The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1882-09-15

s-See oucoe"hn"a noJI nhu-"huh AohB-
ed for most of all-introduced me into
the society in which my Aggie was
reigning queen.
My hopes. my dreams, were at length
about to be realized--we were again to
meet-Aggie and !.
The stately mansion known as Thorn
ton house. was ablaze with light. II was
the evening ofs grand reception, the elite
Of fashion were to be present, and l had
been invited. But the glare and glitter
OF all surroundings had no charms for
me, for thought Of but one thing-that
of once more seeing Aggie face to face.
But I could not help experiencing thrill
at my heart when thought Of her as the
mistress of thisproud mansion, the pos
SCISSOR Of all this wealth and grandeur.
Again, when thought OF the numerous
train of admirers which must necessarily
follow the rich and beautiful. helress, my
heart grew sick with jealousy and dis
pair, and | cursed myself for being such
an idiot as to suppose that she would
have waited all these years for the OBJ
scure lover OF her childhood's years.
At last my dearest wish was gratified.
/ was presented to her. not as the friend
and companion Of other days, but merely
as the poet and novelist, NJ. Desmond.
She did not recognize me, but paid
graceful compliment to my works, which
at once convinced me that she was rot
only familiar with the standard works Of
the day. but was woman Of remarkably
good judgment and cultivated taste.
was prepared for all this, but my
amazement knew no bounds when I saw
how radiantly beautiful she had grown.
Scan this" / asked myself, "be the
Aggie of my childhood--this glorious,
heavenly creature?n
Yes, there were the sunny waves Of
golden hair, the blue eyes, and rosebud
mouth; but what contrast between
them nowl She was attiied in simple
flowing robes of white, that fell around
her graceful form like mist. Her fornl
was as perfect as the imagination of the
artist could conceive, there was still
something dreamy--inexpressible-
something ETHEREAL about her, which
would have puzzled the most casual OBJ
server. How her voice thrilled me II
was like the echo of some old refrain
which had forgotten.
could wear my mask no longer.
signified that I wished to see her alone,
as l had something OF importance to
communicate 10 her. She smiled gra-
ciously and allowed me to Lead hei into
the conservatory.
Rare exotics and beautiful flowers met
our view. The songs Of birds met our
ears, and the music from the salons stole
fitfully in and out. We we're alone. ]
could not resist the temptation, and in
stantly seized both her hands, and bend.
ing over her, I said:
"Aggie, have you forgotten me? Do
you not remember the playmate Of your
childhood ?"
| A flush came upon her cheek. won.
dering light stole into her eyes, and q
happy. joyous smile wreathed her lips.
Robbie, is it you 2" she cried.
"Yes," I answered, '.AgRie, it is the
same Robert Desmond you parted from
so very long ago."
How can I describe the Joy I felt at
the moment fraught with hope and blisr
to me. We talked of years that had
flown, told each other our respective his.
tories, dating from our parting under
the Willows SO long ago.
Il never forgot you, Robbie" she
said. ''nor the happy hours we spent to-
gether. I told you I never would, and
here is the old ring you placed on my
finger the day we parted" And she
held up her hand and showed me the old
ring, now worn almost 10 a thread.
"You have made good name fol
yourself. Robbie, she continued; ''you
have reaped honor and fame, ard no one
can be more proud Of yonr success than
am"
She ended with flushed cheeks and
downcast eyes.
"Aggie," / said. "will You believe m,
when say that have won all for yor
and you alone? That it was the remem
brance Of you which made me what ]
amp"
| She started and blushed.
"Aggie." I continued, II have CONS
1 for the promise which You made me Ions
ago. Do you remember it, Aggie?v
IT do, she said, timidly. 'Hov
could ever forget il ?"
/ "And will you bemine. Aggie---do yot
still love me az of vore2n