with Grace, and we
talked sweet nothings and sighed. There
were even some tears from Grace. put a
pretty ring upon her finger, and she hung
little watch charm on my chain then, with
kiss, we parted.
We secured Europe, even distant Iceland,
and everywhere i found my sweethearts let
tiers How / devoured them! / read them,
kissed them. answered them with volumes Of
the same kind.
At the years end we returned. o, the Joy
OF meeting Grace again, Of kissing her, Of
sitting on the piazza after dark, her hand in
mine, my arm around her-I was indeed a
boy!
Then came my college days, and it so CHANGED
that al their close my probationary fell on
my birthday. Twenty-Five years old, and
valedictoTian!
Grace was there, sitting between Therese
and young man somewhat my senior, and
Stranger 10 me.
We all did our best and before knew IL the
exercises were over, and Therese was kissing
me, while Uncle Armitage held my hand and
his face beauIed with pleasure. Grace came
mp and shook hands cordially, aud introduced
me 10 her companion as Ny friend, Dir. Hart
ingtOn, Mr.. Brown"
glarcd at Mr. Brown, who smiled and con-
graduated me, at the same time expressing bis
opinion. rather dogmatically thought, upon
one or two points il my essay.
You are quite a critic, sir" said.
Yes" be answered, that is my profes-
sion; and Grace added, Mr. Brown is on the
stat Of the Daily Gio5e, and have been in bis
Office SIX months as steDographer"
Why, Grace, i never heard word about IL.
n FlserA No ~ IN On
there"
Never mind that Just now. Give me your
arm and show me the buildings. We can meet
the others somewhere"
AT the gymnasium IN half an hour" said
10 Uncle Auniiage and turned into side path
with Grace. We had taken but a step when /
felt hand on my shoulder Ii was class
mate.
Harrington, you promised me an introduc-
ti0n 70 your sister. j claim il now" he said,
smiling al Grace.
-" II you are al the gymnasium in half en-
hour ] wall fulfill my promise" l said codly,
and the fellow walked Off
How rude you were, Mr. Harrington"
Ar. what? Why, Grace"
That - what j wanted 10 see you about.
told you had been ak months IN Mr.. Brown 5
Office. De has asked me 10 marry him, aud
have promised 10 do so. We are grown now,
and il is time our childish folly should end.
May Keep you for friend, or is even that
/ was loo bewildered to speak; then I found
ny tongue.
g What il it you are telling me, Graee2 That
j must give YOU up to Mr. Brownf"
les, EeeeTt. exactly that"
Very well Grace, ii you will be happier 50.
% he u, but u VIII break my heart"
by voice treBbled aud ! must have looked
very miserable. for Grace was touched.
Oh, Robert, am SO sorry. / did not think
you cared 30 muchD
Never mind me, Grace, God make you
happy. See here. We arc at the gymnasium,
and there are the others" In a moment they
had Joined use
Mr. Brown" ! said, holding out my hand,
congratulate you On winning one Of the
sweetest g,Els that ever lived. j have known
Miss Grace from child, and / envy you"
Another word aud should have broken down.
Jherese gazed az ne IN surprise. and Uncle
Armiisge looked dagscrs at Grace. He would
never have consented 70 nay marrying her, but
10 have her refuse me was TOO much.
Is this tTueZ" be asked
Yes, Grace has been engaged TO me for Q
week past" said Mr. Brown al the same time
pulling Oh her glove and displaying magnid-
cent solitaire sparkling her finger. Then
the truth flashed upon me-he was richer
than j.
IL is getting late, said Uncle Armitage
" we must get back 10 the city. am sorry, Mr.
Brown, that the carriage will hold but four
y. never mind that, sir; i will ride upon
tie box. What's your hOiell"
The Brunswick"
Then you can drop me On your way pn
stopping 10 tie fremont House"
We had a silent drive into the city. and lcf
BY the night train for home
Iherese and Grace had room together mex
% mine, with door between When the girl
went to bed &C 10, i was already Ia my room
hunting for favorite pipe. ] had turned on
The gss. Tor u was bright moonlight, aud wa
still ruminaging IN my Valise when hear
Jbere5es voice.
20, Grace bow could your"
" Now don't be angry with me Therese !
was best for both Of us. lie will pick I'D some
one else soon enough. You see, j have AWAY
been poor, aud have bad enough Of IT, Franl
has two thousand a year now. and is sure d
get three soon. Bob hasn't il la him 10 max
money, aud I'd have waited and waited an,
ended by pinching and patching for the rest 0
my days. Besides Frank loves me Just q
much"
And do you love him CraceTD
No; on the whole i prefer Rob, but can
stand any more poverty. aud II Frank is goo,
10 me Blll soon love him."
hope 80 Grace. Are you ready to have til
gas out"
yes; good night"
Goodnight I'll open the door into Rob
room. Hes not upstairs yet and it will b
cooler"
Therese opened the door, and stood face +
lace wilA me. placed my finger Oh my lips
"A a a.