Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1878-03-02

it were to seek my parents, instead Of
my fortune, as young heroes do in story
books, should find both. have reason
to believe that they are wealthy and in
fuential. But you are cold, dear, and
your hair is damp with dew. | will not
be so selfish as to keep you here longer {"
But, Justin, you will write to me
often ?"
3" will not promise. Perhaps it will
be better otherwise. But you shall hear
from me once a year, until | see you
again. Now, goodbye, and God bless
youl"
He kissed her twice in a passionate,
earnest way, and then, releasing her,
turned and quickly walked down the
road. She watched his fine figure, with
its well.poised head and springlng-step,
until it was out OF sight Then she
walked slowly up the winding, grassy
path, to the door. On the threshold she
paused, and looked back at the place
where they had been standing.
told him that he was my first love
and that he would be my last, she muir
INJURED to herself al hope he will re-
member it. How very strange it all
seems. wonder if the time will come
when | shall regret what has passed this
evening? hope not Fl am sure not"
S. saying she went in softly, and
silently closed the door. 4
What beautiful girl !"
And what an elegant rider !"
Virginia Thornton heard the words
distinctly, and glancing carelessly around
from her seat in the saddle, met the ar
dent looks of admiration with which they
we're accompanied. But not tinge Of
color stained the fairness of her cheeks
The cool seltpossessed expression OF her
eyeSdid not alter. The red, mobile lips
exhibiting at that moment only pride
and beauty, betrayed nothing more.
"PrOud as Lucifer
She heard that, too. Still her face
did not change. Her dark eyes merely
glanced up and then down again. She
rode out OF the city with her companions,
and, when among the green country
roads, gallopcd off by herself. She Enew
the act would be noticed, perhaps criti-
cised, but she did not care. She was
weary of the sound OF gay laughter and
the rattle of tongues. She followed her
own inclination and escaped from them
Guiding her horse upon the fresh,
springy turf, she made him strike into
an easy, even canler, and soon the rich
bloom broke through the cleaning tsir>
ness of her cheeks. The weary, iudif>
ferent look faded out of her tace-and
she looked glad and happy as delighted
ahild.
"Ihis is capital" she said aloud after
while.
" Are you tired, Vic? Well, take me
TO the other side of that old fence, and
then you may rest. One, two, three "
Well done, Miss Thornton The
creature might as well have attempted
to shake off one of his ears
She drew her painting, excited stced
in sharply, and turned in the direction
of the voice. At sight of a. gentleman
sitting on low stone wall wfb riding
stick in his hand, she uttered quick
exclamation of surprise
"Mr. Annesley! ! thought you re.
fused to join lis to day ?"
"And 20 | did, and SO ! persist in do
ing. | wish to ride only with Miss Vlr-
ginia Thornton, and await her permission
to do So"
At motion OF his hand, his horso,
which was grazing at little distance,
came land stood passively BESIDE him.
With his hand grasping the reins, he
awaited. The face he looked into was
not like the one he might have seen
framed in the waves of that rich, fair
hair, an hour before. The mouth was
tremulous and tender; the beautiful eyes
barren OF their cOldness-perhaps the
warmth Of his smiles had banished it, as
sunshine dissolves ice.
Your presumption is remarkable -
she sad "and the most fitting punish
ment will he my consent to your re.
quest"
She motloned him to mount.
"What do you mean" he asked,
obeying her.
THAT you will fad me insufierably
dull company" she replied, as they
turned into cross road together.
He gave her a searching look.
Z" Are you low.spirited ?" he said
mo; only tired"
"Tred OF what ?"
Everything"
"My dear Genie !"
The words seemed spoken impulsively.
Her sudden dash of color revealed that
they we're unusal to her ears.
II beg pardon" he said quickly, OBJ,
serving it.
"Y0u need not" she replied. "The
name is a favorite one Call me 50, il
you choose"
"What2"
"Genie."
"But 1 said my dear Genie. May l
call you that? ?"
She blushed, but theEnext impulse was
to retort saucily. Looking up at him,
however, the glance OF her bright eyes
uuailed beneath the grave expression oi
his The crimson of her cheek deepened,
her ripe mouth quiversd. In that mo.
ment OF exquisite pain and pleasure she
wished that she were dead
"Have | distressed you?" he asked,
gently. His fOrbearance was a very
great relief to her.
EYES," she answered simply, looking
frankly into his handsome face.
"Then | will say no more on the sub
ject, a." he replied. | have something to
tell you," he said, after moments
pause, for she did not speak. a gen.
tleman with whom / am well acquainted,
commissioned me to deliver you small
package, to-day. | have carried it in my
vest pocket since morning. Here it is. y
He handed her little white package
bearing her name. Atsight of the hand.
writing, her face blanched suddenly, and
she reeled in her saddle as il she had been
struck by a heavy hand.
90, this is cruel!" she murmured.
"Mlss Thernton-dear Virginia, what
is itP" said Hugh Annesley, checking
the horses. Then observing the remain
ing pallor Of her features, be spraug to
the ground, and lifted her from her seat
"What is it?" he repeated, with his
arm around her
Nothing---I am i'll" che answered
;ncoherently. and evidently STRUGGLING