Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1875-02-06
written for the cLAnxsvrELE cHnoN1cLE
ESTES CONFESSION.
BY REUBA.

~ y
keeping it general to avoid being alone
with Nelson; LeMays. perceiving it,
assisted her all he could by addressing
himself to her particularly. After
they had retired from the parlor Nell
son went to Albert's room, where he
found Albert enjoying hiscigar.
mo intrusion, I hope" said he, as
he entered.
"None whatever. Come in and have
smoke with me-"
Having taken cigar, he said:
Albert, l have met great many
ladies iu my life, but Ibelieve Miss
Willard to be the most lovely woman
l ever saw; l am anxious to renew our
engagements, and I am almost certain
that she is desirous Of the same thing.
If l do, will you congratulate me, my
dear friend?" said he. watching Albert
closely to see the effect of his words.
When he had finished, Albert replied:
THAT l will most cheerfully do,
Howard. If you are both desirous I
can see nothing to prevent the consum-
nation of your wishes; she is most
splendid woman and will make you a
good, true wife,"
For some minutes there was silence.
Then Nelson said: -
ALBERT, / don't much like your
friend LeMays.'
why! Howard, he is one of the
most noble, true hearted men l ever
knew" .s
"That may possibly be so, but to my
mind he is decidedly toe officious; he is
continually interrupting my attentions
to Virgin. l have several times been
on the point of insulting him, but
through respect to you and our kind
host have restrained myself"
Thank you, Howard, for your con-
sideration. Probably he is himself in
love with Miss Willard. He intimated |
as much to me before you came"
II will see thathe interferes but little |
with me hereafter"
Don't do anything rash, Howard"
Il will not. So soon as Miss Will
lard returns from her home / will as
certain how We are to regard each |
other, and if she loves me as I hope |
she does, will inform him that his !
absence will be more acceptable than
his presence.
Intimate to him that such is the
fact and he will trouble you no more,
l will answer for that"
The young men parted for the night,
Howard Nelson returning to his room;
when he reached it, he said to himself,
81 wonder why it is that Virginia Will
lard treats me so coolIy when we are
alone. l wonder if LeMays has been
talking to her about me; he sees that
Albert loves her, and, fool-like, he
would do anything to serve him; that
is why he is continually thrusting him
self upon our privacy. | would like
to teach him manners, but / must
my resentment till l set this
misunderstanding between myself and
Virgin Alright, then lie had better mind
how he crosses me. Albert Leigh
loves Virgin with an intensity that is
perfectly startling, but so high is his
sense of honor that he would not
it to her for the world so long
as he believes that want her. shall
be very careful to keep him under that
Ha! ha call that beau
is, on my side. / hate
LeMays; his cool affrontery almost
makes me lose my patience" These
thoughts occupied Nelson's brain un-
til he fell asleep.
LeMays had from the first felt a
slight distrust of Nelson, and had
watched him closely. He saw how
,oolly he had set himself to work to
deceive Albert Leigh. This distaste
grew into positive aversion, which he
took no great pains to conceal from
Nelson. He saw that Virgin did not
treat Nelson with that cordiality that
indicates a free welcome He knew
his friend Albert loved her and when
be could do so without rudeness, he
would interrupt his conversation with
her; he was sure that Virgin had on
several occasions been grateful to him
for so doing.
Mrs. Leigh called the young ladies
into her room and had long CONVEX
,ation with them; she had known Vir-
gins father and mother for many
years; before they parted she said:
Virgin, present my kindest regards
10 your parents, and say to them that
[ viii be pleased to see them before l
return hone."
81 will, Mrs. Leigh, and they will be
happy to hear from you and to see you
again. Please visit them before you
leave, though you will find them
greatly changed in appearances as
we'll as circumstances.
Brother Eldred has told me ofyour
father's misfortune. Now, goodnight,
will not see you before you leave as
brother told me you would start very
early in the morning"
Early next morning Maj. Lynns
carriage was driven to the door, and as
the Major was handing Virginia into
it Nelson came out and asked if it !
were not possible to store him in there
some way.
mo. replied the Major, you young
gentlemen make yourselves contented
here; am going to have Virginia all
to myself" They then drove rapidly
away.
On the evening of the party at Mr..
Daneys', Albert drove out to Mr.. Will
lard's for. Virgin. Mr.. Willard had
been merchant in New Or
leans, but by too liberal system of
dealing, he had been ruined some years
ago. After paying off all his liabili-