The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-11-04


you know, have often felt quite alarmed at
the strength of lily aversion for you"
at cannot exceed mine for you"
"Wel," said Tom, with half sigh, "this is
the first subject we have ever agreed upon.
Let us be satisfied, Tishy, 10 think that we can
agree in s mething."
Strangely enough, however, no woman
wishes to be disliked, even by the object of
her own detestation.
II wonder why you dislike me, Tomp, |
asked, after 3 pause. 1t was foolish Of me to
ask for of course Tom would answer in his
usual bantering way. But no, he spoke slow
| ly and almost softly:
~ don't know, Tishy. 1t is owing to some
| intricate law of moral repulsion, | suppose
sort of natural antipathy, the absolute re-
verse of elective affinity, in fact
Il do not like thee Doctor Fell,
| The reason why | cannot tell
But why do you dislike me, Letitia!'
80, because you are rough aud rude, and
| bearsh and obstinate, and generally veXatious
and detestable," | answered with energy.
Tom laughed. His momentary softness had
evidently departed. He pushed back from his
brown forehead the wooden Tam O. Shanter
that imprisoned his crisp, curly locks he
turned an amused glance toward me, and then
Rugged himself and laughed in the absurd,
boisterous manner that was peculiarly his own,
displaying two rows of strong white ieeth, the
IL ost perfect, surely, in all the world.
Here, hold the reins, cousin mine, and
will relieve YOU of my detestable company for
bit" He fung himself out Of the dogcart
as he spoke, and proceeded to walk up the
steep hill, Tom was singularly active and
! 1.-THE: also, he had a noble bearing. At the pres
| ent time he was clad in the m lst dsgracefully
old and badly-made clothes it was possible,-tJ
wear; his short rough coat was ragged and
| i'll fitting, the sleeves and collar of his shirt
were frayed at the edges, and yet there was an
air, almost males y of grace about him that
would have beftted paladin of romance, and
! that was plainly visible despite his garb As
he rode on, his big sunburnt hand resting on
the mares shaggy name, whistling as be went
for very lightheartedness and joy of life, could
not help wondering why disliiled Tom so
much and whether, indeed, it were possible
to reconcile a thorough hatred of our cousins
with certain curious pleasure in their society
| wished that ! could put my meditations into
words for Toms benefit. Surely there was
such thing as progression by antagonism.
| What pity, thought |, that women are SO
weak at definition and argument.
In the very midst of my metaphysical Won
behring's, Tom looked carelessly back over his
shoulder, and my eyes met his.
He laughed, he absolutely laughed again, a
contemptuous, hooking laugh that Jared
upon my feelings. With look of whitening
scOrn ! leaned back in my seat and devOtedmy-
self altogether to the contemplation of the
scenery around US. twas very lovely; we were
nearing EddscOmbe, a quaint little town en-
powered in trees, overlO king narrow stretch
of inland sea. The gray roofs shone in the
sun, thousand dancing lights CLEANED in the
ripping water; an orchard, full of rosy, bios
sOming trees, lay on our right hand; to the
left, undulating green hills and slopes; while
far beyond was the breezy moOrand, and on
the horizon some brown sails of fishing boats
came skimming along the narrow blue line
that was the open sea.
" Pretty, amt t!' asked Tom. "There's
no place like England, no place like home
Lcttice, after all"
But if YOU have never travelled Tom?'
CHATS the very reason why,n he replied,
somewhat systematically, and, lcaping lightly
into the dogcart, che gave the bride reins a
shake" and we set off at a swinging trot.
There are few things more delightful to my
mind than passing quickly through the air,
perched on the top of a high vehicle, the
guidance of which is entrusted to a STEADY
hand. 1t is charming to close the eyes and
dream, secure and comfortably at ease, though
the sense of swiftness almost catches the
breath.
Some time had gone by thus peacefully when
said:
How pleasant this is, Toni
But even while | spoke there was a sudden
strange sound as though something III the
ricl<ety harness had given way, and a black
object swayed for moment to and fro about
the mare > uCths tiOSt W ueT ears. L lie AMI
NAL was frightened, doubtless, for our speed
increased tenfold, and the old dogcart lurched
and swung from side to side.
40, Tom, not so fast, not 30 fast ~ cried
"Hush," said Tom, under his breath.
| stared at him, vague dread chilling nv
heart. He was sitting bolt upright, nav, he
was half 'anding. His lips, partly open,
showed his tightly clenched teeth: his ewes
were fixed and he was frowning terribly. His
strong hands held the reins in their powerful
grasp, but the ribbons were strained, and
seemed almost about to break asunder
And then | knew that Jerry was running
away. and that we were in danger
| laid my hand upon the reins.
90, Tom, let Inc help" | whispered. But
Tom shook off my hand with no gentle move
ment.
"Good Heavens'' he said, fercelv, "let me
alone, will you: Sit still-yes you shall. Do
as tell you; do you hear!n
He glared at me for moment: his blue eyes
flashed like steel, andh face was quite white.
had never dreamed thai Tom could look
thus, I sat perfectly still, not altogether from
obedience to Tom, of course, but from a wish
to help him, as well as from the consciousness
that it was best TO do so. Faster and faster
grew Jerry's speed; my head swan as the
landscape seemed to fly past. and we dashed
on, sometimes spinning recklessly along the
road, some lines iolting and lurching danger
ously over stones and rough places
Suddenly Tom turned to me-
Lefty, you will promise to remain still
whatever happens!" he murmured, hurriedly'
Yes, yes; Why's"
Tom gave no answer but the next moment
the dogcart swayed violently, the mare seemed
about to climb the steep bank. and I was
scarcely conscious OF anything more. excent
| an overwhelming surgng sound in nv ears.
Then directly after, as it appeared to me.
found myself unaccountably sitting on the
| s,sNFN
neck, and Toms frightened eyes staring into
mine.
80, Lefty, you are real angelo said Tom
incoherently.
could not speak thought was dream
| ing; put my hand to my head. was hardly
aware of my own identity; it never occurred
to me even to be angry at Toms affectionate
attitude. And yet it was all true; the dopcart
and the mare had vanished, and |, weak and
gddv was sitting by the roadside, leaning
against this meekest and contritest of cousins
20, Lefty said Tom, in voice that was
absolutely low and husky, " can YOU ever for.
give me! ., Lefty, my darling, ! nearly killed
| you. When we were shoe out Of that beastly
| trap, and picked you up, you had tainted and
| | thought you were dead. But YOU are all
right, amt you! Say you are all right Lefty. ;
There were two big tears in Toms kind
| eyes as he gazed anXiousy at me. ] was ali
| right, so right, indeed, thai | am convinced
my strongest feeling at that particular mo
mcnt was one OF triumph that fate and to
gether had reduced Tom to such an abiec
condition. Possibly he discerned sometime