The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1889-01-04

ne htu ever ueafu.
She was not aware Of his presence
until almost at his side.
pardon me, miss! / see l have
alarmed you!" he said, rising book in
hand, as she began to retreat.
IL didn't know any one was
herem she faltered, evidently startled
by so unexpected an encounter with a
stranger
At this juncture there was a shower
of blossoms at her feet from her
fiower-laden apron, which, in her con-
fusion she had forgotten to retain
hold Of
am sorry I interrupted your
song" said Arthur, as he assisted her
to recover her treasures. 1T was very
sweet and quite appropriate, too.
Here we have the maiden and the wild
flowers"
YES" she replied, archly. but
the maiden in the song was thinking
OF her lover away at scar
''And you" he reioined with
roguish laugh-''was thinking OF a
lover over yonder in town, perhaps"
There was a scornful toss of the
queenly little head, and an unnatural,
vindictive ring in the clear, young
voice as she retorted:
Il have more interesting things to
think about than loversr'
what can be more interesting to a
young girl like you than love, with all
IL promises for the futurePn and her
questioner looked the surprise that he
felt.
The love you speak of promises me
nothing but blasted hopes. II were
ever foolish enough TO be beguiled by
t. I cherish love, but it is a love that
never changes, the love OF my dear
father, and of dear Aunt Prue, who
has been mother, sister, every thing in
fact, from my earliest recOllections. &"
Ora Dalton said all this with great
earnestness, which seemed to increase
rs she proceeded, while her speaking
eyes grew inexpressibly soft and ten
der.
As Arthur Warren looked and list
ened entranced, he felt that the peer
less girl before him, whose very name
he had yet to learn, held the happiness
of his life in her hands. "Would she
make or mar itPn he tremblingly asked
himself
The subject thus opened led to a long
and animated discussion in which Ar
thur was forced to see that his hearts
idol, notwithstanding her youth and
beauty, was q confirmed cynic on the
subject or love. It was soon apparent
to him that she effected the embittered
thoughts and feelings of the aunt, OF
whom she had spoken so affectionately
This aunt was an elderly spinster
"whoso love-blighted life had always
been as aa open book OF experience to
her" as size expressed it.
So deeply engaged were the young
people that they took no note Of any
thing until they were at last recalled
TO their surroundings by loud peal
Of thunder Looking up they saw the
sky black with ominous clouds aud a
little later a drenching rain was pour
ing down upon them.
Arthur, because of his delicate
health had taken the precaution to
provide himself with an umbrella, and
under its friendly shelter they hast
cned TO the Dalton farm house.
Il am afraid Auntie will be worried
about me, +" said Ora. anxiously. Then
Frightening, she added, with child
like simplicity: Il am glad you are
TO see her know you viii be friends
at once, just as we are.
4 hope son Arthur replied, thrilled
ana charmed. But are you not scep-
ucsi about friendship. as well as lover"
mo- she answered. s.Friends are
seldom together enough to grow tired
OF each other. I believe that love is
ms true as friendship. until n loses IT'S
novelty which it is pretty certain TO
do after few months Of ma,rie5 life ;,
What am odd little philosopber
you areV commented Arthur
They found Aunt prue in Aha a,o..