The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-06-03
zATIIOE.

It's q gay. spirited sort Of name, and
suggests dancing black eyes, sun burnt
cheeks. jetty curls, cherry lips and brown,
unjeweled fingers.
Well, my old housekeeper's granddaugh-
ter, pretty Zathoe Lynn, possessed them
all.
And she was II that summer; | 81.
For two months and single day had
been the envied possessor of "Hazelcroft. D
She had grown up with the other wild
flowers on the place. herself the widest
flower of them all.
One remembered August morning she
stole into the library with glorious bunch
Of water lilies.
They're for you, Mr.. Rupert" she
said, offering them slyly.
patted the shapely brown hand ex-
tended.
Thanks, little zathoe They are a
pretty parting gift
Her black eyes were fixed upon the car
pet.
"You are going away, them"
Yes. to Europe"
But you will come back?'
NOt lOT tiltc iOIS ,'CtIo, ~ iNhS'' .
must see the world, ZathOe. And now,
good byl shall not see you again before
starting"
She looked up then, her eyes seeming
two Goals of living fire. ! wondered why
had never noticed how beautiful they
were.
You II be married and settled long be
fore | return" added, teasingly.
She gently laid the lilies down.
: "GoOd.by, Mr. Rupert. shall not for.
get you'll"
And in another instant she had escaped
from the room like frightened bird.
Ny resolve to travel had been q sudden
one, but by II o'clock was ready to 60.
The day was perfect, so decided 70 walk
across the fields to Hazelcroft station.
The distance was scarcely a mile. When
jug. half way, and passing through a
narrow lane, | suddenly heard moan.
Then came some unexpected, impassiOned
words:
"Oh, Mr.. Rupert Ny dear Mr. Rupert
III never see him againP
looked around, but there was no one
in sight. Then glanced over the low
hedge. There, on the ground, with her
head pillowed on messy stump, lay little
ZathOe Lynn.
Twas at her side in moment, but so
intense was her grief, she had not heard
my approach.
Then knelt down and spoke her name.
She sprang up in bewilderment, but
drew her to me.
you are sorry that l am going, Zathoe?"
Yes"
There was world Of sorrow In the out
spoken word.
took her tear stained face between my
hands
"Zathoe Lynn, look at me; it is true
can you care for me?'
She struggled from my grasp. II hate
myself Oh. Mr.. Rupertl ! never meant
that you should know"
But am glad, very glad, answered,
kindly. 1T is sweet to know that you
will miss mo when far away. am, as
you have heard, an orphan. All my life,
until now. have been unloved. have
never even had sweetheart. You shall
be my first and only one.
She crept back to my arms with the con-
fdence of q child, and | smoOthed her
damp curls and kissed her red lips. How
pretty and innocent she wasl
"Zathoe," whispered, ARE you sure
that you love meY'
She passionately flung her plump arms
around my neck for answer. 1t was her
first pure caress.
Then we sat down On q fallen log to-
gether, and / clasped her hot, brown fin
gers.
How would you like to attend school
during my absence?" asked presently.
Her tear stained face frightened. Il
love books, Mr.. Rupert, and would study
hard"
THAT is well. Now listen, Zathoe
Three years from this day, if you still
love me, you shall be my wife. But the
mistress of Hazelcroft must be cultured
and refined. Promise that you will try
TO become all could desire"
IL promise. she said simply.
Remember" added at parting. you
are still as free as the air you breathe.
But you will think Of me sometimes
Always, Mr.. Rupert" she corrected.
Then kiss me good-by."
Her trembling lips just touched my
cheek. returned II threefold, and put
her from me. Then hurried away with
out once looking back But my love for
Zathoe Lynn began that day.
We did not meet again for four long
years. But often heard from my little
protege. Her letters fill my desk today,
sweet record of the gradual unfolding
Of her heart and mind.
Old Mrs. Lynn died soon after my de.
parture, and then, at my earnest request,
Zathoe entered q neighboring seminary.
Nobly did she keep her promise. gradu-
ating with honor at the completion of her
three years course / would have re-
turned to her then, but she would not
permit it.
"Give me another year." she wrote.
Il want to be perfect in your sight. "