The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1886-03-27

mystery. Yet he was not a man Of |
half intentions, and before hesitating |
many days he had decided upon action |
that was almost more than summary,
as will appear in the sequel.
Meantime the missives fitted between
young Godfrey and Ellen like arrows
that, visible at the beginning and the
end of their course, refuse to be traced
in the passage. Through these, though
imprisoned, they had freedom In the
whole realm of love and gave their hearts
to each other with the abandon of pas
aonate trust and regard in spirited
young natures. Without this commune
cation hardly would they have endured
their Imprisonment so paSsively, though
the forces that coerced them were harsh
enough in those days, including as they
did not only the rigor of prescribed pa
rental authority, but the severe CON
domination of Puritanical public opin-
ion as well.
~ do begin to fear this indomitable
father of thine" wrote Ellen; "all my
weapons of defense seem light against
his heavy approaches. He has look
of intending to conquer by main
strength, if naught else will avail; and
that does little remind me of the mov-
ing story he told us once together of
once compelling pirate to confess hid
den treasure by suffocating the poor
wretch in barrel of smoke, But | will
die ere Imarry another man than thee"
When the Inexplicable Messenger
brought these words to Godfrey Carter
they greatly agitated him. He knew
not only that his father was one who
did not sickle at harsh means to reach
a tempting end, but felt also that in the
subserviency of the aunt to his wishes
the colonel had powerful aid, as in
his complete infatuation with the niece
he had the strongest of indictments to
action.
Il can not discourage your fears; they
are all my own," Godfrey answered
Ellen. Moreover, my father is quick
to move. Yesterday he drove in the
coach, being gone several hours on the
journey, | am not certain where, but |
think from some word that Peter the
coachman dropped it was to Calvert
Hill. Now it is at this Calvert Hill that
the notorious minister dwells who has
tied so many scandalous runaway
couples in marriages. person, l dare
to think, who would scruple little at any
deed, a fat fee in his pocket Watch,
then, thy tyrannous aunt, and, sweet
Ellen, believe that whatever danger be.
falls / shall be speedily at thy side. ]
thank God for thy bravery and thy wit
| am convinced the time is come when
we must save our heels with our heads
Pray that no mischance befall our faith.
full Messenger, and send me note of al
that happens, even the last straw, which
may unexpectedly show the set of tht
ind.", lfe- .gsf IA i,e ..
On the very next day young Godfrey
received from the Inexplicable Messen
ger-who, despite the colonel's ex
tremcst vigilance, still served faithfully
"a note confirming all his fears. Fail
Ellen wrote that her aunt had an
nounced a visit tossstown bordering OF
; Calvert Hill for the Second day follow
! ing, Mistress Dwight to 90 in the morn
ing to make certain preparations, an(
! Ellen to follow in the evening under es
cort of the colonel, whose business die
not allow an earlier departure. r.
The lovers answer was brief. go, >
he said, without opposition, and dc
not be alarmed should highwaymal
! beset the carriage in some dark passag,
! of the road. l Shall teach the coach
! man a lesson in dismounting, and Civ
! my father chance TO walk as far as tn,
, next town. Doubt not that this plot o
, our elders shall turn to our best for
/ tune" .t
At three o'clock the following after
n6on-it was dull November day. tn
: air chill, the green grass stiff with fros
Colonel Carter, returning from tn
offices downtown, walked with steam
, ing breath up to the front door of hi
, own house; then, pausing there
, minute, turned without entering t.
I make his way toward the stables, wher
, he gave some commands to the coach
, man before returning to the house. H
, did not see his son watching hi m i
. these movements from an upper win
. dow. Two hours later the two sat a
=. dinner, each at the end of large din
ing-table set for their sole use, wit
:, stately silver and china in elaborat
e array and lighted with four tall candle
sticks, two at either end. Each wa
dressed with unusual care, and SCENE
= in more companionable mood towar
the other than for some time had bee
; customary. Each deemed the victor
q in their long battle at last his own.
I Il tell thee, Godfrey, best give Il
: that girl, said the colonel, when tn
4 wine had been passed; "she is a higl
minded wench, and needs an oldC
hand than thine to hold her"
n "And dost give her up thyself?"
n "Not to-day, Godfrey; but to-morro
n by this time thou shalt know my mind.
IS agreed" cried the son. 81 hay
n been thinking on it myself, and to-mo
S row by this time thou shalt know mine.
G Come, we will drink to the fair dan
d sci, said the father. "Here's to h,
II and the man that wins her." r
s They drank the toast, each smiling
| tho otbaric daluSiOn Tho oolnnal w,