Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1891-02-06

rivals. When he appeared, others re-
tired He took by right, and caused no
jealousy. Such was his complete domin-
alton.
It was while the gayety was at its
an evening party. Rumor had engaged
him to young girl of the town who had
won him by years of devotion. Ee had
brought her that evening.
There were strangers present, one a
gay and handsome Southern girl. He
was bending over her when first saw
him. He pretended he did not see me
at first. l am not a person that chal-
lenges the attention of the room. But l
knew that he did see me, and with that
subtle quiet understanding that never
had needed signs between US, knew he
would be at my side presently.
His devotion to the girl grew even
more marked, but | was not surprised
when, although 1 was deep in converse
ton with some one else, felt him take
nv hand He drew it in his arm.
Come, " he said, and led me to the long
gallery where up and down we paced in
| the moonlight all the evening.
AS we passed the long open windows
I could see within. The girl to whom
John Temple was said to be engaged had
left the dancers and two kind girl friends
were trying to screen her unhappiness
and fearful eyes.
The CAV visitor to whom he had been
all devotion was laughing still in hard
strained tones, and looking about with
wondering eyes; youth is hard and re-
morseless, felt no pang. enjoyed my
triumph.
This was the beginning. When I was
not present John Temple repaired his
omissions and paid court right and left.
But when I was present was all in all.
We sat out dances and paced the side
walks, wandering up and down the
block with that freedom which village
life allows.
"He can't propose to her, because he's
engaged to Edith" heard a voice say
one evening.
"That wouldn't be straw in his
way" was the reply.
I heard both indifferentlv.
I saw Edith grow paler and thinner,
and unhappiness settle on her face like
disease. pitied her, only her preten-
sions to John Temple seemed absurd.
He was mine-if I cared to have him.
One evening I was late at dance.
When I came in John Temple was the
center of group of girls. There was
a laughing dispute among them.
but have documents" he said, and
1oI ~
card. Years ago [ knew there was a
time coming when you would deny your
ages so took precautions to get them
then. I guess I'm equal to the arithmetic"
There was cry and hands flung up
to seize the card which he quickly re-
stored to his pocket.
"Who would have thought you could
have been so sly" one cried.
"What base advantage of innocent
confidence" exclaimed another.
Well as [ knew him, that he could so
long and secretly cherish such little
scheme was a revelation.
He disentangled himself from them
and came to me. After few languid
whirls he said, ''Let us leave this" And
as usual we went out on the gallery
where we sat down on a bench beneath
the vines.
John Temple had never made love to
me. He treated me with an air of pro-
prietorship as one might care for rare
vase, or something too delicate and
precious for common use. It was so
different from the free and easy relations
of young people even when they are in
love, that it had an unique and most
agreeable value.
"You will always be young to me,
Kitty" he said, as we sat down. "In
my thoughts you are still fiery little
child"
"Are you going away Tomorrow" he
asked after silence.
Eyes"
"You must not go. I cannot let you
60. You always stay SO long. All
Kitty, you won't go?"
"There are Others"
"There is only you, Kitty. Did you
ever know that years ago made bet
about you2"
''Yes, Iheard of it."
'The time is up, Kitty, the gage was
ring. I have it here. But I want you
to wear it. Where is your dear little
hand. Yours? Mine. I can't remem-
Der the day when 1 did not claim it,
l began nervously to pull off my
glove, warm and clinging from his strong
grasp.
"Where is the ring2 I put it here"
He began to probe the traditional waist