The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-03-03


As years passed on the idea strength
ened in my mind. Sinclair and l were
always together when he was at home.
He made me his confdante in all his
college escapades, and we correspondent
constantly. To be sure, he always ad-
dressed me as ISIS" an abbreviation
of sister. l suppose; and he never kissed
me in his life, save when he come
home or upon his departure. Yet al
ways thought of him as my future hus-
band, and planned my life according
~.
My mother was poor widow when
Colonel Monroe married her. She had
barely means enough to exc out our ex-
penses, but she was very handsome and
fascinating. She had what people
called 20 way with men" that was
irresistible. She fostered the idea that
l was to be Sinclair's wife. One day
she and were driving together about
the estates, and she turned to me and
smiled and said
."How strange it is, ma petite. that
you and l, two penniless creatures that
we were few years ago, will one day
possess both these splendid estates for
our very own. It is like fairy story.
All! say what they will-the moralists
and preachers handsome face and
a little tact are the most priceless gifts
a woman can possess. ! am SO thank
full. dear, that you are handsome"
was seventeen when she said that,
and / went home and looked at myself
carefully in the mirror. Yes, l was
handsome: my eyes were large and
black, my complexion rich and clear,
my features perfectly regular.
turned away smiling and satisfied.
Sinclair came home soon afterward
to remain; at least, he had finished his
college course, graduating with honors.
He was very handsome, and my
heart throbbed with pride and joy as
looked upon him. .rr
Surely every good gift in life was
mine.
Sinclair remained at home year.
We were of course thrown constantly
together, and he was the same frank
comrade as Of old, yet he spoke no
word of love. grew FESTIVE and i'm
patient for matters to be settled.
was at the age when every girl longs
for a lover. l wanted to be loved-I
wanted to be betrothed. I had thought
it all out many times; how after the
betrothal my mother would give large
ball, and how resplendent would shine
in beautiful jewels and rich robes. For
always in my thoughts Of love worldly
considerations were mingled.
| l should never have loved Sinclair
Monroe if he had been poor and of low
birth. My pride was Unborn, and con.
slant cultivation rendered it one of the
strongest elements of my nature.
After year spent at home, Sinclair
went abroad. He went without speak
ing his love, or asking any promise Of
me.
1 was bitterly disappointed, and SC
was my mother.
"But let him SOW his wild oats" she
said; "he will come home all the more
inclined to settle down."
He was gone two years. During
those years I went much into society
and became quite belle, and received
one offer of marriage. declined il
proudly. The man was in no way the
equal of Sinclair; and besides felt my.
self to belong to Sinclair. l as much
as intimated this to my sutton, when he
would have persisted in his attentions
When Sinclair returned he seemed
older and more serious in manner, and
he went at work at once to lay out the
grounds on his estate and beautify
them. My heart swelled full of hope
Were my early dreams to be realized!
Then suddenly my mother died.
Plunged into deep mourning, ] die
not think it strange that no words o.
love should pass his lips during the
next half year. At the end of that time
he again absented himself for severa
months.
When he returned he called me aside
one day, saying he had something tt
tell me.
perhaps l ought not to say it within
a year after your great loss, he began
land yet believe what l have to say
will result in greater happiness to vi
all. have long had it in my mind.
I felt my heart trembling in my
breast like frightened bird. At last
at last! Was he about to say the word
l had waited so long to hearp Ther
he continued: II am going to be mar
ried next month, Agnes. l met IN.
bride while l was travelling abroad
She is an American. She was alst
travelling with her parents. She is ,
lovely girl, and she will brighten up tn
old house for us all. l thought o
building before l married, but fathe
wants me to remain here, at least for
year or two. And would like to hav,
my bride plan her own home when
do build. l hope you will love her
Agnes. lam sure you can not help it.
How l ever managed to control m,
awful modification, my surprise AM
my anger, l do not know. 1t was ~
sudden, 80 unexpected, like q blow II
the dark. l brought all my pride Il
bear upon my emotions, and I con
graduated him with seeming warmth
but felt as IL a lew being took pos
session of my body from that hour.
had always been q selfish girl, incline,
to be mercenary and exacting. Nov
within my breast awoSe a demon O
jealousy and spite that made my lif
wretched. It seemed to me that I ha,
opened the door to flock Of evil spir
, its in my heart when love and hop
flew out.
, About two months later Sinclai
brought home his bride. felt y ma
licious qualification as I looked Ut he
and saw that she was not as hand som
as |. Yet she was what people gen