The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-03-07

Z hltu IL lAttl Auutt-rSh u4lii1 bAAAH sSiisA~
man has been oyertaken by darkness.
VIII you provide him with a bed aad
supper"
aCertainly," the old man answered,
and, turning, extended hearty welcome,
with an apology for all discomfort. AS
| for Miss Lea, here" he began.
But instantly she glided to his side,
and whispered something in his ear which
caused him, though he left the sentence
unfinished, to laugh heartily.
In after days, in after months, in after
wears, jack Loring often looked back to
this evening. He pictured the table,
with Uncle Silas at its head, Aunt Ham
nah (who gave him so kind welcome)
at its foot, and the bright young face,
opposite him, of such rare, piquant love
| illness.
The supper was simple one, but
never had he SO enjoyed Delmonico
feast; and afterward he and Miss Lea
had talked until the clock struck ten,
which for her, she said, was late hour,
He could hardly believe it, as he looked
at his watch to corroborate the state
ment.
Where could this girl have been edu-
Gated that no discordance of speech, no
ignorance Jared his ear?
She asked him of his life, and he told
her more frankly than he had often
talked. He fancied she treated him
more kindly when she learned he was a
soldier.
"And a bachelor, Of course" he added
"It's good thing I'm not over-suscep-
tible, for couldn't marry a girl without
money, you know, nor would / wish to
make money a consideration; SO / live
my life as it is, and find | have little to
regret"
But suppose you fell in love with a
poor girl?'
I'D fall out" he laughed.
No, no! mean serious passion,
which she returned?'
Wed weep, and-part," he persisted.
I'D like to see you tried, " she retorted,
and bade him goodnight
The next morning he found himself
looking forward to seeing her with a
| pleasurable anticipation uncommon to
him, but which the realization fully full
filled.
Lea was more charming in her man
ner. There was fascination in all she
said or did, until Uncle Silas painted
the glories Of the sport within a
radius of ten miles about the farm.
Jack suddenly discovered an immense
longing to try it.
Would you put me up for the night
now and thenT' he asked.
Yes, indeed, and give you hearty
welcome, said his host, remembering the
liberal compensation he already had re-
ceived.
''May Gomez he whispered to Lea !;
and she, with faint blush on her lovely
cheek, answered, eyes"
Many city belle was hoping for his
presence at some fashionable resort. To
many he had given ground for hope, but
all this had been forgotten. Would it
be SO with this latter promise?
So far as he was concerned, he could
give no ready answer.
Within three days he was again d
claimant to Uncle Silas' hospitality.
This time, Lea, too, extended to him a
welcome, half-sweet, half-shy,. which
rendered her in his eyes more bewitching
than before.
The days passed, and still he STAYED
on. The game went unmolested in their
haunts. He suddenly developed a pref
erence for fishing, for in these excur-
sions Lea could accompany him.
Where was this leading him? In his
heart OF hearts was set code Of honor
pure and spotless as the stars. He knew
he could never tarnish it; but sometimes
he fancied Lea was learningto love him.
and how would it be when he left her ?
One day he asked her:
VIII you miss me when | am gone
Positively, next week, | must go back to
the city" - y
Yes, | shall miss you," she replied
and he netod that her cheek was color.
less. o'
i smote him with quick, contrito
II had best go now" he said. LEA.
n all my life ! never so longed 10 he q
rich man, that | might let nv lips saw
what my heart has already said"
"Indeed!s she answered.
The cold, cutting infection Of tho ono
word, repeated now, recalled to him the
first time she thus had answered him
II almost lnaddened him.
Lea, he said, in a sudden imnnlsa
Il love YOU. BeAny wife.
II said that / would like to 500 vor
tried" she murmured. Y ~"
He threw her hand from him
"You have been but irving nm Az
pertinent, then-making my heart vonr
toyr' soui
mol Ii think / care for Won q
little; but you are carried away Nv ina
pulse, and momentary infatnatinn
lou would regret this, later. Remem.
Der your pride of birth-your. need of
fortune" -NOu "a
You would grace throne. INV dar.
ling, let alone the poor home a solJ;a.
can offer you. But you shall never s want
Tor anything my means can give Won
IN, Lea, howpoo fellow | was to tall
Of sacrifice. Nothing could be sacr;l
nee which was for your dear sakel win
you marry me, darling, and make mo ~
happiest man on the face of
the broad earthg, m -@Ve Y
a viii promise nothing" she answer