The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-04-13

away Wild n possibility OF having my
sentiments ascribed toany merceaary
motive"
"The loss of your wealth by no
means detracts from the beauty of
your person." eaid MI. Stanhope, land
as my wife I can promise you, to-
gether with the love of an honest heart.
all the luxury to which you have been
accustomed"
While thinking over the fond ex-
p%ressions of Mr.. 8tanhope and the doc
tor, and wondering if Mr.. Oswald's
love would outlive the change of for
tune also, q letter was brought to her
from the latter, which quite settled
that question. 1t was as follows:
Ny Dear Miss: Your communication
Of today has quite shocked me, and I
hasten to sympathize with you in your
disappointment, and l assure you I am
exceedingly sorry the law suit went
against you. Business prevents me
calling on you today, but I will take
an early opportunity of doing 30.
lam yours respectfully,
Hugh Oswald.
Zone of the three disposed Of"
thought che. Mr.. Oswald wanted my
wealth, that is evident, aud is sorry the
law suit went against me. Very sorry,
no doubt. His candcr is worthy of
admiration; but how about the others
whose love is etill undiminished9"
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 we'll, and retired. On
their calling to inquire for her the
next day they learned from Mrs. Gray
she was no better, but, or the contrary,
much worse, and under the al of her
physician, Dr.. Musgrave. They would
see her, but the doctor had given posi-
tive orders that no n should be al
lowed TO disturb her. Every day
brought the two lovers, each to be an
swered as on the former one:
Not any better yet, and cannot see
you"
But one day to this was addaTvthe
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.. S;anhope became
lees 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
confident hat 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 Edlth-trifing
In themselves, but not. therefore, less
expressive of his feelings.
Il have good news for you today,
sir" said Mrs. Gray morning as
DR.. Norton entered.
Il am happy to hear you say so.
What is it,
miss Lyle is able to be up. She ie
out of bed"
''ThRt is good news, indeed" return
ed the doctor, but I thought it might
4 houo hoor morn ploouTp0 -
What did you expects"
THAT I should see her, perhaps"
"On, now, doctor, do have patience
yet a little longer, and no doubt you
shall. If she sees anybody, 1 know
she will see you"
If she sees anybody2 What do you
means"
"8he 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, MIS-, Grey. The
beauty Of her soul remains, and is be
yond the reach of every malady."
Yes, that's so. There, she is ring
ing for me. Excuse me, Doctor"
Zone moment, Mrs. Gray. Will you
please ascertain when it is likely I may
see Miss LyIe8"
Yes, doctor, if / possibly can"
Mrs. Gray soon returned, snd said
Miss Lyle bad consented to see him the
following evening at s..
But 1 just tell you, " said Mrs. Gray,
as the doctor departed, you will be
much surprised when you see her"
The next evening at s, DR.. Norton