The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-10-07
My First and Only Love.

TIC was Twelve years my senior, and L
only eighteen yet loved him.
remember well how gloriously the sun
shonc on tina summer afternoon when we
stood together Oh the lawn waiting for the
carriage to arrive that should bring E.unt
Eleanor to spend somo weeks at our house.
|, so proud of him, so happy at the pros
pcct of seeing Aunt Elcanor's adj
miration for my noble darling, so shy at
his admiration for myself, so hopeful that
they would like each other and bo friends.
''For she is very beautiful, Elwyn, l
said, and only ten years older than am"
can see now the quiet laugh in his dark
eyes, and the playful curve of the lips, as
OF one humoring petted child-a strange
wife should have been for him, after oil.
And there was a sound of wheels, and
drawing my arm in his, he led me to the
front entrance to welcome my Aunt.
l do not clearly remember when that
first feeling Of jealousy stole into my mind.
think scarcely understood It when first
it did come. He had never changed to me;
was ever uppcrmost in his thoughts ali
his most graceful attentions were mine yet
saw plainly that he found in her COM
panlonship Twas far3 from Being able to
give, for was only a darling playmate, a
beloved and pcttcd child a. Z,
One evening Tnoted well how bright and
animated he was, and the admirng look
that kept deepening in his eyes, ands sthc in
creased interest of voice and manner as the
conversation progressed, until gradually the
hand held became unconscious of mine,
and, when looscncd my hold, Slipped
away to extend itself for greater emphasis
towards her. And then | rosc,S pale and
heart sick to say goodnight.
ffW0 nave NOT. Ind O,,rt 1Isuol talk to-
night, Birdie az hexsaid.S
mo" | answered, laconically.
1T is too late now," looking at his
watch.
eyes" ,..s.. .
"What is the mattcr2" asked my Aunt
care you unwell 2"
"No," again. A..
Then she laughed, low and mclodiously.
"You had better go to bed, child"
Child Suddenly, and with quick,
sharp pain, as if struck by lightning, | felt
all that her words were intended to convey
to him-to him, though not to me-and as
suddenly the child became woman.
''Wall down the avenue with me, once
only once, Elwyn," | said; my head
aches"
With his old carcssing touch, ne adjusted
my shawl; then hesitatcd moment, and
said, half reluctantly, "Will you2 Shall
IL"
knew what it meant, and turned with
all the dignity could assume.
"Aunt Eleanor, if you wish to come too,
you may" =
81 may, may 2' she answered, pettish-
ly. ''Thanks. But if it's all the same to
you, prefer not
"Elwyn," said, when we were ont of
her hcaring--for felt that must mention
the subject or die, almost-"E "Elwyn, my
aunt has been here moro than month now
how do you like hcr2"
'Shc is charming" he said, honestly
s'charmlng."
"Ah," said; SO they all say sooner or
later"
''Thcy 2" he asked; "'who arc they 2"
"Men."
He laughed and drew my arm through
his, and we finished the walk in silence.
Then, when we had reached the front door,
and held up my lips for, the usual kiss,
he said, sShe is very charming, but nv
baby Is worth ten Of her."
ooh |" sobbed, throwing myself into
his arms, and clinging to hlm with passion
ate pain and sorrow, edo not say SO, I ain
woman nova woman, Elwyn; do not
call mo that any more. :"
q ''Well, I will not If 1t hurts YOU"
And he took my face between his hands,
z and bent over me with his own bright smile.
But breaking from him, ran upstairs, and
shut myself In my room. III
What could I 'do9, Nothing. felt that
he was daily, hourly, being drawn away
from me, and my weak power could avail
nothing against the moro subtle will of that
older and far superior woman Of the world.
My mother, oh, but not even to her could
II complain OF Elwyn. Aid 80 the days
went on. ! SO $3.50 "A tt 3fta34" -
One afternoon, In the early autumn, I
went down to the shore alone, sitting list
less and idle, though wcarily. At last,
voices that ! knew only too well--his and
lers-and stsid to listen. They grew
lqnieter rs they approached and finally seat.
/ ed Themselves on the other side of the boat
house from where sat and kept silence.
(! A few moments and her voice broke the
pause. 3 (, i5.s ~ u Il y h -
knew BY the sudden start and quick
breathing that he had turned tow%ds bes,,