The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-02-25

10th tired aud hungry, aud we dio
justice to the viands, while for drink
we had pure water that ran from
spring near us. As we lay, after our
repast, Danes said:
Erred, am going to get mar
ried
started. l know not why, but |
felt a chill run through my frame,
and | knew that his words were not
Of more import to me than they
should warrant.
"You seem surprised" he con>
tinued; "but it is so, and the lady is
Gertrude Walton"
Istarted then in reality, and Danes,
observing it, said
81 feared, Fred, from your conduct
last night that you were smitten. She
told me that she travelled from Utica
To Anbnr.s with ysu, and she eeer,aed
surprised a. your not recognizing her.
| would not have told you so soon,
but feared it might get to some
thing serious on your part. We were
engaged six months ago, and it was
decided that should come here and
meet her. l hope | have done right
in telling you all" said he, as he
concluded.
pressed his hand. and rose from
the ground; could not trust my lips
to speak, and therefore turned away.
"You are not angry, Fred" said
Danes, kindly.
now found time to calm my agi>
tation, and answered:
mo, Joseph. am glad you told
me before it went further. You were
right in your conjecture, for thought
l loved her, and in short time would
have done SO, if you had not told me
all. But now l will be able to with,
draw my thoughts from her," He
pressed my hand in silence, and We
resumed our seats. He told me all,
how they loved for years ere her
father would consent to their union.
He intended that she should wed his
ward, an1 would have made her do
so if his ward had loved her, but
he fortunately preferred another and
her father had at length consented.
"She was" he said, by way of ex-
PLANTATION, "a cousin of Isabella Gra-
ham. You viii be considered in the
light of a very dear friend, Fred, by
Gertrude; and, you know, l think as
much of you as if you were my broth>
er. l would it were otherwise, but
We must do our best to make you.hap-
py."
The day of our picnic came round
and at II o'clock all were in the grove
making preparations to pass the after
noon as pleasantly as possible.
Wreaths of evergreens hung from the
trees, and flowers were inteIwJven
with them, making them appear as a
vast vine in full bloom. Flowers were
streWn in abundance around, so that
the air was fragrant with their sweet
odor. All were happy, all were gay,
and among such party it was impos-
sible for me to be sad. Isabella was
ny companion, and l forgot all about
Gertrude as listened to the silvery
tones of her voice. We conversed on
all topics.
rhe afternoon wore away, and ev-
ening approached, but still l could
have listened on for hours longer.
The moonlight row was yet to take
place, and all agreed it would be the
best way to end the days pleasure.
We were to so in pairs, gentleman
and lady in each boat and Of course
| went with Isabella. 1t was a calm,
lovely night. Not a breath Of wind
disturbed the lake, which seemed like
one vast mirror, in which houses and
trees were reflected as clearly as day.
There was one glad shout from all
as we left the shore, which was caught
up by the hills and echoed all round.
1t seemed to welcome US forth. New
er did gayer party set out for pleas
ure. Moonlight and such scenery are
dangerous and SO l found out.
l am now the happy husband Of Is