The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1897-04-28

| BebueI Win lut luNt ul dl HuhH9t hV'N /
all the luxury to which you have been
accustomed"
While thinking over the fond eX-
pressions of Mr.. Stanhope and the doc
tor and wondering if Mr., Oswald
love would outlye the change of for
tune also, letter was brought to her
from the latter, which quite settled
that question. 1t was as follows
My Dear Miss; Your communication
Of to-day has quite shocked me, and
hasten to sympathlze with you in your
disappointment, and | assure you | am
exceedingly sorry the law suit went
against you. Business prevents me
calling on you to-day, but will take an
early opportunity Of doing so.
am yours respectfully,
Hugh Oswald.
"Ono of the three disposed off,
thought she. Mr.. Oswald wanted my
wealth, that is evident, and is sorry the
law suit went against me, Very sorry,
no doubt. His candor is worthy Of
admiration; but how about the others
whose love is still undiminished?"
A few evenings afterward, in the
presence Of both lovers, neither of
whom had any idea that the other had
proposed, Edith expressed herself as
not feeling at all well, and retired. On
their calling to inquire for her the
next day they learned from Mrs. Gray
she was no better, but, on the contrary,
much worse, and under the care of her
physician, DR.. Musgrave. They would
see her, but the doctor had given posi-
tive orders that no one should be al
lowed to disturb her Every day
brought the two lovers, each to be an
swered as on the former one:
mot any better yet, and cannot see
you"
But one day to this was added the
further information, relative to her
ailment, that DR.. Musgrave said she
had the small pox.
This rather alarmed both gentlemen,
and the visits of Mr.. Stanhope became
less frequent; and when he learned in
confidence from Mrs. Gray that she
would be frightfully marked, he came
no more to inquire for her.
Not so, however, DR.. Norton. Day
after day he came to Mrs. Gray's, and
at length was gratifed to hear that
the doctor had expressed himself as
that the crisis was past and
she would recover.
During her conyalescence he was
very assiduous in his attentions, and
Mrs. Gray was made the bearer of many
tributes of affection to Edth-trifins
in themselves, but not, therefore, less
expressive of his feelings.
Il have good news for you to-day,
sir, said Mrs. Gray one morning as DR..
Norton entered.
81 am happy to hear you say SO.
What is it," /
Miss Lyle is able to be up. She is
out of bed"
That is good news, indeed, returned .
the doctor, "but l thought it might
have been more pleasing"
What did you expect?"
THAT should see her, perhaps"
"Oh, now, doctor, do have patience
yet a little longer, and no doubt you
shall. If she sees anybody, I know
she will see you.
IF she sees anybody? What do you
nean?"
"She is SO much changed in appear
lnce she don't care to see anyone who
las seen her before-her beauty is en-
irely gone"
Don't say entirely, Mrs. Gray The
eauty Of her soul remains, and is BEL
'ond the reach of every malady."
yes, that's SO. There, she is ring
ng for me. Excuse me, doctor"
Zone moment, Mrs. Gray. viii you
'lease ascertain when it is likely l may
zee Miss Lyle?"
Yes, doctor, if l possibly can"
Mrs. Gray soon returned, and said
Hiss Lyle had consented to see him the
evening at 8.
But l Just tell YOU" said Mrs. Gray,
S the doctor departed, you will be.
nuch surprised when you see her"
The next evening at 8, Dr. NortonI
vas at Mrs. Gray's, and was told by
hat lady that Miss Lyle was in the
arlor to receive him, but was in the
ark, as she did not wish the doctor on
rst entering to see the change in her
eatures. ,
When their first greeting was over :
nd Mrs. Gray had left them alone to- 4;
ether, Edith said: ;
Doctor, am fully sensible of your ;
eviction in continuing to address me ]
S usual, but it is unreasonable to ex- 6
ect your love, changed as now am t
Edith" replied he believe me, | [
peak the truth of my heart. l love [
ou now with the same strong, honest !
nd sincere love l have felt for you /
ON the first, and my only hope Of /
lrthly happiness is in your accept t
ace" r
But you have not seen my face, r
lmes.'
Nor shall the sight Of It, changed b
ough 1t be, in any way lessen my af- c
ction. Oh, Edith, my love!" he con- c
nued, think how anxious am await h
g your answer. Keep me no longer a
suspense. Promise to be my wife"
Trusting fully in your love, prom !
e, replied Edith, also rising and per-
lifting him to fold her to his bosorn a
And now, Edith, may see your Il
&c, may / not? Rest assured. my 4
ar, shall not alter my affection q
Very well, James, you shall" and Il
g called Mrs. Gray to come and light 9
e gas. Y