The record-union., 1896-05-24

spectators crowded around the pros
trate man, and the surgeon turned him
over to discover the wound. but could
find none. Presently Mr. Wallingford
opened his eyes, and they asked him
where he was hurt. He looked puzzled
for moment then muttering, Il am not
hurt" he got up and walked off the field
alone. His coward heart had failed him
before the calm courage of his opponent.
Not many days afterward Mr.. Wall
ingford found business to take him
away from the neighborhood. We
heard, some months afterward, that he
was married to a wealthy widow in Bos-
ton, but we never saw him in our part
of the country again.
Mr.. Spencer was, of course. the hero
of the hour, 1onized and honored by
every one. If he had chosen. he could
have had the pick of the bellies of the
country, even myself, if he had asked
me again. Thou wilt not betray my
confidence? l have told thee things
that even my locked journal does not
know. / have lived heart to heart with
my husband for over fifty years. and
know his every thought. but yet there
are some little things with which 1
but thou art a veritable Romish priest
for secrecy, so do trust thee. This was
the only duel fought for me- 1t is
dreadful, even now, to reflect that two
men took their lives in their hands for
my sake. If either had died, L think L
would have entered a convent, to spend
the rest Of my days in prayer.
Mr. Spencer and / remained good
LII
South, which journey he took in the
spring following the duel. His chival-
rous soul would not allow him to profit
by the advantage he had gained by his
display of bravery. Instead of renew
ing his suit to me, he treated me as a
brother. nor could [ desire a dearer
brother than himself. He perceived that
was interested in the SaXbys, and usu-
ally led our talk to his friends.
He told me a curious legend about
them, which I viii repeat. 1t seems
that the Saxbys had been Quakers ever
since the sect was first established,
always intermarrying with Quakers.
For a number of generations, there had
only been one son in each generation
to take the name. Daughters had been
born, but only one son. The legend Mr..
Spencer told me was that witch had
put a curse upon the family, to the effect
that the male line should never wax
greater, and that the family would die
for want of an heir to take the name
if ever a SaXby married any but a
Quaker. Mr.. Spencer says it is a coinci-
dence. and the coincidence has given
rise to the legend, and my husband says
it is the will of God, but these witches
have strange powers, and L have never
had a son.
My grandmother ceased speaking;
then appeared to listen, while pretty
color mounted to her cheek. ''IIe is COM
incl" she murmured. He must not see
my cap away!" so saying she stepped
to a mirror to adjust the cap of lace and
ribbons which she wore, one of the
"vanities" she affected to despise, yet
loved so dearly.
IF had become a Quaker" she con-
tinued, touching with deft fingers the
must have given up these gay colors,
and this cherry-red ribbon becomes me
Well!"
I now heard my grandfather's step
approach, and soon his tall form stood
in the door Mr. grandparents advanced
to meet each other with outstretched
hands to exchange the kiss without
which they never met or parted even for
the shortest interval, and so they stood.
smiling into each others eyes-lovers
still-New York Evening Post