Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1871-08-26

of Adams, but Palmer broke forth
saving: ''Harry, be not fiattered,
you have not thought of WilmOt
Evans, who think Is Maud's prom
ised husband"
Thus they began, and from slight
remarks generated a foolish quar-
rel.
Hilary Adams had been q close
observer, he would have detected
in Palmer's voice, during his apollo
( gy, a touch of irony. Palmer was
not one TO be easily vanquished by
an opponent; so falling to gain his
point by physical means, he deter
mined to adopt another course. His
apology was the prelude, and he
was satisfied with the beginning.
Adams had no reason to fear Pal
mer's influence. lie knew that the
! gentleman was no general favorite;
thus he trusted in his envied situa-
ton.
Tall oaks from little aeorns
grow" saith the adage, and SEEM
ingly 10 verify this, Palmer rapidly
grew into Maud's favor.
Never was mortal so much sur
| prised as Adams, when he realized
this fact. Nay, he would hardly be-
lieve his eyes when he saw Maud
and Palmer walking near the lake
shore every day.
The summer passed away. Au-
tumn came, bringing pleasure 10
some, but pain TO others. Maud
had returned TO the city, without
once hearing from : -Wilmot Evans.
Autumn indeed brought pain TO her.
Letter after letter she directed to
Rome, where Wilmot told her he
would 60 No answer. Could he
have forgotten herg Thus the au-
| tumn went by and winter came;
still no word from the absent one.
Christmas arrived, with its thou
sand rejoicings. An elegant party
was given by Maud. Adams and
j almer were both there, and be-
| ! re supper hour Maud had receiv-
10Th their declarations of love.
| Her answer was, "wait until this
| time u year"
1t was long time to wait; but
how many have waited even ten
years, and then not obtained their
hearts object?
Spring, summer and autumn again
came. Not line from Wilmot Ev-
ans. Maud often heard indistinct
murmers of a wonderful artist that
was soon to visit America. But
what cared she? She did not know
that the Public's admired one was
her one Wilmot. She did not know
that his letters had been intercepted
by Harry Adams. Neither did
Adams know that his reputation
had suffered considerable at the
hands of Frank Palmer.
Christmas eve came. By a SEEM
ingly strange coincidence, the two
aspirants for the hand of Miss Ew-
ing, called at the same hour at the
residence of that lady. Each re-
manned in the parlor, wishing the
other to go. When nine O'Clock
struck a ring was heard, and 10!
Wilmot Evans entered the room.
"Welcome, Wilmotl" said Maud;
and then turning to Palmer and
Adams, gently remarked: "Gen-
tlemen, promised to give you an
answer tonight. Mr.. Adams, your
interception of Wilmot's letters has
availed you naught. And you, Pal
mer; you slandered Harry Adams To
no purpose. Do not think that L
should have married either OF you.
kept you in suspense on account
of the Joy exhibited by you at the
departure of Wilmot from the farm
house by the lake. Your deceit has
been discovered. Wilmot has ex-
planned all to-day. L have one re-
quest TO make of you. viii you not
be present at our wedding?"
Palmer and Adams, however
were not present.
Just before Wilmot and Maud
started on their bridal tour, old Mr..
Ewing said:
"Wilmot, my bov, why did you
not ask me for Maud when you
were poor? should have given her
for | have always loved you the
same"
"Pride, Mr.. Ewing, PRIDE" was
the significant answer.