The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-02-21
THE OLD LOVE.
A Sketch from Life.


corn-field and through the beeches and
past the fragrant garden and the low
homestead, laden with thousand per
fumes and a thousand happy sounds; the
bees fy hither and thither, intent upon
their summer toll; theswallOws sweep IN
glad, rejoicing life through the blue air; |
snatches Of song break from weary hui
man lips, so bright is the Summer after
noon.
That home among the meadows the
green hills have known many years. Ivy
is thick around its windows, and moss
and lichen hide the time-stains on its
gabled-roof. But its old age is well
cared for. Not a spot dims the bright
ness of the low easements, the gravel
walks are trim and clean, the garden is
bright with roses and carnations and
stately tiger-lilies. Look through this
lower lattice, left open to the air. 1t is
the keeping room of the farm, with
scrupulously white floor and shining oak
tables and chairs. Green fir-branches
are piled up on the hearth, and big
China bowl of roses is on the side-table
between the family Bible and the few
volumes that form the library of the
house. A cat is sleeping on the low
stone sill in the sunshine; but the room
is empty. The busy mistress Of the
house is in the kitchen beyond; the light
of the hearth flashes out Of the open
door, and there is the murmur of voices.
1t is ironing-day, and the servants are
hard at work over the stout shirts and
working-suits of the large household OF
boys and men.
Work is not pleasant to think of on
such heavenly day; there is picture
more suitable in the vine-wreathed
porch. A girl is sitting on the stone
seat, with some blue knitting in her
hand, and book upon her knees. But
she is not knitting or reading; her hands
have fallen upon the open page. She
leans back against the stone arch of the
door gazing out at the corn-fied and the
trees and the village tower.
They see nothing Of these things, those
grave, dark-brown eyes; the sight of
something more than outward form fills
their vision. She is looking at Life
Life as the young see it, that wonderful,
mystical unreality-Life as it appears
with the halo Of first love on its fair
brow.
A sweet, pleasant face she has, frank
and clear and truthful. 1t is the face of
one who has never known much trouble
of one who has lived happy, inno-
cent life, with kindly people in the
,, beautiful country. Her book is pref
ty copy of Longfellow's poems. There
are marks here and there which have
been made by strong masculine hand,
and the pages fall open naturally where
these are thickest. 1t is plain that Miss
Mile has guide in her reading. The
!, shadows of the vine tremble on. hel
! dark-brown hair and over her simple
+ gray dress; the faint rustic of the vine
!, leaves seems an echo of her thoughts
J and whispers Of love and happy days tt
s come.
She rises presently, and passes dowr
the little garden PATH knitting as she
; walks. From the garden gate one ear
u see along the footpath under the elms
q She stands there looking Somebody
y crosses the stile, and comes along thu
. narrow way; but, It is not "the some
> body" 1t is only woman-but M
Il common, every day visitor at the farm
y and Miles brown eyes open in wonder
r and she stands hesitating, with sh,
y flush on her face, not daring to run
Y away, but longing to do so, and asking
u herself in intense establishment what ha
brought Miss lngleston from the Mano
House.
Miss Ingleston seems quite uncon
a. scious of Miles gaze. She comes alon
IL with rapid, imperious step, swingin
e. her white parasol and calling now an,
v then to her dog, which seems tempted t
be rush into Farmer Leighton's corn. Tn
10 quick step and naughty carriage of he
MT head suit the masculine beauty and tn
20 stately figure Of the heiress Of tn
e. Manor
IT. Il have come to see you" she saw
On sitting down on the messy mounting
IS stone, and throwing her parasol o
n the grass. II came from London yeste
yn day she goes on, after Miles shy es
A preston Of thanks. "How bright yo
Oh look here! Your garden is in its glory
Ter viii you come in and have som
M flowers, Miss InglestonY asked Mill
cd But Miss lngleston shakes her hea,
It and begins to play with her dogs silk
mt ears.
~ "NAN oNAAAlSV1 HiQ IuCihUIltH u
Ter tween these two women, sowidely part,
mt by wealth and rank Years ago.
wo early girlhood, they had been ia
ian friends but pride had stepped in al
,et. torn their friendship asunder, and Il
re- heiress had been away from her villa
900 home, in the great world of fashio
ac- almost ever since. They have met b
as seldom, and then in the presence Of othe
Thy This is the first time, since their 3
ov- familiar companionship has been broke
hat that they have been lone toreth,
| at The consciousness of it keeps them silel
len and Miles pulse beats wildly, and /
- cheek of the heiress grows pale wi
sad thought
You are going to be married?' 4
says presently, looking upa the farme
daughter.
air eyes" replies AIillie briefly.
the 80 should be. The world saws q
list Miss Ingleston hesitates. and the
~ mainder Of her speech is spoken will
in Il. proud composure that cannot hide |
tsry deep feeling prompting the questiC
,sne Have you heard from yonr co,'I.