The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-01-30
A TRAGEDY OF LOVE.

The 18th of October, 1910, was a wild
night, night of cloud>rsck and pale,
intermittent moonlight. The high
westerly wind seemed like demon let
loose over sea and land. In cities houses
were unroofed and chimney-pots fell
with the sound of thunder. On seas,
full of hurry and confusion, ships stag.
gered blindly, with Tar more chance OF
going down than of making port.
On that night carriage with foaming
horses and shouting post-boys, drew up
before the principal inn at Deal. The
carriage was occupied by two persons, q
man and woman, who, having heard
that they could obtain good nights
shelter, dismounted.
Seen by the bright light of the inn par
lor, the two travellers showed a strange
contrast. The woman, or girl, rather
for she could no: have been more than
twenty-presented a striking tyDe of
village beauty. She was tall and straight
with a fine shapely figure. She had
brown hair. thick and curling. There
was q visit ul look in the dark, deep ewes
whose abundant treses fell on rounded,
warmly-tinted cheeks. The lips, ripe
and red, might have excused any man
for longing TO kiss them.
Her companion, who was at least ten
years older, WAS evidently IN a very dil~
ierent position of lie He must have
had good blood in his veins; st least you
could have guessed it from the long, STEM
der fingers, terminating in the exquisite
Fl be- t-shaped nails. He WAS tail and
slightly fashioned TIE face would have
been called handsome one, but it was
too pale and too delicate in outline to
suggest the idea OF complete and manly
beauty.
He drew down her head upon his
shoulder, smoothing lovingly her soft,
brown hair. They had the room to
themselves, and 80 wrapped up were
they in each other. that they failed TO
notice face from outside, which pressed
close against the blindless window, was
watching them with bright, strained,
sinister eyes. But wnen the girl, chang,
ing her position, did catch sight OF the
lace, the blood suddenly toisoOk her
cheeks and lips, and utteriDg a short,
sharp cry, she hid her face again on her
husbands shoulder.
"Oh, my God, it can not bs!" she ex-
claimed. 1--WE are watched Arthur
Don't you see?,
But the face had vanished, and SO Old
worth replied quietly;
"My darling, see nothing. 1t is only
a nervous fancy" adding as she was
shivering in his arms, "the long, windy
drive has been too much for you-yOu
have taken chill Yes, think you
have. Let Us GO"
Oldworth was about to ring the bell
when the door opened and closed, and
man came up to where they we're stand
ing-a man about the middle height,
but power ully built. His face beaten
by wind aud tanned by sun, wa one
which, having seen, you could not easily
forget. The eyes which looked straight
out at you from under the heavy, over
hanging brows, had in them a strange
and understandable fascination. He was
a man, you c,uld tell, who meant to
have his own way-a sort Oimastiff, dam
gerOus when reused.
4" have come 10 offer my congratula-
tiOns," he said, addressing himself to
Oldworth's wife and holding out his
hand, which she did not appear to see
" have heard all about it from the post
hoys--all about the grand wedding down
at farmer Grants this morning. 1t is
lucky, my meeting you here. was on
my way to give you Important news,
winch | have brought from over the sea
with me. It's not night when a man
travels faster than he needs. But can't
say you seem glad to see an old acquaint.
ance."
MY. friend" put in Oldworth, "this
lady is my wife. She has had long and
fatiguing ride, and is tonight quite unfit
for conversation; but tomorrow, before
resuming our journey, she will l am sure
be happy to excha ge the warmest wishes
with you"
Oldworth had spoken in q tone of
sweet patronage, but the other man never
looked in his direction, only saying to
May, Il hats your choice, is it Why,
he looks as if breath of wind would
blow him awav. But you must hear my
news alone. Get rid OF him, will you
or must j 7"
Zone word" exclaimed Oldworth, the
color rising in his face, though he strove
to control his voice. You csme from q
journey, the night is stormy, and this is
your excuse for having drank too freely;
but if you can not behave yourself it will
be my duty to have you removed"
"Look here" returned the other, fix.
ing now for the first time his eyes on Old
worth's face. "My names Mark Shaw,
am first mate OF the ship Annie, brought
to Dover last night. / am no more drunk
than you are, and when you say am
YOU know that you are telling q lie.
You call yourselfs fine gentleman we'll,
in the matter of words you beat me.