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When the old man was buried, he would settle the estate, sell the land, make some provision for Aunt Viney, and then, with what was left, go out into the world and try to make a place for himself and Graciella. For life intrudes its claims even into the presence of death. When the doctor came, a little later, Ben went with him into the death chamber.
Graciella could always be had, and the colonel, who did not like to drive alone, found her a vivacious companion, whose naïve comments upon life were very amusing to a seasoned man of the world. She was as pretty, too, as a picture, and the colonel had always admired beauty with a tempered admiration.
She had played wall-flower for several years, but now that she was sure of a partner, it was a real sacrifice not to attend the ball. But Graciella was young, and in such matters youth has a prior right; for she had yet to find her mate. Graciella magnanimously offered to remain at home, but was easily prevailed upon to go.
The colonel took a personal part in the effort to procure signatures, among others that of old Malcolm Dudley and on the morning following the drive with Graciella, he drove out to Mink Run to see the old gentleman in person and discover whether or not he was in a condition to transact business.
And then, you know," he added, hesitating, "we may we may find the money." Graciella shook her head compassionately. "No, Ben, you'll never find the money. There isn't any; it's all imagination moonshine. The war unsettled your uncle's brain, and he dreamed the money." "It's as true as I'm standing here, Graciella," replied Ben, earnestly, "that there's money gold somewhere about the house.
I'd have asked the colonel for something in the mill but that chance is gone." "Gone," echoed Graciella, gloomily. "I see my fate! I shall marry you, because I can't help loving you, and couldn't live without you; and I shall never get to New York, but be, all my life, a poor man's wife a poor white man's wife." "No, Graciella, we might be poor, but not poor-white!
It was not unnatural for Graciella to think that this acquaintance might be of future value; she could scarcely have thought otherwise. If she should ever go to New York, a rich and powerful friend would be well worth having.
Treadwell had not come down, nor had Graciella returned. They went into the parlour. Miss Laura turned up the lamp. Graciella had run over to a neighbour's to meet a young lady who was visiting a young lady who was a friend of Graciella's. She had remained a little longer than she had meant to, for among those who had called to see her friend's friend was young Mr.
We have lost a great deal, although we still have enough yes, we have plenty to live upon, and to hold up our heads among the best." Miss Laura and Graciella, behind the colonel's back, exchanged meaning glances. How well they knew how little they had to live upon!
Most men married for beauty, and Graciella had been told that beauty that matured early, like her own, was likely to fade early. One humiliation she was spared. She had been as silent about her hopes as Miss Laura was about her engagement.
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