Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-27

49,
ever had ensued. Next. day de Burgh left
to return TO his regiment without a recon
ciliation, and Grace began to doubt II life
we're worth living.
1t was about a fortnight after, toward
the end OF which de Burgh wrote to the
object Of his rather fiery passion a p%enitent
letter, which revived her sinking spirits.
when one crisp. bright December day Dick
Ashton presented himself most unexpect-
edly-a stan in his hand and a 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 Of helm and
protection in his presence.
During the evening he addre ssed most
OF his conversation to Grannie-the old
lady seemed to be much cheered and in
torested.
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 articles
OF furniture and shabby woodwork-for
Ashton was a superior carpenter. Besides
this Ashton had a brief interview with
Grannie, who seemed in remarkably good
spirits, but, to Grace's surprise. after din
ner declared she had caught cold, so would
retire to her room and take her nap there.
Il do not think l ever knew Grannie do
such a thing before" said Grace. Il hope
she Is not ILL.,"
Whereupon Ashton spoke. First he told
OF a bit of good fortune which had befallen
nina crusty old Acquaintance, to whom
ne had shown some kindness. believing
him to be very poor, proved after death to
have bppn pof mar h,,4 r,g,.~1 - =
queathed all his savings to his artist friend.
1T is not a fortune concluded Ashton.
but two people Of moderate tastes and
habits can escape starvation on it. Then,
as 1t never rains but it pours, | have sold
a Few pictures and have a couple Of COM
missions for next year. Being thus pulled
up with conceit, especially with the con-
sclousness Of pockets not absolutely empty,
l nave resolved TO ask what / do not Tor
a moment think I deserve"
And that is?" asked Grace, with a
kindly glance from the soft, sad eyes she
uplifted to his.
by heaven, l can hardly venture to put
my wishes into words, Miss Norton-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. l want to
make a quiet, unpretending little home for
JNNf hti we DOl0 can take care OF
Grannie, and, oh, above all, l wan the
Infinite Joy Of your companionship. Do
not speak at once, dear. l see, feel you
are going to say nc. Think how much l
have at stake-and take time"
1T is useless to put off my answer" she
said in a low. reluctant voice. II am
quite sure you would be infinitely good to
any girl who was so fortunate as to call
you husband, but l must say mott is i'm
possible that l could ever be your wife"
What is the lnsuperable difficulty? Tell
me-have you promised yourself to de
Burgh?'
why do you ask?" exclaimed Grace,
with wide-open, startling eyes.
TIC answer your question would involve
a long explanation, but the instinct of
true love warns me what to fear. Then
l implore you-to try to put him out Of
your head. He will bring you only sor-
row."
Suddenly Ashton stopped and pressed his
hand to his brow. Fool, fool that l am
to dream Of turning you against the man
you love! / must -enounce all hope-yet
do not take everything from me. Forget
that l ever forced my foolish dreams and
desires upon you and treat me as IL was
a friend-a brother. All l ask is to be
of some use to you. and-Grace-you may
want me yet. I will never offend you
again."
But you have not offended me. You
why, Dick, you are not golng?"
Yes, for the present. l am stronger
than my neighbors. l want to be alone
but will come again soon. God be with
you, Grace"
He kissed her hand and was gone.
Grannie's surprise and regret knew no
bounds to find her guest had flown while
she slept.