The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-26
FORTUNES WHEEL.

i don't know" returns the girl dream
hy, answering some question; but her
mind has evidently wandered from fl.
and is lost in the sad labyrinths Of it's
own creation. She is sitting amidst the
scented clOver-a great grove of pine
trees making a fragrant background. Her
large. earnest eyes are fun OF an in
tensity almost terrible in one so young
and fragile
That / love you" says the young
man, who is stretched at her feet upon
The grass. gazing into her preoccupied
face with a curious intentness.
Let us talk about something else. d"
fne says. with a poor attempt at light
ness.
Afterwards. If YOU viii; but FIRST I
must get 10 the root OF your nysterious
speech" returns he. you nave almost
told me that you don't believe in my love
Tor YOU"
Not quite that"
Yes; quite that as Il seems 10 me.
] want you 10 tell me why"
How can II Even 10 myself an ex-
Ilanation would be difiicuit and TO you"
she hesitated. Her head Is bent now
The pale flush of a moment since has
deepened into burning Crimson.
Go on" he says evenly. ITO me"
If you Will have IT, then" she SAYS.
1T IS this: There are moments when /
moments
when i seem 10 know H. Dat there are
many moments when i doubt yoar power
10 be faithful"
lie throws himself back on the grass
and laughs aloud. Perhaps he has not
seen the agony On her young face, or the
Wistful longiugs to be contradicted, In
her beautiful eyes.
What a baby who are, Veral And so
you think with little wisdom bred I'm
your pretty head in this old-fashioned
grange-Or borrowed from the village
down beiow-you can read me through
and through and sift my character with
case. Wen! think So still"
such thought is torture" returns she
iu "a low voice. desolated by a touch OF
te.1trcst passion. Tell me, rather. that
uy doubt is false"
a taste Of punishment will do you
fo.4.' Tetorts he. smiling still in a gay
fashion. Tut let US speak Of that some
Thing else you were so eager for awhile
ago."
Asadder curious flash lights her eyes
Der uostris dilate. IL IS but a momentary
Thing and then is gone.
We'll. what shall IL be about?" she says
calmly
'lou. Of course What other subject
o. ] care for?' says Stainer quickly.
Perhaps he has seen that sudden fash.
You don't ask me what l care for?"
safs the girl slowly, her manner still
little strange
"Because-was 1 wrong?-I believed
would be your first thought as you are
m.ne. And, surely, you should take pre-
celence in our discussion"
Her newborn anger dies. A heavenly ex-
preston comes TO her soft face as she
turns II upon him.
TO think you must leave me this very
evening" she says with tears In her eyes
only for "A little time"
You are glad 10 go back 10 your Lon
aoay' with side glance at him fun OK
suppressed reproach.
4 can be glad Of nothing that takes
ne from YOU" There Is real feeling In
DIS handsome face as he says this. you
know that at least Vera"
For answer she holds out one hand
10 him. which he kisses lovingly. and, stiil
holding it. drags himself even nearer to
her over the swaying grass.
sun you love the town." she says
lealously
Wei. l like g."
Yet when your uncle over there" piont-
ING vaguely in the direction OF some
wooded lands on her left" dies. you will
nave 10 live down here most OF your life.
shall have you then" says Stainer.
An yes. But If you prefer the town
~lai pity II is / could not so there
win YOU"
o. IL wouldn't suit YOU" says Major
o'A'her slowly, you are only q little vio-