Smyrna times., 1884-03-19

dlstractlngly sweet voice would soun,
through the house. If she consulte,
his labored notes upon some especial,
favored historical or poetical work. hi
equanimity would be disturbed h,
Keen and pertinent interpretations tha
MS own wit had never suggested. |
he attempted any remonstrance. sh,
would blunt his censure with n mn,
ana DEFY rebuke by an ingenious repar
tee. She would effect scientific theme
that she might disconcert him bv som,
problem too difficult for his elucidation
she dared his opinions and CHALLENGED
MS sentiments; she wore the colors
the flowers, the gems she knew h,
most disliked; and she was indeed the
plague of his life.
why do you always wear the topa,
Miss Evelyn?" he asked her later thai
day.
He had glanced up with a ready
frown at the exquisite shape and
charming brunette face, perceivine
only the yellow gem he whimsically
abominated, glittering in her coal-black
halr and amid the white laces ON he,
bosom.
"As an amulet" she replied quickly
merrlly and meaningly. at is a pre-.
servative against poison, you know.
The speech was not quite civil. the
laughing glance of the big black ewes
was saucy and significant; but her
manner was the perfection of innocent
playfulness.
Freds frowning face crimsoned.
what monster of iniquity would
wish to harm SO gentle and gracious a
lady" he retOrted, with ungallant
irony.
She regarded him for moment with
curious intent and questioning look,
before which his countenance suddenly
changed-suddenly he seemed defen-
sive rather than aggressive, as one who
feared his own weakness rather than
the strength of an enemy.
Perhaps she discerned something in
MS uneaSlness that she willfully declin-
ed to understand; perhaps she COM
pretended pain that thrilled her
more than she cared to acknowledge
for she, too, changed.
Mr.. Ives" she begun at length,
with a singular new splendor in her
sweet smile and a singular new sweet
ness in her voice, "any sarcasm is
absurd between you and me. The
candid truth is so much better alwavs.
even if disagreeable L am perfectly
aware that you detest me; that every-
thing | do displeases or annovs YOU.
You have given me abundant proof of
your dislike, and never yet vouchsafed
nae a Kindness or a courtesy. 1t is you
who are ungentle-you who are un-
gracious. Why you are SO, 1 may not
inquire; but shall implore our dear
Carrie to send me away and trust that
you may never again be afflicted with
the presence of so lucltless person as
myself"
And while he marveled if this new
amiability, this charming combination
OF humility and dignity, were sincerity
or snare, she had gone, leaving him
somewhat bewildered and wholly un-
comfortable.
have a mind to try the subiugated
black horse myself, he thought pres
emily, 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 heen
suDJugated for Fred's pleasure, evident
ly. The mettle that had been obedieut
to the slightest command of one dainty.
daring girl, had not been tanned for his
control.
Jessie, pausing by the pleasant way
side was suddenly started by the un-
steady tramp of hoofs, and looked up
to behold the unmanageable animal
toward her. The next in
slant 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.
80 Fred, are you hurt?" she inouir-
ed in tones of tenderest concern. as she
knelt down beside him and slipped her
pretty arm beneath his fallen head.
Yes" he answered gazing straight
up into her anxious eyes. "I am hurt
TO death for love of the girl who hates
me, who fancies that have disliked
her."
1t was an odd love making. doubt
lessly; but there and then, holding fast
the little wilful hand, the lover re-
hearsed the ancient and delectable
story.
"of course I will marry you, Fred,n
she assured him sweetly. 81 always
knew was doomed to be the plagua of
your life."