The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1879-11-12

AONO ASL. mere was JUG WIN 90 :.
exuberance Of spirit, and as unsuspl'
cious as child. He seemed to 90
all in his power to bring us together
He often lured MS into interesting
conversation, or managed to get us
engaged in singing and playing, and
then leave us alone for hours. Days
passed away and lapsed into weeks ;
and in these weeks | was almost
the constant companion of Nellie
Hall. We were out riding, boat.
ing, and to innumerable concerts and
entertainments, all through the sug-
gestion and planning of Joe, l felt
and knew well the danger; was las
cinated at tirst-now l was irretrlev'
ably in love. The thought OF break
ing away from this charming creature
caused me pain like unto DEATH
resolved to leave. No matter what
it cost me, the only honorable course
for me to pursue was to return to
the city and forget-no, not forget,
for never could l forget the only
woman ever loved or could love.
Joe was absent on tie day | arrived
at this determination. All the better
thought it !; it would be easier to
get away. proceeded to pack up
and get ready'to 60 on the evening
train. noticed during the progress
of packing, that tie long body OF
Long was overshadowing me. He
seemed determined not to let any
thing escape his observation. At
length, when l had finished my work,
he approached me. His long arm
was raised to his breast pocket, and
from thence he extracted letter
which he handed me. Itore it open !;
it was from Joe, and read:
Thomas ThEston, you are a trai-
tor! no longer doubt your pertid-
ity, Long has watched you and
Nellie closely. 1t is useless to deny
intention Of clipping with her | de-
mand satisfaction, and it can only be
had from your hearts blood. Meet
ne ON the river bank, and by the
light of the moon, and in the presence
of Long, we will settle our differ
ence"
l looked up. Long had disap-
peared, and in Ris place stood Nellie.
why, Tom, you're not going 20
leave us, are yop?" she asked.
] thought SIC addressed me in a
tone OF rsSM II looked in her
bright eyes -Ssach beautiful loving
eyes How could l pain her? How
could l drive the blood from her
cheeks and be light from her eyes
by showing her Joe's letter and tel.
ling her all : She came very near to
me and said coaxingly:
Don't 60, Tom; will be so
lonely here now"
81 cannot stay, Nell, regret hav
ing to leave you"-My words came
fast and almost inarticulate. II
thought to be on my way now, and
can only stay long enough to bid you
adieu."
"But, Tom. what will ice say?
Surely you will stay till he comes p
she cried.
mo, no. l cannot, Nellie; indeed
| cannot. can never forget the
happiness | have had here this
summer; but must leave you now,
and tear-it-is-torever
My voice was unsteady, and |
clasped both her hands very tightly
in mine.
Forever" she repeated. "Oh,
Tom, forever
What world of tenderness, of
regret, in the intonations. It died
away as wall of woe.
mo. Nellie; never shall see you
again; never shall | clasp these little
hands in mine never hear the music
OF your sweet voice. / shall never
see you again-never p
'Never !" the moan died away and
the beautiful eyes were raised to
mine in speechless agony thai wrung
my heart with pain.
"Oh, Nellie, do not break my
heart! My grief, my wretchedness is
beyond bearing now. Your beloved
eyes looking into mine will haunt me
in coming years. You know my Sc
cret. Recriminate me if you will,
Nellie, my darling" A light sprung
into her eyes-strange, dazzling
light that spread over her beautiful
tace--the light OF measureless love,
OF transport ofjoy. Farewell" l
cried in husky voice, not daring to
stay longer; farewell" and | turned
to go, when her fingers closed over
mine. | turned to her again and she