The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-10-26

to the object of his rather fiery passion
penitent letter. which revived her
sinking spirits. when one crisp, bright
December day, Dick Ashton presented
himself most Unexpectedly staff in
his hand and knapsack on his back.
He had walked up from the nearest
station, some seven or eight miles, and
asked hospitality for the night. He
looked bright and well, and Grace was
conscious of a sudden sense # help
and protection in his presence.
During the evening he addressed
most Of his conversation to Grannie-
the old lady seemed to be much cheer
ed and interested.
Next morning was wet and blustry-
for a change of wind came in the night.
Still Grace and Ashton did not find
the time hang heavy. as they employed
themselves in repairing and painting
various broken articles of furniture and
shabby wood work-for Ashton was
superior carpenter. Besides this, Ash
ton had a brief interview with Gran
ME, who seemed in remarkably good
spirits, but to Grace's surprise, after
dinner declared she had caught cold.
so would retire to her room and take
her nap there.
Il do not think ever knew Grannie
do such a thing before" said Grace.
Whereupon Ashton spoke. First he
told of a bit of good fortune which had
befailen him-a crusty old acquaint-
ance, to whom he had shown some
kindness, believing him to be very poor,
proved after death to have been not
poor. but miserly, and bequeathed all
his savings to his artist friend. 1T is
not fortune" concluded Ashton, but
two people of moderate tastes and hab-
q CT rof 10 On
as it never rains but it pours, have
sold a few pictures, and have a couple
of commissions for next year. Being
thus puffed up with conceit, especially
with the consciousness of pockets not
absolutely empty, l have resolved to
ask what l do not for a moment think
l Deserve
And that is?" asked Grace. with
kindly glance from the soft, sad eyes
she uplifted to his.
by heaven, I can hardly venture to
put my wishes into words, Miss Nor
ton-Grace-the dream of my life for
the last two years has been to win you
for better, for worse, till death us do
part. / want to make a quiet, unpre-
tending little home for you, where we
both can take care of Grannie, and, oh
above all, l want the infinite joy of
your companionship. Do not speak at
once, dear; 1 see 1 feel you are going
to say no. Think how much have at
stake-and take time"
ut is useless to put off my answer"
said said, in a low, reluctant tone. II
am quite sure you would be infinitely
good to any girl who was so fortunate
as to call you husband, but 1 must say
mott is impossible 1 could ever be
your wife"
What is the insuperable difficulty?
Tell me-have you promised yourself to
de Burgh?"
why do you ask?'' exclaimed Grace,
with wide-open, startled eyes.
ITO answer your question would in
volve a long explanation; but the in
stinct of true love warns me what to
fear. Them implore you-to try to
put him out of your head. He will
bring you only sorrow"
Suddenly Ashton stopped, and press
ed his hand to his brow. Fool. fool
that ! am to dream of turning you
against the man you love! 1 must re-
nounce all hope-yet do not take every
thing from me. Forget that I ever
forced my foolish dreams and desire
upon you and treat me as if 1 was a
friend-a brother. All I ask is to be
of some use to you; and, Grace-you
may want me yet. 1 will never offend
you again"
But you have not offended me. You
why, Dick. you are not going?'
Eyes, for the present. l am stronger
than my neighbors. I want to be alone
but will S1me again soon. God be
with you, Grace"
He kissed her hand and was gone.
Grannie surprise and regret knew no
bounds to find her guest had flown
while she slept.