The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1893-08-16
EopYaieHT 49, By A51Klll0ss c1ewsAPtR Co

somer and more elegant, and as looked
upon him thought him very beautiful
My first impulse was to extend my
hand in greeting to my old friend, but
something in his manner checked me.
He evinced no sign of pleasure in meet
ing me, but looked upon me as one
would upon a stranger. The thought
came to me that he had perhaps forgot
ten the little girl he had once known,
or that, at least, he did not recognize
her in the tall woman who now stood
before him. There had been wonderful
changes in my appearance within the
last three years.
''No," said to myself, che does not
know me-"
Again / was about to address him
and make myself known. But Charles
Cornell anticipated me. heard him
say:
'Miss Owens, Mr.. Hanley."
looked up expectantly and hall
reached forth my hand. As suddenly
let my eyes fall and drew my hand
back, while a cold chill ran to my heart
freezing all the light out of it and leav'
ing it blank and desolate. Will Hanley
showed no pleasure in meeting me-
He did not even so much as manifest g
sign of recognition. He simply touched
his hat, bowed stifIfy, distantly, coldly
and, turning about, walked away with
only formal word of greeting.
That action filed my soul with a pair
that l could scarcely bear. 1t cut my
heart deeper than any affection l hat
ever known. For three long years
had loved VIII Hanley, and found com
fort in the thought Of the joy of my
meeting with him. In my dark hours
when | was all alone and friendless,
had solaccd myself with the remem
brance OF the time coming, when my
one friend Of my childhood would come
back to me with his love. And now III
had come; but oh, how different was
his coming from what had pictured it
He did not love me. He did not ever
choose to recognize me; but with the
GOODNESS of a stranger turned from me
How bitter and terrible was my
awakening from the fond dreams hac
so long cherished! Oh, God, how sui
fercd! What agonies raclled my soul
What torture rent my heartl 1t was as
II u powerful, merciless hand hat
struck me death blow. staggered
back and would have fallen but for the
support of fence which was near, ant
which | clutched convulsively My
head swan, my face paled to an ashy
whiteness and my eyes started from
their sockets.
Charles Cornell saw my agitation and
stepped quickly to my side.
Miss Owens" he cried, anXiously
''What is the matter?"
81 must go home," gasped leaning
heavily on his arm. "Please take me.
''You are sick" he said, land mus
not leave you. Mr.. Hanley can bring
n carriage"
mo, no." cried, vehemently. Jus
wait moment and | will be able t.
walk. 1t is only little way"
81 do not think you should walk
Miss OVENS" he replied. you are very
pale and weak. See how you tremble
] had better call Mr.. Hanley and hav,
him bring carriage"
mo, no; please DON'T" said, almos
pleadingly. Don't call-anybody. II
be better directly"
Mr.. Cornell cast wondering glance
at me, but urged the point no further
and after the lapse of minute or so HI
took my arm and conducted me home
u grew calmer as we walked along, anC
by exerting all my will-power and call
ing all my pride to my aid managed K
affect a cheerfulness that l was ia
from feeling but which seemed to re
assure my companion and allay hi
fears.
81 am sorry to have troubled YOU"
remarked as Mr.. Cornell was about t,
leave me.
ut was no trouble, Miss Owens,
assure you" he replied at is pleas
-ure to serve you. But you must b.
more careful of yourself" he added