The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-10-30

urge Judge Mason as a sutton for Lila.
The girls soul sickened within her.
A brief note from Trainor told her that
he was just leaving for the Gulf coast,
where he would find a steamship for
Vera Cruz. He thought he would
never return to the United States. A
great dispair came over her. In her
sensitive state she felt that he no longer
cared for her.
She capitulated and consented to re-
ceive Judge MasoI:'s address.
Three months nd passed. The we'd
ding was to take place the last week of
June. Miss Ravens was to become
Mrs. Thomas Mason. The wedding in
vltations were about to be sent out
the wedding day was fixed a fortnight
hence. Miss Ravens, out on a shop
ping errand, turned a street corner
sharply, and ran against some one
She looked up and grew pale, 1t was
Carroll Trainor.
Your she said family.
"You didn't expect to see me3 Lila,
for heavens sake, is it trueG You are
going to marry Judge Mason9"
She nodded with an effort. The idea
of the marriage to which she had be-
come reconciled, but never enthusi-
astically disposed, suddenly seemed
sickening. Her whole soul revolted.
"Carrollr she gasped. "Oh, Car
roll! II there were any escaped"
ESCAPED What do you mean9
Isn't it your own choosingG Are you
being forced into marrying that old
widower9"
"I-I-Oh, you seemed not to want
And uncle and aunt seemed not
to want me. Nobody seemed to want
me-except Judge Mason. He was
very kind-but I never have loved
him. Carroll, if you had not deserted
mel"
"I-deserted youl-Heavensl We
must have a talk. Where can we go9
Let's find some restaurant-and order
ice cream. It's very warm"
Eyes, yes" cried Lila.
'rI've just returned from Mexico"
said Trainor, "and I'm going back there
at once. I've got a splendid chance.
It's lonesome for a man to be by him
self. One or two of the fellows have
their wives with them. They are very
The climate is like paradise"
An hour later Lila Hayens returned
home looking extremely cheerful.
Did you get all you needed, Lila9"
her aunt esked.
"Oh, yes, aunt, and more than I ex-
pected."
She went up to her room humming
''See how his face he ~coversT' The
t%roueseau had nearly all been brought
home. The travelling dress seemed to
claim her attention.
II wonder" she unused, chow that
would do for a trip through MexicoG
It would be cool enough I dare say"
Then she looked out of her window.
The wedding invitations are not yet
sent" she said.
There was something unusual in the
atmosphere. 1t asthe following Orr
and the Admiral and his good lady
were at the breakfast table. Miss
Ravens had not come down. A servant
sent to call her reported that she vas
not in her room,
Gone out for an early walk" said
the Admiral. His morning mail lay be-
fore him. He took up the top letter of
and gazed severely at il. The hand
writing was Lila's. The letter had been
posted the night before. He opened it,
read it in silence, and passed it to his
wife.
'Donot send the invitations, itsajd,
''for 1 will not marry Judge Mason.
He is a good man and will understand
it was a mistake. I love someone else,
and have gone away to marry him,
We shall spend our honeymoon in a
palm matched hut in Mexico"
Mr.. Blair could not speak. After q
moments silence the Admiral OBJ
served: mo need to send the trous
seau to her. People don't wear many
clothes down there"
And again, after a pause: On the
whole, I'm glad the marriage is off.
The Judges daughter was greatly op-
posed. She might have made things
unpleasant after a bit. I rather dis
liked the responsibility"
And still again: Shes a plucky lit
tie creature, Lila is-God bless herr
-NeW Orleans Times Democrat.