Smyrna times., 1886-03-17

ner of her companion, Bessie assented
and together the two walked down the
lane in the direction suggested by DR..
Martin.
The doctor had a purpose in this,
having the same object in view that
urged Robert Gordon on in his fruitless
suit. But he had an older and cooler
head, and was careful not to frighten
the bird he was trying to cage by a too
abrupt announcement of his intentions.
He commenced by expatiating on the
beauties of nature, then speaking of
love in general. and from thence passing
in easy transitions to that of his own.
He allowed himself full play, declar-
ing his love in the most glowing terms,
and deserting that he could not live if
she refused to requiet it.
Bessie had not learned, then, that the
man who expresses his love the most
easily, generally feels it least. Her
imaginations, if not her heart, was cap
tivated, by the fervid elequence of her
suitor, and she could not help contrast
ING him with poor Robert, and greatly
to the disadvantage of the latter
Still she ventured to express some
doubt as to the sincerity of his VOWS,
perhaps for the pleasure of hearing him
repeat them.
"Ah exclaimed the gallant doctor,
with clasped hands and lifted eyes
eff only some great danger menaced
you, that 1 may prove how easily I
could peril my life in your defense I
On this turf let me swear r.
Here he was interrupted by a low bell
low, and on looking up he saw, to his
terror and dismay, huge bull on the
brow Of hill opposite, paving the
earth and glaPing at them with red and
ang.Y eyes.
Receiving as a sort of challenge the
flourish of II white cambria which at
tended the doctors eloquent appeal,
the enraged animal bore rapidly down
upon them.
The last that Bessie saw of DIR. Mar
tin was the rear view of his long legs as
they disappeared over the nearest wall.
She essayed to follow, but, paralyzed
with terror, her limbs sank under their
burden.
Just then Robert Jordon sprang over
into the field. and with a loud whoop
and flourish of his arms, sought to divert
the animal from his course.
For a moment the bull paused and
then more enraged than before, charged
upon his new assailant
When he got within few feet of him
Robert threw the coat on his arm di-
rec ~ across his horns and then jumped
nimbly one side.
Blinded by the garment, and by rage
The bull made directly to the spot where
he had stood, and passing by him, dove
down TO the valley beneath.
Robert lost no time in picking up
Bessie, who had fallen on the grass, and
conveying her to a place of safety over
the wall over which Dr. Martin had
made such hasty exit, placed her be-
meath tree.
Then perceiving how pale she was
looking he went to get some water
from the brook, just as DIR. Martin
came forward, who, now that all danger
was over, was profuse in his offers Of
assistance.
There came a sudden flash of scorn
to Bessie's eyes that brought the color
to her face.
Really, DR.. Martin, if this is the
way you peril life in my defense, I de-
sire to be excused from any further
manifestation of your love and devotion.
1t is thousand pities that you should
be interrupted in the pretty speech you
were making"
i assure you. Miss Bessie" STAN.
mered the doctor.
Then perceiving that Robert was re.
turning heslunk away without finishing
his sentence.
Robert was somewhat surprised 70
see Bessie standing erect, with her eyes
and cheeks so bright, though he might
have guessed something of the cause,
as he followed his discounted rivals
retreating form.
The brave and modest young fellow
was considerably abashed by the thanks
with which Bessie overwhelmed him.
You cannot be more thankful than I
am.' he said, with some emotion. as he
thought of the danger she had escaped.
Fortunately ] saw you going into the
meadow and, knowing that the animal
Vas Tia re-. came 20 warn you"
Drawing her arm in his they proceed
ed homeward.
They walked on in silence until they
came to the garden-gate there they
both paused.
Robert" faltered Bessie, eff you
should ask me the same question that
you asked me few hours ago, 1 would
not answer you as l did"
How would you answer me?" said
Robert a sudden light coming into his
eyes, as he spoke.
Ask nae again, and 1 will tell YOU. E"
will you marry me, Bessie ?"
Yes"
In transport of Joy Robert caught
her in his arms. Then q sudden doubt
crossed his mind.
You do not say this from gratitude,
Bessie ?"
No, no, you foolish Robert !" said
Bessie, smiling through her tears. II
loved you all the time, only"
Here she made a full confession of
her folly.
Robert only replied by drawing her
still more closer to him. But certain il
Is that as lover or husband, he gave her
no occasion to make any similar COM
plaint in the future.
Some curious researches have recent
ly been undertaken by Swiss and
Swedish physicians on the color of the
avaq hrtf esfflorrk o,,rv o,.,....o..A