The age-herald., 1899-04-30

which monopolized a whole block on the edge of town. Though the house and the grounds wero beautifully kept, the colonial ensemble was not marred by modern im- provements. so called. VIII pointed out the hole shot through the white column of the porch by Wikou's Raiders, as they are stin called around Selma. For thirty-odd years this had remained a mute reminder of the horfQrs of the past; but, strange to say. the clustering ivy that had been creeping to- ward 1t all this time had only reached the gaping wound during this year that found north and south again united against 1 coA..lon foe. The interior of Fernvale pre- sented a mixture of colonial and modern ideas that would have driven distracted a sickler of unity of period, but which had a charm all its own for others.
 Madame Davenport was a grand dame or the ancient regime intensely interes ing to Gilbert as a literary man in search of material, but rather chilling from the mat rimonial viewpoint he was rapidly reach- ing. Then there was that tale Haat the captain had told him of the old lady's undying hatred of the union. In the spring of '9S when the whole south was fired with patriotism by the sinking of the Maine, nearly every merchant raised the sars and stripes over his store Madame Daven- ports carriage drew uD in front of the place she had patronized for thirty years, Tn order that she might do her spring shopping, but the fiuttering flag met her eyes and she sank back in the scat Beck oning one of the clerks to her carriage she asked him to have her bill made out, as she wished to close her account with a confederate veteran who could fly the un- ion flag-she had never passed under it, and she never would!
 Grace and Will deplored th.s greatly but respected the feelings of one who had look ed on scenes their young eyes had been spared. To their delight, Madame's resen- ment lessened as the war progressed anu the glorious heroes of Santiago had on more ardent admirer, though she insisted that Alabama's general, Wheeler, won l. u victory. All bitterness almost returned, however, when Speaker Reed refused to recognize the little general on the floor of congress; but, as she did not really be- leve Wheeler was entitled to a position in I both the army and the house. she recoverel from this relapse sooner than Grace had expected.
 Gilbert Grayson fingered from day to day from week to week, thoroughly intoxicated with Grace's beauty and brisliancy; in fact charmed with the whole family and their social surroundings. He made many ex- cuses about writing up this or that but his real reason was perfectly patent to every one; its reception was varied; from many he received encouraging glances, and from several young men dark scowls.
 But the Davenports? Well, it was hard to judge. Madame was perfectly courteous, but noncommittal. Grace apparently con st; c>::cd 2Mr. Grayson delightful but tram sltory, acquaintance, and remained o5stin- l ately blind to anything serious on his part
 Will however, seemed little more ap- proachaole, and at the end of a few weeks l Gilbert confided to him a secret-that had been public property some time.
 A fellow feeling makes US wondrous kind;' and did not Will hope in the fall to transplant his cherished Rosa from Ma mo-, | forests to Alabama's gem soil? As for the 1 madame, Will assured Gilbert that while theoretically she hated the yankees, indi- Vidually she liked every one she had ever l met-some eight in number.
 Gilbert could not finger longer without 1 hope and retain his self-respect; so he con- cluded to put it to the touch, to win or to lose all, as he and Grace stroilel to the | house from a game of tennis at the foot I of the lawn She was idly swinging her | racquet, when he unexpectedly announced | that he would leave the next day. |
 The sudden southern twilight had deep | ened so he could not little change in her l face, and after a moment she asked: I
 Do you continue idling through the south or return north?''
 No he answered with unnecessary vigor. "No l am going straight home; for the south has proved my best friend or my bitterest foe. It is for you to deeide.' l
 Grace could not evade this as readily as. 1 usual, but timidly asked:
 Why speak of bitterness?"
 For Gods sake don't trifle with mel Do you realize the hope contained in your words?"
 "Yes," answered Grace softly, with an adorable blush, "but it's real mean in voo to make me admit it," she added, laughing nervously.