Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1894-08-24

luton to this in the fact that there
was nothing to tell: she had probably
spent her young life in some retired
spot with the old aunt who was at
present chaperoning her. These
thoughts of her innocence and unpro-
tectedness strengthened my resolve
The next day Miss Atherton and /
took our favorite walk, up winding
road, then through leafy path to the
mountain top At this sunset hour II
was most beautiful spot; all the pan
Drama stretched out before us OF
sweeping valleys and mountain tops;
the KauterslSill house looked like
Greek temple against the sky felt
the enchantment of the place and
hour; found myself, before | was
aware, telling Miss Atherton of my
deep admiration. / was unprepared
for her change of manner; she begged
l would never repeat what l had said;
she had never imagined for one in
slant anything OF the kind. She was
so completely upset that saw it was
no use speaking farther just then, and
| hurried after her down the noun
tain. torn with distracting doubts. !
went to my room, but could not rest
nor sleep. resolved to WOO my little
lady more gently en- the morrow, and
arranged scene after scene in my
mind, all with a somewhat hazy de-
nouement
Florence was not at breakfast nor at
luncheon. In the afternoon called at
her cottage; the Dutch door was half
open, as usual, and ] reached my hand
inside and sounded the knocker, This
summons usually brought Florence
tripping down the staircase, making
series of pretty pictures on the land
ings; but to-day the little Irish maid,
looking somewhat disheveled, ap.
peared
"Sure, sir, they're gone-went on
the morning train" she said, in answer
to my inquiries.
Gonel was aghast / tried to look
unconcerned as | asked when they
would be back
They're not coming back, sir. I'm
left to pack up the things; they've
given up the cottage"
was stunned but took card and
pencil from my pocket in business
like way.
II have some books belonging to
your mistress which l would like to
return"
II was to give no one the address,"
snapped the girl, as though her patti.
ence was exhausted.
For moment regretted my cloth.
Had been as other men l would have
put my hand in my pocket and ten
dollar bill wonld have unsealed that
woman's lips; but l could not SO dis
grace myself as clergyman.
! left the cottage. No one seemed
to know anything of Miss Atherton.
She had come to "Toaman invited by
the rich man who owned the noun
tain. went to him. and although he
politely offered to return her the
books he seemed unwilling to give me
any information. He was hale.
bluff, old gentleman, and as am
naturally reserved, could scarcely
take him into my confidence and tell
him that my interest in Miss Ather-
ton was more than that of mere &C
quaintance. noticed, too, that his
eyes twinkled with suppressed merri
ment in a way far from healing to my
feelings, and / left "Taoma" at the
end of my vacation, wounded, sore,
and baffied.
returned to my parish, and as time
wore on and my parishioners returned
from their summer homes hoped that
Florence's image would fade away
That, however, was not the case; her
face haunted me, the remembrance OF
her companionship was always coming
into my mind do not know what ]
| should have done at this time without
Miss Wagner How she guessed my
secret cannot say; but although she
never obtruded her sympathy, she
seemed always full of interest and
hope for me, She seemed to share my
great enthusiasm for Florence, and t.,
admire her in the frankest. friendliest
way, without any jealousy, and spent
many hours talking to her of my lost
darling. In fact, it was somewhat ow-
ing to her that again saw Miss Ath-
erton.
| Miss Wagner, one December even
ing, had some cards to the Nineteenth
Century club, in the city, and asked
me to accompany herself and her
father to hear the debate, which prom
ised to be an interesting one. we
could catch a late train out to East
Lemon; and | was glad for any excuse
that toes me into large, miscella-
neous oody of people, as the chances
were that | should some time find
Florence among them,
We were seated aud looked around
as usual, disappointed, when Miss
Wagner said; Look"
There, right in the seat in front oil
me, sat my missing lady-love. She
was alone with very handsome, cor
rectly dressed man. sat there trans
| fixed. They seemed on excellent
terms, and once heard her whisper
George, where is my FAM"
do not know what the speaker said
Twas deaf aud dumb As soon as the
debate was finished, some friends
rushed over to speak to Miss Ather.
ton. waited for an opportunity to
introduce Dlyself.
why, dear Mrs. Moultonl" heard
them say, 80 glad to see you back
We've just bought your. new book, but
haven't had time to read it, yet. Your
husband has told us of your summer
What fun you must have had"
Yes, haven't had such chance tc
study people since before | was mar
ried," Florence-M Miss Atherton-Mrs
l.. don't know what to call her-re