The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-10-27

my absence. The next day set out for
another ride, not expecting second race,
of course; but turning my eyes to the op-
posite road soon discoved the same tall,
gentlemanly figure. little ahead. He
looked round in few moments, and seeing
/ was behind waited until came opposite,
thea raising his hat, he started with full
speed for the crossing. was soon more
than even with him, and Of course reached
the crossing first. Iquickly rushed behind
the shrubbery. Soon he came up, and was
puzzled as before at my strange disappear
ance. trembled for fear he would discev-
er me, but he never looked in the direction
of my hiding place. He soon went on,
when left my concealment, and gave him
another hearty laugh as passed.
The next morning set out again, for I
had become quite interested in this novel
acquaintance but to my great disappoint-
ment could see nothing of him. Somehow
my spirits fell. For shame. don't make q
fool of yourself, Fam" said ; and with this
resolve l cantered on quite briskly until
reached my hiding place. I had turned
round here, and was looking at the scenery,
when heard a slight noise. Looking up,
what was my astonishment to find my ae-
quaintance right in front of me, and gazing
at me with the most mischievous, rogueish
eyes that you ever beheld. Dick too seem
ed to have got on terms of intimacy with
his horse, for they had got their noses to-
gethcr and were carrying on a secret. tele-
graphic conversation altogether foreign to
me. l sat a moment, winding the lash Of
my riding whip round my finger, rather too
tightly TO be comfortable, fear and wish
ing myself thousand miles away. made
desperate attempt to fee: but Dick had
no notion of leaving his new acquaintance;
l was therefore left to my fate. / glanced
again at the stranger, after making this
frutless attempt. He smiled at the look Of
despair depicted on my countenance, and
with quiet good morning" asked me how
| enjoyed my ride. While was ansewing
him he started his horse. and Dick followed
without any trouble. was at first annoy
ed, almost angry, but Dick. for once, would
have his way; and at last, making a merit
of necessity, fell into tete-Q -tete with tho
horseman. 1t was not long before made
the interesting discovery that he was the
same Colonel Parkes that had SO much
stunned the day or two before.
From that time we used to meet every
morning. | do not doubt but there were
good many silly things said between U.s.
At any rate, one afternoon, who should
drive up to the door but Colonel Parkes
wishing to see father. How my heart beat,
as, leaning over the balustrado. at the head
of the stairs, heard this Inquiry! Tho
gentlemen went into tho library, and when
they came out father was rubbing his hands
and looked very much pleased about some
thing. was called Immediately.
Here you are, you little witch, to an
swer for yourself" he said. s.-.
'She has already severed me" said the
colonel, taking my hand in his. -.
Pa laughed, and, giving me pinch, said
was "a sly Puss in Boots"
We had a very quiet wedding. Neither
of US has ever regretted the step. Soon
after our marriage, was looking at my
little locket, and thought would show the
treasure t" my husband, telling him the
history Of it, and also my little story of its
being my future husbands miniature. AS
he took it. | saw look of wonder on his
face. With a mysterious smile, he asked
me if did not think it resembled him.
1T is," he said, "a locket my mother used
to wear, which has been lost for years.
Pa says that after this he will believe any
story l may tell, however preposterous.