The Globe-republican., 1890-12-24

as journalist and pu bliSher. he read
it again and again, and noticed the
name amended-such beautiful name,
too-Grace Tremaine-and such beau
tiful hand-delicate and sensitive, yet
full of character.
He wondered who the girl could be-
a genius undoubtedly-yet he had never
heard her name in literary circles, and
then the poem-surely it had never
been publisheG-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 proni-
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 a soft,
feathery snow fills the air, busy feet are
hurrying hither and thither, bright,
CHEEKY faces look out from woolen
hoods or rich seal-skins, men muffled up
in great coats, and happy children al
most lost in a wealth of plush and fur.
How joyful is the world! At least
Grace Tremaine thought so, with 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 a 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 a 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 lighted 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 the en-
joyment 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 i'll.
Her gaze was fixed as 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 'No," while the tears were
flooding her cheeks.
"I-I-was reading that poem, sir,
and"
Il 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
| it TO you" When he had finished he
added: "And there is handsome sum
of money waiting at my Office for the
| writer whenever she chooses to call
for it."
"a sum-of-money?" But Grace
could say no more, for her voice was
choked with sobs, and she buried her
! face in her hands.
! ''Yes, sum of money" he answered.
puzzled at this demonstration of grief.
why do you cry, my poor child? Are
you in need of money?"
Yes" she answered, brokenly, every
much in need-of money-and IL
am Grace Tremaine."
Need the rest be told? A few years
later two women are obliged to meet
occasionally in society: one is unmar-
ried, the other Is the gifted and famous
wife Of Walter Fletcher, the wealthy
| publisher.
! Can you guess which is the most adj
mired by the world-the once beautiful
girl now hardened by disappointment
and remorse, or the mild happy face
made radiant with love ana good Will
towards ll-Drake's Magazine