The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-04-18

stolen in upon them unawares. who
put the question.
I'VE were talking about leaving our
home. Rafe Vondeldorf. Do you know
it would break my fathers heart to
leave the old place.
You need not leave it, Miss Rita
II am Lot speaking of myself, but of
him. His peace Of mind is dearer to
me than my own pleasure. A thousand
times dearer"
There IS a way to insure 1t.
There may be more ways than one,'
she said, thoughtfully.
"Why look further, Rita? You can
pay your fathers debt, if you will
Did you know, when you came here.
Rafe Vondeldorf. that l had promised
to be Gustave FEEDERS wife,
IL had heard such a rumcr,' he
replied, stammering.
1T is not rumor merely, but truth!
Would you make a pcrjured woman
your wife,
Il would do anything to win you,
Rita. You shall pay me for the old
mortgage"
Il have no money said Rita, cold
~.
But your dear little hand, fair Rita
that is rs good as gold"
AS good as gold!
What put those words into his
mouth, Little he knew, as he stood
watching her delicious young beauty
with eager eyes, Of the train OF
thought he had started!
"How long will you give me to de-
cide?' she asked in low voice.
You may choose your own time.
But if your answer is no. the mill
must be soldw
You may go now, and week from
tonight will give you my answer"
There was nothing els for him to
do, for Rita had turned her back on
him. and was leaning over her father
with flushed but eager face.
He drew fierce breath Of desire,
as he thought to himself what treas
ure he would gain. and then turning
away, went down the valley out Of
sight. Rita's heart was dancing with
in her, for she remembered she had
what was as good as gold, and that
with that treasure, she could buy her
father full cup Of joy.
The next day Rita was missing
from the mill, and neither her father,
Gustave, nor Rafe Vondeldorf knew
where to look for her. Just as they
were preparing to search for her,
Gustave received a note, saying the
wedding outfit was purchased, and
lie should be at the mill with their old
pastor, the next night.
"Gustave, she will marry Rafe. She
is cruel to ask you to come"
But Gustave trusted the girl he
loved, and so he waited patiently for
Der arrival.
Just at dusk she came home, and
after kissing her old father and put
ting in his trembling hand purse Of
gold, she turned to Gustave, who was
watching her curiously.
Eustaye. will you make me your
wifs tonight, and come to help father
with the mill!'
"Yes-but-take off the little cap,
Rita. II makes you look so odd
My little cap" laughed Rita. THAT
is to be the badge Of my wifehOod,
Gustave. You must learn to like it."
Then Rita stood up with her lover,
and promised to be his true and loving
wife; over them the good old pastor
stretched his hands in blessing, and
the old father kissed them and called
them his children.
Then Rita took off her odd little cap
and burst into tears.
My glory is gone, dear Gustave. Do
you love me less:"
"Ritaw screamed her father, you
have sold your beautiful golden hair!
The golden glory that wrapped you
ike n veil is gone.'
But Gustaye held her in mis- strong
arms and kissed her, and so she found
courage to tell the story:
How the old merchant who had
stopped ut their house one night, had
looked at her wonderful hair, and Of
fered her two hundred and fifty dol
lars for it, telling her that in al, his
life he had not seen such treasure.
1T is as good as gold" he had said.
and when Rafe had used the same
words, accidentally, the thought had
flashed through her mind that so she
could redeem the dear home, and mar
~ her Gustave.
Rafe VondeldOrf was bitterly en-
ragged, when he came for his answer,
to lind Rita already bride, and he
took the money obtained in such
strange way, with a very bad grace;