The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-03-30

mean to see Richard Grey the next day.
A little absence would only make my
presence dearer, and l was going to try
it upon him.
"If Mr.. Grey calls this morning say
TO him that | am indisposed, will YOU,
Aunt Hyde?" / said, as we rose from
breakfast.
eyes; for you do look tired"
went into the library, and, hunting
out the most exciting novel could find,
began TO read. The sun was hardly
three hours high when Richard Grey's
voice sounded at the door; and then |
heard his horse canter down the ave-
nue., but did not change my position.
II would not do to satisfy my inclina-
tions now. When he sound died away
| went on steadily with my reading
again. Ia the evening the gentleman
called to see how | was.
" Better" heard my aunt say, "but
not in the parlor this evening"" and he
took his departure.
was ready the following morning
! early, but none too soon. He was inn
patient 70 see me, and his eager greet
| ing would have been fattering indeed
| if had not held what he meant un-
doubtedly should be kept a secret from
me. My days absence had had the de-
sired effect, and either his soul lied or
he did love me-
4" receive foreign letter every We'd
nesday. Let us ride by the office, if you
WILL" | said as we started off.
Il" Certainly" he answered, ,eyeing me
closely. "YOu have friends abroad.
then?"
"Yes. / never told you of my Cousin
Ernest? | thought l had. Heis an art
ist, and has been travelling in Europe a
year or more. We are all in all to each
other"
His lips closed curiously and his face
grew a trihe cooler, though his eyes
seemed to burn as they looked into mine.
"NO; you have never spoken of him" "
"a mistake of mine," [ answered.
He handed me the letter from the
Postmaster's hands, with a half frown
upon his face.
81 am getting jealous" he said,
partly in jest, but more in earnest.
"Ha, hal" laughed; ''and well you
may be-" Then, opening it and reading
a few sentences, added, "He is going
to be here next week"
"He is your cousin, you say?"
ayes; at your service"
What he had upon his lips l could
only Judge from his looks, for | began
at once a long string of small talk that
ended only when we reached home.
For the next week l treated him to
love and Indifference alternately, keep
ing him all the time at bay, so that he
could not approach me nearer than
willed until he was half mad with fear
and love. | had not meant to marry
this cousin, who had been a persistent
suitor as well, until learned what Dead
Sea apples l had been eating from
Richard Grey's hands; that knowledge
changed my intentions. When l met
him after his long absence his anxious
queStionings were answered without a
word. He knew | would be his wife
then.
was not at home to Richard Grey |
for two weeks after Ernest's arrival; |
but at the end of that time l was ready |
to meet him, and went down at once as !
soon as he called.
81 have wanted to see you very much, |.
Margaret" he said, bending over my
hand. why have you denied me ad-
mittance so long?''
ard, l answered slowly, lingering ten
derly over his name; " but these we'd
dings make such a disturbance"
He started violently, but | went on
speaking in the same even tone.
81 should have sent you these" hold |
ing out the invitation cards, "but | |
hoped each day that l should see you
the next, and give them myself, so it |
was delayed until now" and handed |
them to him.
He threw them down, and put his foot |
upon them quicker than lightning.
"Is this true, Margaret?n burst from
his lips.
"True? OF course tits. Why do you
ask?"
"And you have dared to throw it in
my face like this, as if had never loved |
you?"
was careful to keep my tones cool |
and even as before.
"My dear Mr. Grey, you are to mar
ry your cousin, and l mine. Surely, |
you did not think l would love you when
| knew you were the betrothed of an
other? And l could not be so vain as
to think you cared for me at all when
YOU loved her so well. A harmless fir |
tation; and we both understood it to |
perfection, think. :"
His face was like dead mans face,
as he staggered from the room. All,
revenge is sweet, after all Who says /
il is not?