Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-04-01


your person" said Mr.. stanhope. "apd
az my wife can promise you, 10
gether with the love Of an honest heart.
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 IL Mr.. Oswald's
love would outlive the change Of for
tune also, letter was brought to her
from the latter. which quite settled
that question. II was as follows:
My Dear Miss: Your communication
of to-day has quite shocked me. and
hasten to sympathize with you In your
disappointment, and l assure you l 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.
"One of the three disposed Of"
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 DIR. 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, DIR. Norton. Day
after day he came to Mrs. Gray's, and
at length was gratified to hear that
the doctor had expressed himself as
confident that the crisis was past and
she would recover.
During her convalescence he was
very assiduous in his attentions, and
Mrs. Gray was made the bearer of many
tributes of affection to Edith-trifing
in themselves, but not, therefore, less
expressive of his feelings.
II have good news for you to-day
sir" said Mrs. Gray one morning as Dr.
Norton entered.
II 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?"
nat Il 5HOulu ste ntI, perhaps.
"Oh, now, doctor, do have patience
yet little longer, and no doubt you
shall If she sees anybody, know
she will see YOU
"If she sees anybody? What do you
mean?"
"She is so much changed in appear
ance she don't care to see anyone who
has seen her before-her beauty is en-
tirely gone"
Don't say entirely, Mrs. Gray. The
beauty of her soul remains, and is be-
yond the reach of every malady."
Eyes, that's so. There. she is ring
ing for me. Excuse me, doctor"
"One moment, Mrs. Gray. Will you
please ascertain when it is likely l may
see Miss Lyle?"
Yes, doctor, If possibly can"
Mrs. Gray soon returned, and said
Miss Lyle had consented to see him the
following evening at g.
"But just tell you," said Mrs. Gray,
as the doctor departed, you will be
much surprised when you see her,
The next evening at 8, DR.. Norton
was at Mrs. Gray's, and was told by
that lady that Miss Lyle was in the
parlor to receive him, but was in the
dark, as she did not wish the doctor on
first entering to see the change in her
features.
When their first greeting was over
and Mrs. Gray had left them alone to-
gether, Edith said:
Doctor, i am fully sensible of your
devotion in continuing to address me
as usual, but 1t is unreasonable to ex-
pect your love. changed as now l am"
Edith" replied he, believe me, I
speak the truth of my heart. / love
you now with the same strong, honest
and sincere love / have felt for you
from the first, and my only hope of
earthly happiness is in your accept
ance.'
But you have not seen my face,
James,"
Nor shall the sight of 1t, changed
though it be, in any way lessen nay af-
lection. Oh, Edith, my love," he con-
tinued, think how anxious am await
ing your answer. Keep me no longer
in suspense. Promise to be my wife,"
Trusting fully in your love, prom
ise,' replied Edith, also rising and per-
hitting him to fold her to his bosom.
And now, Edith. may see your
face, may l not? Rest assured, my
dear, shall not alter my affection"
Very well, James, you SHALL" and