The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-05-08

come here for a purpose Ye have
guessed it9"
Eyes, Mr.. Cox, 1 have" was the
quick reply, while the face flushed
beautifully.
This must be the way Of the world,
he thought, for the girl to make such
advances. It was so different in the
community.
81 would have spoken to thee before,
but I wished to know thee better.
That's why I've spent so many hours
at this fence talking to thee"
"Oh, how kind of you'll I wanted to
know you better, too. I thought prob
ably you would dislike me. l was 60
different from you-and wicked"
But We are learning ways, and
ye art very apt. Ye can be very good,
and there is nothing like having a pro-
tector."
And such a good protector as I shall
have" she said, with a look of admira-
ton at him.
"Ye are kind to say so. The Coxes
have always been good to their wives
and families"
81 know that, for they are so good to
every one now. love them; l believe
that I love the whole family. l never
enjoyed a summer so much as this one
in Hillsboro."
1t was graceful for her to say it. He
felt that she made his wooing easy.
How remarkable that she had OWNED
his feelings all along!
"Then ye think that 1 will suit theeT'
he asked, in a voice that was almost
raillery. I'VE have studied me enough
at the fenceG"
yes; 1 know I shall like you; I
knew it from the first. Everybody
thought that you were so cold and
stern that you couldn't love anyone,
but I knew differently. I liked you
then, and now 1 love you"
she kissed his brawuy hand impul-
sively, her warm lips sending adelicious
thrill through him.
This was not an old mans counting,
but a young woman's, and, though
strange to Bro. Cox, it had a sweetness
that drowned any thoughts of wrong.
Flushed with his success, he felt that
he could be palmer, ana he continued,
Eye know I'm strict in my living, not
approving frailties and gay life. That
should repel thee"
"Oh, moi Jack told me all about
that at first. He said you were strict,
but that you had a loving heart be-
meath it all. He always got along well
with you and he knew that 1 would"
Jack, JackI Had he known of it all9
Had he been putting her up to this
strange wooing, laughing in his sleeve
at his uncle's sentiments
The girl continued rapidly, He
wanted to speak to you first and tell
you all. He knew that you would dis
prove of our match, but [ told him not
to tell you. I would first win your
friendship and then your love. would
meet you every day, and if I could
make you IKE me by autumn, then he
could tell you. I didn't know as I
could marry him if you didn't give
your consent, but when I found how
nice and good you we're, 1 felt that it
was all right"
A shadow seemed to settle owe the
landscape. Everything appeared dark.
Night must be approaching, and a
mans eyes at fifty r not quite asgood
as at twenty-five.
Bro. Cox heard the voice of the girl,
but it all seemed SO strange. He had
not thought of Jack.
Are you going now9 Ga, yes, it is
getting dark I didn't realize that it
was so late. I must go back to the
house, too. The dew is on the grass.
Good night. Jack and 1 will always
love you-always."
He felt the pressure of the warm lips
on his hand again, but they did not
send a thrill through him as before.
It certainly was dark walking across
the field, and, several times Bro, Cox
stopped to find his way. 1t was strange
that he should get lost in the fields
which he had titled and cultivated for
forty years. When he reached the
house he felt, tired, and he rested on
the front piazza before entering the
large dining room. The painters and
carpenters had left their tools around,
reminding him of the improvements he
was having made in his home. They
seemed a mockery now.
He entered the house and walked
acrnss the. strong floors. Then he