The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-10-30
HI ADMIRAL,s A R

up e morse, awakening the animal as
q herself awakened from dreami.
ness.
Thirty years, " she said-"why, it's
more than a generation, half a life
time. 1t seems impossible"
Trainor struck his own beast a cut
with the whip and answered pettishly f:
Yes, thirty years. 1t seems that
you are much more interested in those
dead soldiers than you are in me I
asked you a question, and you don't
deign to reply"
"Well," she smiled "didn't we come
down to see the old battlefield That
was the year you were born, wasn't it,
Carroll7 Oh, pardon me, you did ask
me something. But I was distracted
by the surroundings"
She lifted her eyes ndlooked off at
the blue hill tops. Tt was early in
March, and the trees were budding.
There was spring softness in the at
mosphere; the Potomac was high with
recent rains.
There is no question you could ask
me that I wouldn' drop all matter of
scenery for" said Trainor, in a hurt
voice. She fell back a little and an
swered sweetly: "Oh, Carroll, I was
only joking. It's so pleasant here-I
am enjoying the ride SO much-that
vas all. Tell me again."
And he was appeased.
Her lovely eyes shone at him under
their heavy fringes. Tell me, DEAR"
she murmered.
eff you could only care enough for
me, Lila. If I could only feel that no
one would step in and win away your
heart. Yes, I'd go. I'd give up this
wretched theatrical business and go
down there to the mines. But I know
what pressure would be brought to
bear on you. Oh, I know only too
we'll. The Admiral is getting old; he
wants to see you married and settled
and your fortune secured to you. And
your aunt-well your aunt isn't fond
of chaperoning. Oh, Lila, I haven't
much hearth
you h~aven't?" she laughed, saucily.
Dear me! One would think so from
this stolen ride of oursl Aunt would
never dream of your having the as
surance. She thinks I'm safe at Sharps-
burg. The Admiral's hair would stand
on end, HeighoI Carroll, there's a
deal Of widom in your reasoning. You
are very sage, dear, about my aunt
and uncle. But, nevertheless, there is
more grit in me than you imagine.
Drop this theatre business; it isn't
worthy of you. Drop the stage for
ever. Go to Mexico, and don't fear
but I'll be faithful till you return.
Why, I'm barely eighteen. Why should
/ have to marry or even engage my
self9 I'll read them the soberest lee
ture imaginable if they say a word to
me. And I'll go in for art to fill the
time. I'll take to painting; yes, I will
desperately, dear"
Trainor reached over and caught her
hand. ga solemn promise, Lila; re-
member-a solemn promise"
"a promise, solemn or other wise, ="
said the girl. 81, keep all my prom.
ises."
Then they rode on in the mild March
air. And Trainor's heart seemed re
lieved of a vast load. 1t was settled
now; he would cut the stage and go to
the Mexican mines.
He had been in love with Lila
Ravens for a long time-it seemed to
him as if he had always been in love
with her. He had not dared to offer
himself as a sultor to the old Admiral
or even easy-tempted Mrs. Blair. But
Lila had encouraged him, and he
waited with the hopes of placing him.
self at a better advantage. Being an
actor was not to his liking; he had
some little dramatic talent, but not
sufficient to warranthard work.
He realized this and desired to quit
the profession. He had very little in
the world apart from his good birth
and the breeding of a gentleman. He
had, to be sure, good looks and a
pleasant address, but those wer not
enough to warrant a private interview
with Admiral Blair. Dear Lila! She
had been daring, indeed, to slip off for
this ride over to the Antietam battle
ground.
When they parted that afternoon he
had her promise, and he decided to re-
Baltimore at once and make his ar
rangements to go to Mexico.