The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-07-15

the ground she treads."
WHO treads, KateY Whatever are
you muttering about, chr" And Colo
mel Grainger-he in the light coat and
planters hat-entered from the veran-
dab.
That Flo treads, brother. / have
been speaking to her about young Arch
er; but no, not word will she have to
say to him
Leave the girl alone, Kate re-
marked the colonel, as he drew his
chair to the table IF she don't love,
why on earth should she marry him?
Besides, where's the hurryY She Is not
twenty yet, and |, for one, am in no
hurry TO lose her. | should have no OBJ
lection to her marrying Archer but be
sure matters will run smoother if we
90 not NEEDLE. A cup Of coffee, Kate"
Meanwhile Flo had run to her own
room. Mrs. Crane had been correct,
there were tears in her eyes; but she
dashed them away as she reflected:
"Auntle is right. Why should | not
marry Herbert ArcherY Because Pm
stupid and foolish. Because l can't
forget the past. AS if he ever remem-
bers me! 1t is not likely. Had he,
never would he have been silent. Not
word from him since saw him in the
grounds. In all my grief and trouble
through the loss Of dear papa, not a
word of kindness, of sympathy. He
might have written, for left my ad-
dress with Susan for him. No, he was
proud to win my love-men are flirts as
much as wonderland once assured Of
it he was content, and went TO WOO
others. Oh, it's shameful"
And Fl0's cheek flushed as she paced
her pretty room.
II never would have believed it Of
him, though. lie was so handsome,
so honest, and notwithstanding No,
! can't believe it. Still what mat
tiers, it isn't likely we shall ever meet
again, and it's foolish Of me not to be
able toto forget him. There, from
this moment, I'll try will, l will, |
will. I'll marry Herbert, which will de-
light both uncle and auntie. And then,
wife with home Of my own, | must
not remember Philip. No, I'll forget
him as he has long, long forgotten me,
and to make it easier I'll not keep any
thing that reminds me of him."
While speaking she had unlocked her
desk and taken from it small gem
ring and sprig of withered heather.
IN lose the ring in the bush, for |
couldn't bear to give it away, and-and
there goes the heather"
She made to throw it out Of the win
dow, but the hand refused to obey the
will.
Forget him! It's no good, | can't, |
can't. Oh, Philip, Philip" And bend
ing low, she pressed the mementoes of
that sweet first love TO her lips Her
uncle's voice calling aroused her. Hast
lily she returned the ring and heather to
the desk, smoothed her hair, and ran
down stairs.
the quick tread of horses hOofs along
the road. The colonel, rising, stepped
into the verandah.
Its Archer" he said Ills visit is
early. Make some hotter coffee, Kate.
After his ride he'll not mind second
breakfast"
Quitting the verahdah he soon re-
turned with his guest
1t was a young man of about eight
and-twenty. Of middle height, and of
slender frame. the lithesOmeness OF
which was apparent. despite the rough
servicable Squatter suit he wore. His
features We're regular and handsome,
his complexion Of a clear white that
exposure to the sun hardly darkened
His hair, like his long moustache, was
of glossy black, while his eyes. large
and Of the same color, possessed a singu-
lar brilliance, such as is observed at
times in an animals,
His expression was full Of energy and
reSolve-that of man who admitted
no failure. He had landed in the new
world when the gold fever was at its
height. Had had lucky find, with
which he had turned squatter. All he
had put his hand to had thriven. No
obstacle had occurred TO arouse the
evil side Of Herbert Archer character
for there was an evil side--until a
year previously he had made the ac-
Quaintance Of Colonel Granger, and
was in love, and, as was his nature,
threw himself heart and soul into his
passion.
Well-to-do, gentleman, no man near
his equal, he had little fear Of failure,
but his assurance grew less as he knew
more Of Flo. Something in her man
ner ever kept him from making his
declaration. and only the knowledge,
easily ascertained from the cOIonel's
sister, that he had no rival, kept him
patient--that is outwardly.
On this morning however, he had
ridden over to Shady Creek, ostensibly
TO look at new purchase OF cattle OF
the colonel's, but really to learn his
| fate.
And how can it he other than as
wish it, " lie had reflected as he rode. -
us She not kindness itself? Does she
not ever show pleasure in my society,
sing the songs like, or play the pieces
desire? Nonsense, my heart has no
need to beat SO nerVousy. Had | a
rival it would be different and
dangerous, especially for him, !" and the
long slender hands clenched, the rec
light shone in the dark eyes. But
have none. Who could rival me on
here? Besides. have ! not said tina
Florence Granger shall be my wife, AM
that of no other man, and never ye
have been baked in that upon whicl
l have set my mind"
Such had been Herbert Archer
thoughts al he rode to Shady Creel
through the sweet spring morning. Bu
as he entered the room with the colonc
the set expression died out Of hi
countenance, giving place to one OF gen
tleness as his gaze rested upon Flo.
There must have been something
more than gentleness in it--somethinI
~. 4. 4 IL.