Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1891-12-18

simple little daisy to full blown poppy
or rich, red rose, as my frai beauty to
this girls exquisite loneliness.
For time my love was unchanged.
laughed in my foolish heart at my
doubts and fears. At times I would find
his serious eyes wandering from me and
resting admiringly on the beautiful face
of Kathleen Lee.
No man could resist that wondrous fas-
cinating face. She never encouraged
him, but the dropping lids, the faint
flush, the trembling of her little hands,
all told plainly that she too loved him.
How Suffered. In nv mad jealousy
grew to almost hate the child. He
loved me before she came with her beau
tiful fowerlike face TO rob me of that
love. Was she blind that she did not
see that we we're betrothed2 l prayed
that she might go away and leave us to
ourselves once more, aud Robert would
90 back to his old fond ways. His
caresses were growing colder, his kisses
lighter. 1spoke Of his seeming neglect;
he answered lightly, taking both my
hands in his, and looking fondly at me:
"Nonsense, Matte. Do you know,
my little girl, that you are growing
nearer and dearer to me every day3
For time I was satisfied, trying to be
content with but share of his love.
We were seated in the garden one
afternoon il the early autumn, Robert,
Kathleen and I. She was looking I'M
usually pretty in a dress of soft India
null. My lover had just paid her we'll
merited compliment, when Aunt Martha
came to US.
"Robert," she said, placing her hand
fondly on his shoulder as she spoke,
"will you gather some grapes for mel
I find some of the punches hang so high.
The girls will go with you and hold the
basket"
He arose to comply with her request,
Kathleen was at his side in a moment,
while Irefused to join them, feignlng
severe headache.
"They do not want me-" I reasoned
with myself. 1 watched them as they
walked away together, he carrying the
little wicker basket, and she tossing her
bright curls with that coquettish air that
came so natural to her.
/ cannot tell you what tempted me to
follow them; it must have been some evil
genius.
Slowly, I walked down the pathway,
taking every precaution, however, not to
be observed. Seated upon little rustic
bench, could see every movement of'my
lover and Kathleen. How lovely she
looked standing in the orchard, the sun
light falling athwart the lovely upturned
face, on which a smile rested. Never
was seen fairer vision. Her sleeve of
soft texture falling back showed the
shapely outstretched arm.
Sometimes peal of merry laughter
would fall upon my ear. They did not
miss me, not even Robert; he was con-
tent with Kathleen.
The basket was full to OVERLOOKING
and still they fingered. One bunch of
luscious grapes, the last gathered, was in
Roberts hand. He stopped to place it
with the others when their eyes met,
their hands touched. Was I dreaming?
Alas, no. I saw him stoop and kiss her
fondly.
I waited no longer. With a cry of
pain turned and fled to the scclusion of
my own room, where [ sobbed out the
troubles of my young heart with only
God to hear me.
l went away quite unexpectedly. I
was homesick, told Aunt Martha.
left letter for Roberts. giving no ex-
PLANTATION of my conduct, simply telling
him it was better that we should part. l
was proud girl and would not stoop to
rival.
1 remember taking the ring he had
given me, from my hand. Oh, what a
struggle it cost me to place it with that
last should ever write to
Robert.
I came home to mother, who was
quite an invalid, and needed all my care.
never heard Of Robert save once
through Aunt Martha who wrote:
"Of course, Matte, you've not for
gotten Robert, whom, to speak candidly,
you treated rather unkindly. He has
gone to New York to practice medicine.
He is doing we'll"
An old newspaper had fallen into my
hands where al account was given Of
brilliant reception. Among the guests
we're the names of DR.. Robert Preston
md wife, 1 knew that 1t was Robert and
Kathleen.
1 made no inquiries, and receiving no
;urther information, took it for granted
hat Aunt Martha's kindness of heart
her from again referring to
he past.
I closed my heart forever. The world
will never know me as a disappointed
woman thought, fattering myself that