The Arkansaw traveler., 1882-12-03

going away. She has sent me osf. and | can't stay in the place. lhope you are the happy one-l do. honestly, Al She | said her heart was given 10 another. and it's either you or Fred. hope it is you, and God bless you.." 1 Herc Tom dashed away and left me staring after him in smaxe1nent. -Gisen her heart 10 another - repeated with pain in my chest somewhere. Well, it IS evident that l am not the other. and that Fred IS. Poor Tom-poor me The best thing can do is to follow 1 suit and leave too can never see her the wife Of another. and the sooner am of the better.
 So went moodily up to my room and packed saschel and got all things tn readiness for speedy departure. On my way up met Carrie just emerg ing from her room. arrayed in her Jaunty riding habit. and could hear Fred's deep tones shouting Whoa Y down in the yard below.
 watched her trip down the stairs and out of sight, thinking tha, it ~as the last time should see her for years, perhaps 1 forever
 i When had strapped the las, buckle on my satchel and all was in readiness. went down to say good bye to father, mother and Lila. Lila was no, indoors. and my parents looked at me in amare- ment
 But. Allen. my son. pleaded father. Il had thought you would enter into business with me. There Is a grand opening for you. and have held the po- siticn in reserve.
 Fl thank you for all that. but want to travel a year or two before go,ng into , business. was all could answer: and my father gave up Tn despair. Lila was still absent; but. il was quite dark. and the tram would leave in half an hour. so lei, goodbye" tor her and passed out into the hall.
 II was long. narrow hall. reaching the whole length of the house, and with sew eral rooms opening into II: but as vel il vas unlighted and as dark as Egypt.
 About half-way through l, heard the street door open and shut. and mo- ment later ran full against some one en- !, tering.
 II IS Lila. thought and reaching out my arms caught her between them. "Is it you, LIllaF' 1 said But she did not answer. only twined her two arms about my neck.
 Why, little sister. said softly. do you love me so muchf For Lila was not demonstrative as a usual thing, and was surprised d, her movement.
 ''Oh. better than all the world beside. Allcn. she said Tn a whisper.
 And then. as lifted the face to my l lips, the sweet odor of gcranium per fumed the air, and my heart gave great leap.
 It was Carrie. no, Iilla. tha, held in my arms. She was trying 10 disengage now her self bu, suddenly caugh, her light form /. in my two stout arms, and opening the library door, carried her into the bril- ] lianily lighted room: Her face was hot i with biushes now. and her eyes fuii of ! tears.
 You are too bad" she sobbed. "and hate you.
 Bu, JUS, then she noticed my ,ravelng attire and paused abruptly. .
 Why. where are you going* she asked with interest. was S'ttS hSNSi No tSteih- answered: but since you said what you did in the hall have changed my mind" Carrie peuted. II was only speaking for Lila" Then shall go. shall I. and leave you 10 marry Frcd
 Il de,est Fred she cried.
 And you love me better than all the world.'
 "Yes" So the iirt was conquered at last and was the victor.
 But how did you know II was not l-ll- la:' she asked. as we sat together.
 By the geranium leaf l saw you put in your hair this morning
 And but for that you would have gone away and no; come back for years:
 Yes; perhaps never came back, but for : that tell-,ale leaf.
 Then we will keep this leaf always, she said. taking Il from her hair.
 And so NC have. procured little golden box. and there it IS to-day oDe oi our dearest treasures.
 Of course 1 married Carrie, and of course ,ha, blooming mairon IS she. Tom Delano did no, die of broken heart. but married lovely girl out vest q few months after his departure. and
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