The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-04-25


 the handsome, generous, tortured young fellow came over me. l continued, but l feel that I am violating no confidence in saying that advised Miss Toxel to marry soon, and 1 say to you now that much as admire and esteem Miss Toxel, l know of no one in the world to whom l would as soon see her married as to yourself George"
 For moment the frank smile came to Aylie's face, in answer to my kindly tone; but ii was instantly succeeded by cold despair.
 CT beg pardon, Arndt," said he; "l thought you might have advised Agnes professionally for professional reasons, against marriage to me know that she has a wonderful reliance upon you, strange from its suddenness-only, per haps-and thought you might be m ade to explain her conduct to me" George relapsed into a sombre reverie.
 May ask what has occurred p said |.
 Aylie reused himself. and looked at me inteAtly for an instant as our eyes met I fancied that he entertained some very ungenerous suspicious of me, and 1 added, Understand distinctly, Mir. Aylie, that have no wish to receive any confidence which you are not desirous to impart have a very sincere desire to see Miss Toxel happy, and to aid in your own welfare in any possible man. ner, but l do not wish to question you"
 It is my fault" said George, in his usual frank manner, "to trust too readily, kN al unreasonable suspicious. know am often wrong in this; remember that I am in hard place you know what Agnes is to me-Let us sit down." said he "I am worn out; have hardly slept for the last three days and nights, and have not eaten at all believer hardly remem. ber-indeed, am not myself at all.o said the poor boy as he dropped into a reclining chair, and leaned his head wearily against the back.
 "Wait here moment" said I: "I will give you something which will make you feel better"
 George drank the wine-glass of liquid l brought him, and found fault with the flavor, but almost instantly responded to its potent effects. His eye frightened, he sat erect. gave him cigar. "What in the world was that2' he asked "I never heard of drinking sleep before; teel as if had just awakened from re- freshing slumber."
 Don't waste your time asking oues- tions, my dear boy" said say what you have to say, for in half an hour you will go to sleep in spite of yourself, and you will not wake for twelve hours cer- tAinly, and l hope not for twenty"
 don't seem to have a trouble or care in the world" said George with smile, as he lighted his cigar. "The case is here I called on Agnes the next afternoon after you examined me, and this card from the servant.'
 read the pencilled lines George gave me.
 am too i'll to see even you: do not be alarmed. think shall be we'll tomorrow.
 AGNES.
 There was something in the calm reg ularity ot the writing which filled me with vague alarm. The lines were cer- tainly written with a determined hand began to fear that Miss Toxel had taken to sure and desperate refuge. wrote line in reply" said George, ' expressing my solicitude, and saving that would call the next day did SO, at two ln the afternoon. Agnes was out. called again at five and she had not returned; at nine, and received the same reply. left note saying I would call received this"
 read the card, still in the same firm hand: Think anything in the world. dearest George, save that do not love you with my | whole heart and soul. cannot see you to- | lay. While live,
 Your own AGNES. l began to be exceedingly impatient to | md the interview with George, and go to | Miss Toxel. thought from her delay. hat there might still be hope that she | vas meditating, and putting off the de- :isive deed, but felt sure I had little ime to wait.
 What did you think of this, Aylie ?v asked.
 was very much surprised. Agnes lad never shown the least trace of ca- ,rice in any way, and could only guess hat for some cause she had come to ioubt the wisdom of our marriage. II lave been asking her for several weeks o name an early day for the event, but 'he has always said, not yet,' and as vas sure of her affection, and was con- tantly in her society, could not urge he matter. have only noticed one trange thing; while she always seems 'ery glad to see me, and often makes to meet me in the city for unches, promenades, or visits to art re- options and the like, she seems lately to 'e disinclined to have me touch her in my way, and especially she avoids meeting of our hands ungloved. Is not hat strange? And she has the most 'eautiful hand ever saw"
 "You called to-day 7''
 "l called to-day at 3,3o, and received his note at the door. 1 was not admit ed to the house or should have seen Agnes at all hazards. I wished a card aken to her, but the servant had orders receive nothing from me. came here Here is the note" |, opened the envelope, which had cen sealed, and read: