The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-02-23


Charlie, I've been longing to hear
all about your old affair ever since you
came from Europe. You are not
such bud fellow, but tell you, boy,
you are degcncrating fast"
Just then Bob, in the unnatural ex-
element Of his unusual condition,
jumped from the bel and declared his
intention To have q moonlight ride IL
he rode the COW! The two friends
made faint pull at his sbirt-slccves as
he darted by, but he eluded them,
singing fragments Of song and raving
Of his love.
Soon he reappeared astlidc
half grown calf that roamed about the
yari, and his gestures were ludicrous
in the extreme.
Charlie Carroll, rising, said good
naturedly, "Will, I've never even
asked you the name Of your dulcinea,'
(Ethels heart stood still.) "Tll go
and look after that crazy boy and
come back to you presently"
Hampton sat for some minutes mu-
sing while in the distance were heard
Bo5's loud EXPLANATIONS, mingled with
milder tones Of remonstrance or per-
suasion. Then throwing himself on
the bed with the final consolation.
That will do. The cotton farm will
win her" Hampton was soon snoring
in a manner that was death to ro-
nance.
1t was long ere Ethel slept. but the
absent TO inmates did not return, and
she listened in vain.
Early next morning servant
brought her note. 1t was but
line:
81 have had long talk with Ran
dolph. He has told me all. Forgive
my blind folly. Come at once TO the
Field Spring Grotto if you ever loved
me. CuARLiE'
Trembling in every limb Ethel has
tily pursued the serpentine walk de-
serted at that hour and soon approach
ed the mouth Of the grotto. She saw
before her a pair Of outstretched
arms, face bcaming upon her a vol
ume of penitence and love, and the
! next moment the golden curls were
nesting on the manly breast that had
such an outpouring to lay before heI
faithfui, forgiving heart.
| Aud the shrubbery sprang back t.
its place over the cave yelling the low
ers from human eyes.
After breakfast Ethel had lonl
talk with her mother, which did no
close till third person had joinet
them, forgiven and reconciled.
The carriage was at the door, and
buggy freshly harnesse'l stood behin'
1t in readiness, while Ethel was in th
midst of friends uttering tender fare
wells. Just then a card was hande'
her. Reading the name she slight.
smiled, excused herself and returnes
to the parlor.
Advancing straight to Mr.. Hamr
ton, her persistent sutton, she extende'
her hand, and with Il charming smil
said,
"Goodbye, I'm but an Average Ken
lucky girl, but I'm proof even agains
, your cotton farm. With many thank
for your kindness ! still answer No.
; And with a merry glance into hi
, crimson, SPECIFICS face she Withdrew
, and rejoined her friends at the plat
form.
Bob was there sober and ashamed
: Stealing his opportunity he whispered
: "Pm all right now, and as happy a
most as if ] had won you myself"
D She gratefully pressed his hand an
gave him kind, sisterly farewell
saying, 1--WE shall meet again soor
Remember our compact
Hampton had followed, puzzled an
discomfted, and now stood among tn
group with assumed indifference; Blu
his face wore scowl and his heart wa
in tumult Of chagrin.
The coachman closed the carriag
, door and drove off with Mrs. Darling
her nurse aud child. Suddenly Char
lie Carroll stepped from the office, Al
sisted Miss Darling into the bugg,
!, took his place beside her and lifted hi
hat in adieu to the surprised compan,
Ethel glanced back, saw VIII HAM
, tons thunderstruck face, and smilin
Bob Randolph standing by pretty Ii
tie Minnie Fay.