The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-02-04


tended settling down."
"0h, some perplexing business in
the West, of nay fathers. He cannot
20 through this Greenland weather
and he insists upon my playing the du
iiful SON."
"How long do you remain away ~
ut is indefinite
Bertine bent lower over her work,
her eyes yelled by the long lsshes, but
her fingers catching nervously at the
bits Of zephyr. He was going away,
then. without speaking the love he
had more than acted. lie was going
away with light farewell upon his
lips.
Eunice laughingly said, since il was
the last time she should entertain him
for, perhaps, months, she would give
directions TO Susan to prepare soms-
thing nice, and she would herself make
some of his favOrite tarts; and away
she went, leaving Bertine dropping
over her worsted, and Alfred watching
her Himble fingers.
There was an awkward, painful ST.
lerce q moment, and Alfred betook
himself TO The bright ottoman at her
feet, and then gently prisOned her busy
fingers within his clasp.
Neither of them heard the step upon
the sitting-room floor, nor saw Frank
pause, dismayed, beside the open door
leading into the parlor. Perhaps it
was the uncertain light Of fast fading
day that screened him or, mayhap, it
was the tunultuOus beating of two
hearts that drowned the echo of his
football.
At any other time he would have
withdrawn. considering is cowardly
TO look and listen; but that night he
stood trAns6xed, gazing with horror
upon the picture before him. lie did
not know how bitter would be the
last struggle; but he kept back the
groal that trembled on his lips, and
mentally calculated, Heaven may
forgive i'm if he breaks her heart, but
I nevef will! Cousin or triend,
woald seek my revenge"
How glorious was her impassiOned
face up to Alfred's, her lips trembling,
her brow first crimson, then cleaning
white in the misty light.
"Bertine 20 the tone was thrilling
with loves fronzy, and his eyes were
patent in their purple tenderness.
"AlfredI'' was the reply, while her
face bent nearer his burning lips.
"Bertine. l am going away. 1t is
breaking my heart to leave you, even s
few weeks. What shall l do through
all my life Z"
Her head bent lower as she said,
ado not forget me Alfred, nor let my
memory grow less dear"
"Bertine, Bertine! l love yOa with
all my soul, my lifel | worship even
the books you have pressed with your
hands. Shall | meet love with love
D. Bertine, will you be my wife?
read the answer in your eyes; you
will-you will You return my love
with equal srdor. Will you be mine ??
She buried her face in her hands 8
moment, and then, looking up, hei
face CHASTITY in its fearful whiteness
said, ''Do you love me more than The
whole world, Alfred p
Darling you are more precious tc
ME than n thousand worlds.
"And will YOU always be true and
steadfast in that lover
interchangeable as the sun, my
queen"
She drew away from him then
Frank expected lip to meet lip in
stead, but she drew hsnghtily away
and folded her exquisite hands in icy
dignity.
did you ever notice." abe abrupt!
said, "that never allow the palm o
my ight hand to come to direct viewT
have, my glorious one. Will th'
palm of hand make difference Will
me 2"
"But it does with me-" she respond
ed ''loek at it," and she extended i
to him again.
He examined the delicate hand
There was a scar upon il certainly
deep, ugly looking seam acrOsa Tin
palm.
"Well," be said, tenderlY.
"Wcll," she repeated. in a voice -
frightfully calm, that it sounded mile
away, "well, that is my talisman
Long years ago a man struck child
hand With his caRe. 1t cut deeply
but not half so deeply as the insult dit
her heart. She wrapped it. bleeding
ID her torn apron, and hating the COW
ably villain who descended to sucl
al act as wouuding starving child
shs tarted home, hating him with
lastin = hatred. When halfway home
half frozen and weak with pain,
kind woman called her in where ther
was warmth and cheer. she woul'
have asked for water to ease the beat
ing of The cruel pain, but her persecu
tor enjoying the same glowing crate
so she smothered her sighs, and deter
mined to hate him forever. Thi
bcggar girrs father was a Frenchmai
and she had sufficient of his nsinr'
never to forget or forgive The child
mother died, and she waSalone. Tn
angelic womsn who bn offered he
momentary shelter before, took he
from the street. filed with vileness
has loved and cherished her since. Sh
grew a woman and met the being Wit
struck her. lie loved her. when IA
first saw her. Her woman's quick in
stiuct told her so, and her cheek burnc'
with Joy. She lured him ON, her brow
crimsoning at his approach, not will
love. but with triumph. His love ha
grown q frenzy.
She arose before him. glorious in he
beauty and regal dignity.
nAlfred DAYTON, the wound in m.