The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-11-03

nette face, perceiving only the yellow gem
he whimsically abominated, glitterlng IN
her coal black hair and amid the white
laces on her bosom.
"An amulet" she replied quickly, mer-
rily and meaningly. at is preservatlve
against poison, you know
The speech was not quite civil; the
laughing glance of the big black eyes was
saucy and significant; but her manner was
the perfection of innocent playfulness.
Fred's frowning face crimsoned.
"What monster of iniquity would Wish 81
to harm so gentle and gracious lady
he retorted, with ungallant irony.
She regarded him for moment with
curiously intent and questioning look, be
fore which his countenance suddenly
changed suddenly he seemed defensive
rather than aggressive, as one who feared
his own weakness rather than the strength
of the enemy.
Perhaps she discerned something in his
uneasiness that she wilfully declined to
understand; perhaps she comprehended a
pain that thrilled her more than she cared
to acknowledge cor she, too, changed.
"Mr. Ives" she began at length, with
singular new splendor in her sweet smile
and singular new sweetness in her voice,
s'any sarcasm is absurd between you and
me. The candid truth is SO much better
always even if it be disagreeable. [ am
perfectly aware that you detest me; that
everything I do displeases or annoys you.
You have given me abundant proof of dis
like, and never yet vouchsafed me kind
ness nor courtesy. 1t is you who are un-
gentle-you are ungracious. Why you are
so may not inquire; but | shall implore
our Carrie to send me away, and trust that
you may never again be afflicted with the
presence of SO luckless person as myself.
And while he maryeled if this new amia-
bility, this charming combination of humil-
ity and dignity, were sincerity or snare,
she had gone, leaving him somewhat be-
wildered and wholly uncomfortable.
II have a mind to try the subjugated
black horse myself he thought presently,
as he noted the CLEAN of white dress
and an amber scarf among the trees up the
long shady road.
But the black horse had not been subju-
gated for Fred's pleasure, evidently. The
mettle that had been obedient to the slight
est command of one dainty, daring girl, had
not been tanned for his control.
Jessie, pausing by the pleasant wayside,
was suddenly started by the unsteady tramp
of hoofs, and looked up to behold the I'M
manageable animal galloping toward her.
The next instant he tossed his vicious head
aloft and reared on his launches; simulta-
neously the saddle girth snapped asunder,
and the unfortunate rider was precipitated
upon the level sward almost at her very
feet.
"Oh, Fred, are you hurt ?" she inquired
in tones of tenderest concern, as she knelt
down beside him and slipped her pretty
arm beneath his fallen head.
eyes," he answered, gazing straight up
into her anxious eyes. II am hurt to death
for love of the girl who hates me, who
fancies that have disliked her.
1t was an odd loYe-making, doubtlessly;
but there and then, holding fast the little
wilful hand, the lover rehearsed the ancient
and delectable story.
"Of course 1 will marry you, Fred, she
assured him sweetly. ~ always knew |
was doomed to be the plague of your life. !"