Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1912-03-08

Grangeiord's money no one but gAntie
Mrs. Stevenson and possibly the gen
tleman himself thought OF question
ing.
well, mother, II will seem good TO
have talk with Ralph. ] suppose !
must call him Mr.. Grangeford now
and am glad he Is still our friend
The bell rang before Sarah left the
table aud Ralph was soon hearing all
the details OF their changed condition
His unaffected interest and sincere
sympathy were real source OF com
fort to the two lonely women.
Ralph Grangeford was handsome
fellow. He had been travelling through
Africa. His own mothers fortune had
passed to him, her only child, and ne
had decided to take this trp before
settling down to the life OF Il country
gentleman-though that would never
be life of ideness In Ralphs case
Sarah and Ralph had been friends
since childhood, Then Ralph's trip
abroad had come and though he insist
ed that II WAS Sarahs duty to write
TO him she had only laughed and SAID
Il cannot spend my time III wrlllhe
letters TO wander over all Africa, and
never to he read by anyone When
YOU come back We can tell each other
our experiences,
So though several letters and some
curious articles of native make from
far.on Africa had reached Sarah,
Ralph received no response; and as
his srcpmother took pains that he
should not be informed Of the change
In the Stevenson household II was n
complete surprise to him.
Upon his family's return Ralph held
stormy interview with the second
Mrs. Grangeiord.
why did YOU not tell me OF Mr.
Slevenson's DEATH" he asked bluntly,
and his stcpmothcr tried to answer
carelessly, Really never thought that
that the matter could interest you
Ralph.
Hut this reply was not accepted. and
after several severe comments as to
her silence had been uttered by Ralph.
she lost patience and said cuttingly
What possible difference can II
make to YOU ii one of our village girla
who works Tor her living should have
lost parent? You can hardly expect
me TO know all the history Of the
lower classes
Pardon me, | fear We have both
lost our tempers,"
Had Mrs Glangeford been wiser
woman she would have realized that
she was taking just the way to bring
about the event which she dreaded
But, instead. she said 10 herself with
a satisfied smile. upon being left alone,
"A word IN season was all that was
required. that remark about the lower
classes has settled the matter ! am
sure
Il was early evening when Ra.pn
mother ana D. vas still early evening
when sharp ring came Al the Ste
ycusuns doorbc, and upon oIcnIE-
the door Sarah found herself clasped
In a pair of strong arms and heard
Ralph's voice say. Sarah, want YOU
10 marry me this minute You know !
have always loved YOU, and cannot
bear 10 see YOU living such hard
life Won't YOU come now to DR.
carleton and give me the right TO
take care Of YOU always"
Sarah, laughing and bushing tried
to free herself
Ralph, you must be crazy, she
said u have never thought Of mar.
rying anybody"
Think now, dear, of yourself and Of
your mother, but give me the right
to think of YOU both"
Here she comes to speak for her
self said Sarah, rs Mrs, Stevenson
voice was heard IN gentle as,onish
mcnt
Why. children, what is the mat
ter"
Il want Sarah TO marry me now
want YOU both to live with me al
ways explained kalph You know
have loved Sarah since We were
babies and ! want her for my own"
What does Sarah say" asked Mrs
Stevenson Satah's face was hid
den on her lovers shoulder.