The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1890-12-31

as journalist and publisher. He read
it again and again, and noticed the
name amended-such a beautiful name,
| too-Grace Tremaine-and such a beau
tiful hand--delicate and sensitive, yet
full of character.
| He wondered who the girl could be-
| genius undoubtedly-yet he had never
heard her name in literary circles, and
then the poem-surely it had never
been published such an exquisite crea-
tion would have been copied through
out the country. Something seemed to
tell him that that eloquent messenger
had been blown at his feet by fate;
however, he decided to give it a promi-
nent place in the New Years issue of
| his magazine, which would amaze the
| gifted unknown if nothing else. He
would also publish an editorial ex-
| planning the episode, and he was will
| ing to pay any price for the sake of the
| adventure.
| 1t is New Years day, and soft,
feathery snow fills the air, busy feet are
hurrying hither and thither, bright,
CHEEKY faces look out from WOODEN
hoods or rich seal-sllins, men muftied up
in great coats and happy children al
most lost in wealth OF plush and fur.
How joyful is the world! At least
Grace Tremaine thought so, with q sick
feeling at her heart, i'll and almost
hopeless, as she made her way among
the throng, hardly knowing where she
was going or why she was there. An
elegantly dressed lady, impatient at her
slow pace, and eager to pass, pushed
her rudely aside, and she would have
fallen had not gentleman hurried for
ward, and with gentle hand restored
her to her equilibrium. The lady,
looking up quickly, caught the eye of
the man. and swift look OF recognition
passed between them, which was fol-
lowed by no outward demonstration OF
courtesy. On the face of one was hate,
on that of the other Contempt.
Leaning against a lig hted showcase,
Grace soon became lost in admiration
of the beautiful sights before her. The
gentleman standing near her watched
with intense interest and admiration
the beautiful, sad-faced girl who seemed
? to have forgotten her sorrows in tho en-
iovment of the beautiful things dis.
PLAYED in the window; then he started
forward to render her such assistance
as he could, for surely she must be ill.
Her gaze was fixed rs though it would
consume something before her, the
tears started to her eyes. and, placing
her hand to her head, she reeled as
though stunned.
Are you ill?" he asked, compassion
ately, and Grace, recognizing in him
the gentleman who had SO kindly as
sisted her but few moments before
answered ssNo" while the tears were
flooding her cheeks.
'I-T-was reading that poem, sir
| and"
II see," he answered, without allow
ing her to proceed; you were reading
that poem, and it was so very beautiful
that it made you cry. There is story
connected with that poem. will tel
it TO YOU" When he had finished hi
added: ''And there is handsome sun
: of money waiting at my office for thu
writer whenever she chooses to cal
for it"
9 "a sum-of-money?" But arac'
l. could say no more, for her voice wa
a choked with sobs, and she buried hel
a face in her hands.
Yes, sum of money" he answered
u puzzled at this demonstration of grief
+ why do you cry, my poor child? Arr
: you in need of money!"
:. Yes she answered, brokenly, ''ver.
|, much in need-of nioney-and Ii
Q am Grace Tremaine."
t Need the rest be told? a few year.
d later two women are obliged to NEE
d occasionally in society; one is unmar
ried. the other is the gifted and famou
s wife of Walter Fletcher, the wealth,
/" publisher.
If Can you guess which is the most sd
It mired by the world 1.-The once beautiful
h girl now hardened by disappointment
= and remorse, or the mild, happy fact
:, made radiant with lovo and good vii
q towards all.-Drake's Nagaipas