Thomas County cat., 1886-03-04
l hate the country

As we rode back reveled in dreams
of the future, when 1 should reign q
queen over that splendid mansion.
As wears passed on the idea strength
ened in my mind. Sinclair and were
ALWAYS together when he was at home.
He made me his confidante in all his
college escapades, and we corresponded
constantly. To be sure, he always ad-
dressed me as ISIS" an abbreviatiOn
of sister. suppose; and he never kissed
me in his life, save when he come
home or upon his departure. Yet al
wavs thought of him as my future hus-
band, and l planned my lite according
II.
Nv 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 "a way with men" that was
irresistible. She fostered the idea that
Twas to be Sinclair's wife. One day
she and were driving together about
the estates, and she turned to me and
smiled and said:
show strange it is, ma petite, that
you and /, two penniless creatures that
we were few years ago, will one day
possess both these splendid estates for
our very own. 1t is like a fairy story.
All! say what they will-the moralists
and preachers handsome face and
little tact are the most priceless gifts
a woman can possess. l am so thank
full. dear, that you are handsome"
/ Twas 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.
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 l
looked upon him.
Surely every good gift in life was
mine.
Sinclair remained at home a 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. l grew restive and inn
patient for matters to be settled. |
was at the age when every girl longs
for lover. | wanted to be loved-I
wanted to be betrothed. / 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.
| should never have loved Sinclair
Monroe if he had been poor and of low
birth. My pride was inborn, and con-
stant 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.
l was bitterly disappointed, and SO
was my mother.
But let him SOW his wild oats" she
said; she will come home all the more
inclined to settle down."
He was gone two years. During
those years [ went much into society
and became quite belle, and received
one offer of marriage. l declined it
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 suitor, 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 beautifv
them. My heart swelled full of hope
Were my early dreams to be realized?
Then suddenly my mother died.
Plunged into deep mourning, ] did
not think it strange that no words of
love should pass his lips during the
next half year. At the end of that time
ne again abscntcd himself for several
When he returned he called me aside
one day, saying he had something to
tell me.
perhaps ought not to say it within
a year after your great loss." he began,
land Yet believe what have to say
will result in greater happiness to us
all. l have long had it in my mind"
l felt my heart trembling in my
breast like frightened bird. At last,
at last! Was he about to say the words
had waited so long to hear? Then
he continued: Il am going to be mar
ried next month, Agnes. l met my
bride while l was travelling abroad.
She is an American. She was also
with her parents. She is
lovely girl, and she will brighten up the
old house for us all. l thought of
building before l married, but father
wants me to remain here, at least for
year or two. And 1 would like to have
my bride plan her own home when l
do build. l hope you will love her.
Agnes. lam sure you can not help it."
How ever managed to control my
awful modification, my surprise and
my anger. l do not know. 1t was so
so unexpected, like blow in
the dark. l brought all my pride 10
bear upon my emotions, and l COLI
graduated him with seeming warmth,
but l felt as if a new being took pos
session of my body from that hour. |
had always been selfish girl, inclined
TO be mercenary and eXacting. Now