The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1886-11-04

derness-a pang OF poignant seIE-reprOrUn
seized him, and he wondered whether he
had allowed any of his dissatisfaction to
leak into his letter to her. He was afraid
it was cold, and he knew it was not
cordial. He had written to her as low
ingly as he could, trying to keep back his
WEAKNESS of the bond that bound them,
and his longing to break it asunder.
Would she be sharp enough to see through
him? Small minds are easily suspicious,
and as easily quieted, but a large mind,
like hers-for she had large and noble
nature-is slow to suspect, but sure to
probe to the truth when once aroused.
He meant to keep his troth in
good faith, to abide by the letter of the
bOnd-the spirit was beyond his control
already. He had read in some book of
maxims that there are times when to act
reasonably is to act like a coward. He
knew it was unreasonable for them to
marry now; but was he not a coward to
confess this even to himself? He felt
mean in his own eyes when he thought
how he had hoped there might be some
unforeseen obstacle to her acceptance.
just then he was aroused from his
reveries by the hoarse cries of newsboys
proclaiming an extra, and announcing
a horrible loss of life in a railroad acci-
dent. He bought the paper with an in
voluntary hope that perhaps the
train which had borne his letter to her
might have been destroyed; for, in that
case, he would have written differently.
But the extra was a catch-penny, and
the triaing accident it described was in
California.
Again be looked up at the
windows of one apartment in the
hotel; and an the room next to the one
where the shades had. been lowered he
saw the bright glitter of resplendent
Christmas tree. Evidently the occupants
of the apartment had forgotten to close
the curtains. He could see the issome
figure of the graceful girl who had low
cred the shade in the adjoining room.
Then the door was opened, and troop
of laughing children came pouring in,
dancing with delight around the one
girl, who began detaching the presents.
AS his eyes followed her about the room
he did not notice an elderly lady who
the window and suddenly
dropped the heavy curtains, shutting
him out from all share in the innocent
gaiety within. Rollinston started, shiv-
cred little, and shook from his shoul-
ders the snow which had begun to fall
few minutes before. He went over to |
the hotel to ask again for the letter, the |
only Christmas present he was likely to
receive; and whether it was to be a gift |
Of good or evil, he did not dare to con-
slider.
Here's your letter, Mr.. Rollinston," 4"
he said.
Alfred Rollinston seized the envelope |
and tore it open hastely. Then he hesi-
lated, He walked into the bar-room,
frank small glass of brandy, and took
1 seat in quite corner. At last he I'M
folded the letter, and read it with rapid
glance.
This is what he read:
Ever since saw you last, Alfred, 1
lave feared that our paths in life would
part sooner or later. Your letter makes
he parting certain. We have grown
way from each other. I release you, 1
orgive you, but l shall never forget
Tou. Go where you viii, my good
wishes shall go with you.
SUSAN HALIETT."
-Brauder Matthew's in ReIoravia