The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1877-07-26

Half way down the village was a
pleasant lane runnidg between some
farm lands, shaded by trees OH either
side, whose projecting branches met
overhead. Ii had been christened by
the more romantic Of the young people,
"Loye Lane;" and somehow Maud's
footsteps had instinctiyely turned in
that direction of late. She had just
gained it this time, when she heard
footsteps behind her, and as they drew
nearer, she turned, with conscious
flush, to meet Mr.. Reynolds.
For moment, seized with a fit of
sudden shyness, she would have hur-
ried on; but, as if anticipating her pur-
pose, he stepped forward and inttfccp-
ted her.
''Don't run away, Miss Maud {. Won't
you permit me TO share your stroll."
he said, with that easy, confident air,
which seemed to substantiate his claim
to being person of importance.
81 don't know that have any Objec-
tions," Maud stammered, trying to
laugh in order to hide her confusion.
"Thanks ~
He walked on by her side for few
moments in silence, then bent a signifi-
cant look upon her.
"They tell me that this pleasant little
ramble is called Love Lane, Miss Stan
wood"
"Yes, some of our young folks called
it so in sport, and the name seems to
cling to it,"
"And it has decided the future des-
tiny of many couple, dare say" pur-
sued Mr.. Reynolds.
81 don't know but it has, admitted
Maud. ~
"Shall il decide Ours?" her compan-
ion said, bending his head suddenly to
look into her tell-tale face, SAY, Maud,
shall we date our happiness from this
auspicious place?"
3 Maud trembled and turned partly
away from him for a moment, her
fathers swords Of ,disapproval and ad-
mOnition yet ringing in Vher ears But
what young, impulsive girl is willing
TO, believe anything detrimental to the
man who has captiyated her youthful
fancyi rA
"Will you not speak, Maud 2" Rey-
mold urged. "Look into my face, dar-
ling, and see how love you, and tell
me that you will be minen'
| His arm stole around her waist, his
other hand held hers fast. Maud's fool
ish little heart beat like trip-hammer
under the magnetism of his presence.
Everything else was forgotten, and
with a low whispered eyes heBhead
sank on his shoulder.
"My darling! will see your father
atgpnce, and have alls settled without
delay" 6 bBtF
Her father! Thatset Maud trembling
again. She disengaged herself, culver.
ing nervoasly.
"What is the matter?" Reynolds
asked. sis there any doubt of your
fathers consent2" wafrt
Eyes, ,''she faltered.
81 will try him, at all events" re-
piled her lover, "and if he objects, we
must take the matter in our own hands.
WIN Maude be willing to do that?"
81 don't know what you mean," she
answered, family,
"WOuld you be willing to go with me
where we may make our own home and
fortune, or must we be parted forever?"
he asked, bending his face to hers.
Parted the thought was torture to
the infatuated girl, and she murmured
Eyes, again, feeling willing to endure,
anything rather than separation.
"That is my dear, faithful grill" He
bent to to-kissthetrembling lips. .sDon't
say anything to your father until see
him, and if he refuses, why, then wen
seek our happiness elsewhere"
He walked on half way to the house
with her, and then babe her good-by,
agaiu enjoining secrecy, while Maud
went on and into the house, all in a
tremor with her guilty secret.
A fortnight passed. Every day her
fathers demeanor toward her seemed
more constrained and suspicious. The
subject was notagain alludedlto; but at
the end of that time, Reynolds, meeting
her in the village, slipped a note into
her hand. Half an hour later, in the
seclusion of her own room, she broke
the seal and read the fewlines'it con
tanned:
| "DEAR MAUDE IL have seen your
father, and there is no hope for us; and
as tits necessary for me to return at once
to the city, you must go with me, Orbid
me farewell forever. If you will come,
meet me tonight under the large chest
nut tree near the oldtown road, at nine
O'Clock If you love me, do not fail
me" q NsaR ~ ~
In haste,
"WALTER.
Maud read the note three times, and
then raised her head, dashing the tears
from her eyes.
"Yes, will go, for cannot give him
Lup! Papa shall not stand between us !"
and destroying the missive, she left the
room and went down stairs, striving to
hide her really heavy heart and con-
science under an assumed cheerfulness.
She passed a sleepless night, her
MUD rhckod with conflicting emotions
OF self-acchsation at the dupliclty in
which she was engaging, and vague
apprehnsidnb concerning the step be-
fore her. Everything seemed to favor