Smyrna times., 1868-07-01

promised to take you out riding the very first
suitable day? The air is as balmy as MAY. and
we will have a fine drive" said Hattie one
morning after my late breakfast The sun
seemed III an unusually genial mood, and pour
ed hlS warm, enliycning beams into the bay
wn!owed library, lighting up old volumes,
playing hide and go-SrrE with lace and 'lqmaSk
drapcly, lrradiatlng the bouquets Of roses 80
layl>hy suinklcd under our feet. and detpcil-
ing for while the miserable discomfort which
had taken such firm possession of my soul So.
III lnnumerable wrappings-looking more like
an Egyptian mummy than soldier ofthe Army
OF the Pntomac-l took my place in the car
rage. Hattie handled the ribbons with a pro-
teSslonal air that set me wondering again-aS
much at home driving as making jelly
Now, dtobert, isn't this lovely? Do you
not feel ever so much stronger? You will gain
very rapidly when the weather allows you to
ride every day." and so Hattie ratified on,
tucklng in the robe now and then, endeavoring
III her sweet, womanly manner to make me en-
tlrcly comfortable.
But you seem abStractcd, Robert Not
blue, | hope, this beautiful day ?'
No, Hattie not blue, but thoughtful, 4"
unaccountably mpelled to utter the feelings of
my soul.
Life is very pleasant, but | have been so
long drOne In the great hive that | feel |
ought to be very willing to give it up, instead
Ot holding on to it SO tenaciously."
Give it up, Robert? What do you mean 2"
and the little hands closed systematically over
the relns, bringing the well-trained animal to
a full stop
"Only this, Hattie. l am certainly nat i'm
proving and the chances are decidedly against
me. wish | could look my position tull in
the face like i man; but"
'Oh, Robert ~ said She, interruptng me,
her beautiful eyes swimming with tears -
lleaae do not say any more on that dreadful
subject. 1ou shall get well | am sure of it,
dear
The only incentive | have to recovery is
ambition, | continued but some way that
falls to arouse my wlll-powcr. Sometimes |
think II had some one who loved me tOndly
Whose life was SO bound up in mine that ex-
lstence without me would be uncndurable-I
might rally but to have nothing worth living
Tor makes my case hopeless
My companion was now weeping bitterly.
Il had no idea my remarks would pain YOU
thus, Hattie. You are u kind hearted, loving
little woman, and Frank has won u prize in the
great lottery of lie. | have never congratulate
ed either of you, because you have kept the
affair 50 private
What do you mean, Robert? 'Coagratu-
dteci| You speak in riddles - and the biz
brown eyes looked bcscechlng!y into mine.
Are You not engaged TO Perry, Hattie Hert-
lord?'
No, Sir!" without removing her eyes from
mine. What ever put ouch an idea into your
head :"
but that diamond ring, my dear child?"
is one my father gave me years ago. Did
you think 1t the symbol OF my bclrothalY'
My a>tonl>hmcnt can be better imagined
than described | tried to think clearly-to
be careful OF exposing my feelings | tried
to remember that was an invalid, with only
a slight hold upon life; but loves impulsive-
ness was uncontrollAblc, and when Hattie add
ed, Il was never cngased-neyer yet in my
lie told man loved him, could not help
saying, softly,
Neither have | ever whispered love to NOR
tai woman; but now tell you that love YOU
Would You could rcciprOcatc!"
"Iadeei do! Robert, will you live for
me p was my darling reply. And here am
to day, hale and hearty.