The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-07-07

/ pink gown l liked so much. We
passed by weeping willows dipping
their branches into the water the
cemetery in the woods on the hill
and the mysterious island with its
deep woods. We did not talk
much. Your eyes were cast down
most of the time, as though you
were in a pensive mood, but occasion
ally saw them glance shyly at me-
don't know why | should haye
been so sure, but felt positive that
you loved me, and l was on the
point Of telling you how l adored
you dozen times as we proceed up
the still river. AT last | rowed into
little streamet which met the river
in the woods. Green leaves were
spread over its quiet surface, and
pure white lilies hoated here and
there. The light was soft and sub
dued. felt my heart beat violently.
trembled and I know that my
face was pal, as /leaned toward you
and seized your little hand in
mine.
Just then we heard voices in the
woods. You snatched your hand
away instantly as two ladies', one Of
whom was your aunt, appeared at
the bank of the stream. They were
delighted 10 see us, tor they had lost
their boat and would have been
obliged to ss,walk several miles but
for our timely appearance. We
humbly took them in as passengers,
and /rowed back down the river in
the twilight, talking to your aunt and
her friend in as entertaining a
manner as Icould while you re.
clined in the stern, silent, but occas-
ionalIy smiling shyly at some of my
efforts to sustain a conversation
with the two ladies. We all walked
up the hill to your tather's gate, and
Twas obliged to say goodby without
telling you my wonderful secret.
Soon after that grand ball was
to take place at the tavern. Ill the
country was excited. /sent you an
invitation and anxiously waited Tor
reply. /feared that your parents
would not approve of me as your
escort, even if you should be so kind
as to prefer me to other suitors who
would doubtless extend you an
invitation. More than anything
else, / dreaded that the charming
young officer would be the favored
one. When Erode to town for the
mail on the day following, / received
dainty little envelope. opened it
with trembling fingers. but l rode
home feeling in the gayest mood for
the little note said that its beautiful
writer would be pleased to accom-
pany me to the grand ball at the
tavern.
Do you remember that few days
before the ball you were taken i'll
with fever! When l heard that my
lovely partner was sick l called at
once. You told me how dlsappoint
ed you we're, because, although you
felt we'll enough to go, your mother
you feared, would not allow you to
attend the ball. L was sorry enough
to give up the idea OF appearing
there with the governors beautiful
daughter, but l agreed with Jour
mother that it would be dangerous
to your health to go. Zcheered Jour
sad spirits all that I could while
secretly resolved that instead of
attending the ball myself, would
spend the evening with you, and If
the chances appeared that I would
ask you to be my partner forever
whether you were sick or well.
The night OF the of the ball I was
later than I expected in departing for
town. The tavern was gayly lit up
and its roof was shining in the moon
light. was SO eager 10 see pou that
did not stop to obtain the glimpse OF
the assemblage, but rode rapidly away
beyond the music. When I arrived
at the gate OF the governors mansion,
I was surprised at the gloomy appear
ance of the house. not light could
see. I dismounted, hurried to the
door and rang the bell. There was an
appalling silence. Twice more I rang
the bell and waited. No one came to
the door. Almost paralyzed with
astonishment and wonder, I turned and
slowly leaving the house mounted ny
horse started back on the road to the
tavern. felt certain that you would
not have been left sick and alone in
the house.
Horrible suspicious tortured my
heart as rode along faster and faster
till | reached the tavern. | rushed
into the building and took one glance
into the ballroom. The brilliant assem-
blage and bright light dazad me for
second. A dance had just ended, and
all were promenading in confusion.
Suddenly, directly before me, in full
uniform. saw the young officer, with
you leaning on his arm. He was
bending his smiling face to yours.
Your cheeks were flushed, and your
eyes as bright as fire You were
dressed in purest white. When | saw
you, | felt my heart turn ice cold.
Sharp pains crossed my chest. Beads
of persprallon stood on my brow.
The shock OF your treachery was very
cruel. | turned, staggered out of the
tavern, and mounting my horse rode
away, feeling as though l were in the
midst of fearful dream.