The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-08-12
TIE TEST OF LOVE.
BY GUINEyEvE.

A pretty girl stood on the lowest
step of an old Virginian mansion,
shading her eyes from the suns rays
with one little white hand, from be-
meath which she watched an ap-
preaching carriage.
"There she is; | see the gleam of
her crimson feather" she murmured
with joyful smile.
She waved her hand, and the occu-
pant of the vehicle fluttered a Roman
scarf in response.
The carriage drew nearer and paus-
cd {; there was the soft sound of rust
ling draperies, and the two friends
were clasped heart to heart
"Ah, how / have longed for this
meetingW said enthusiastic Nella
Brunton, holding her friend off at
arms length. "My dear, your long
Journey has not left trace Of fatigue
upon you; you look as fresh as June
rose"
Lisa Marvin smiled in reply. She
was tall, slender girl, with a dreamy,
bruno face and braids of jetty hair.
Nella tripped beside her, chatting
volubly, and as a figure in riding-cos-
tune crossed the wide hall before
them, she called aloud in her shrill,
girlish voice;
Terry, Terry, one moment here is
Lisa--- Oh, dear, how unceremo-
nious am This is my cousin, Terry
Releigh--Miss Marvin"
The young man, advancing, bowed
low with courteous words of greeting
Lisa Marvin looked after him ad-
miringly as he left them moment
later, and they continued their way tc
the upper floor.
Handsome, isn't he--eyery one
likes Terry" said her companion
II predict you will be great friends in
the days to come. 1t does not take
long for one to learn to love Terry"
A slight flush tinted Lisa's face.
"He is like you, them" she said
81 have known you but year, and
/ love you as l would love sister.
loved you ere our friendship was 6
week old"
"And l loved you at sight," sai(
Nella with gay laugh. "Seel here il
your room just opposite mine.
knew you like mountain scenery
look from this window"
AS Lisa started to obey, her dress
caught on Queen Anna chair anC
detained her.
She stopped to release it, and, al
she did so, caught a glimpse, through
the aperture left by the half-closeC
door, OF dark figure.
The face was averted, but the bear
ing and poise of the dark head wa
that of young man.
"Nella, / thought your uncle anC
cousin the only male members of tn
family" she said involuntarily as sh
Joined her friend.
A sudden shade darkened tn
piquant, blonde face, and the blu
eyes dimmed with tears.
"There is another cousin" she said
: as if the confession was wrung iron
her.
Then she wheeled about suddenl
and caught Lisa's hands.
81 will tell you-it is the skeleton
in our closet" she said in low tones
"Terry's brother lives under shadow
Three years ago he was accused G
forgery, and though acquitted, hi
name was never cleared. No one bC
lieves in him but Terry and Inc
even his own father. He has bee
abroad and returned only few day
ago, Is it not awful? He is so cleve
too, He is going away again"
Because l Gamer" said Lisa, quicl
ly.
"Yes."
"0h, ] am sorryl What a life h
must lead"
"Yes, always melancholy, bitter, an
restive. Poor Madisonln
Lisa fell backward with parted liz
and dilated eyes.
"Hadisoa-R Raleigh" she gaspeI
"Oh, how blind have beenl Madiso
Raleigh. Tell me, did he know WI
was to be your visitor-my nam