Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-07-01

ward the door 1T stood open, and she
stood within it. This time, when her
eyes met mine, they did not pass beyond
me, and she blushed deliciously all over
the delicate pallor of her face and neck.
/ could see that, whatever might be my
pretext, she understood quite well the
meaning of my visit, and her look
seemed to say; "How could you2 This
is very rash"
Pardon me-" l began, timidly; 81
am stranger, an eastern man-allow
me-" handed my card, "and as am
travelling in this region to gain infor-
nation"
/ did not find it necessary to finish
my sentence, as q sweet voice inter-
rupted:
care you, indeed2 That's very nice;
and, OF course, shall be very glad to-
but, please be seated" 1--WE were in
the coy parlor by this time.) "Mr.-
misunderstanding from my card.
my name is Currie, Luella Currie.
You are staying at Strykupp?"
'For few days" l rejoined. 81
think l had the pleasure of seeing you
in the village this morning"
"Yes. ride in once or twice week.
But make yourself at home, and let me
bring you glass of milk. You must
be thirsty after your long walk"
This charming western hospitality
Could anything be more gracious?
She disappeared, and reappeared al
most Immediately with goblet of milk,
which l quaffed thankfully. She seated
herself near me, and, throwing truth to
the winds, began to talk. My interest
in western life and habits seemed to
bring us at once into sympathy; but
was wary, and, after making few pre-
tended notes in impossible shorthand,
l thanked her, and begged the priv
ilege of seeing her brother or father, in
reference to cattle raising and subjects
of like nature. She said, brightly: 'Oh,
have no brothers, and father lives in
Chicago! This is my place"
You run it alone?" ! asked, in sur
prise.
"Not alone. My cousin and his wife
are with me. He attends to things, but
can tell you all he can tell; ! should
hope sol" A pretty toss of her head.
"And-your mother is dead?"
"No-" with a suddenly grave look.
Mother is-married again. She is liv-
ing in Toledo, and father is married
again, too They were divorced year
ago. They both seem-very happy no'c. ="
A sigh crossed her lips. was silent,
for in that sigh l heard history.
understood now the meaning of her
lonely life. And, because of her lone
illness and her trusting innocence, felt
all the more bound to protect her. 1t
seemed difficult to know what to say
could not consistently condole with
her on the loss of her parents, nor
could / offer any form of congratula-
tions. She appeared to perceive my
embarrassment, and continued, pleas
antly:
II shall be very glad, however, to
give you any information you may
need"
Her utter Inconsistencies of the
strange informality of our interview
gave me courage, and plunged into a
series of business-like questions, keep
ing my notebook prominently in use.
In short, l spent a most delightful
afternoon-the first of series of daily
visits. was introduced to her cousin
and his wife-blunt, hearty people
who added their hospitality to hers and
made me feel trebly welcome.
The remainder of the week passed
or wings. l was due in New York on
the Goth of October, and the 18th found
me celebrating between taking the
train home and telegraphing to Cassell
for an extension of time.
At length resolved that fate should
decide this point for me, and I started
out to the pleasant house on the prairie
to pay my farewell visit, or visit that
would make farewell impossible.
shall never forget that delightful
afternoon, which heightened through a
glorious sunset into cloudless, moon
| light night. / had walked with Luella
round the greater part of her posses
sions, and was impressed anew by their
magnitude; and, after supper, we
strolled to and fro on the prairie path,
and talked confdingly. Rather she
seemed to have little to confide. Her
young life was yet in bud. She spoke
far more of the future than of the past.
The thought of leaving her in that prai-
RE solitude, and seeing her no more,
began to assume the proportions of a
cruel tragedy, as glanced sidewise al
her sweet, appealing face, and felt the
light pressure of her fingers on my arm.
Half testing, said, ont of silence
that was making my heart beat strange
ly;
II suppose when come west again,
in year or so, shall find you mar
RED Luella?"
"Ye-es," she said, softly, with sort
of fiuttering, indrawn breath.
Down went my heart like lead
"Why-you're not-engaged?' ! man
aged to stammer.
No" she replied slowly; "hut, ]
must marry and then she added, with
singular irrelevancy, thought: 81 al
ways spend my winters in the city"
OH said, trying to rally. And,
of course, you have mary admirers
there?"
"Yes," she said, simply; 'of course.
"And one, perhaps, who is especially
dear?' l ventured to ask.
thought her lip trembled.
There is no one there care for" she
replied, looking away from me sadly.
yet you speak of-of being mar.
rice" My lip was certainly trembling,
and my voice also
What can l do?" she asked, piteous.
ly; you see how am situated If had
brothers or sisters, or even"