Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-09-05
anu srraln nor 10 my nearr.

walk. The surroundings offered so
many points of interest which l had
hitherto observed only at u distance.
l notified tho principal by n colored
servant that | would not return to
supper and started OH my journey
to rid myself of the somber thoughts
that were haunting mo-
She was due for tho first lesson
Monday morning. If she did not re-
port, / could avoid meeting her for
several days, and yet every scnti-
ment opposed itsolf to this deliberate
calculation, and u delicious longing
thrilled every fiber of my being as !
thought she might appear before me
at any moment. But she did not
come, and in vain l looked for her
among the other pupils the next
morning after breakfast
At the stroke of s, entered the
sohoolroom, and simultaneously q
door opposite leading into tho in
terror of the building was pushed
open, and l found myself face to
face with Miss Walkcr, looking as
bright and rosy As the now morning
without.
Il should not have returned quito
so soon, Mr.. Walters, she said, with
a smile that nearly drove the blood
out of my heart, had l not been
anxious to take my singing lesson.
/ passed Sunday at homo on the
plantation, and / have brought you
a curiosity, at least for this season
of the year"
She laid a magnolia, white as
snow, upon the piano which had
not in long time been favored with
such an Offering.
realized that escape was impoSSi-
BILE and resistance useless while / re-
manned. took no account of all the
emotions that again assailed me, but
was keenly sensible of one thing
that l must save my honor at any
sacrifice
Miss Walker" said, looking at
her with an assurance that cost mo
a truly heroic effort, yet unable to
withdraw my gaze from her refined
and beautiful features, Il am sure
you do not realize what strange in
fuence such remembrance may
have upon a poor fellow like me. I
wish you would take it back and ex-
ouse me from giving you lesson
today. You were perhaps right the
other day in assuming l was i'll.
fear have not yet recovered, and it
will be advisable for me to resign
my position and look for employ
ment elsewhere.
She regarded me with a strange
look.
Suppose / should bring you a
flower when you are in your new
position, would you still be ill?"
Miss Walker" said, collecting
all my strength. "if l have made
myself Ineligible beg you to exer-
else little mercy. have endeavor-
ed to act like an honorable man, and
all I ask is an honorable defeat"
And, pray, is defeat so bitter?"
she said family. When again raised
my eyes to her face, / observed an
expression of tender earnestness.
and her large dreamy eyes were OBJ
serving me in n manner that sent a
nervous thrill of oommingled JOY
and despair through my being.
do you wish to compel me to
make a cHnfession?" / asked. II
would have preferred to go without
speaking. shall do something des-
perate because / dare not love YOU.
There! l have said it, and now fare
we'll"
Zone moment, Mr.. Walters, " she
said, looking steadily at me. In
asmuch as have not forbidden it,
who says you may not dare?"
"Lottie!" / cried in choking
voice, seizing her too willing hands
In sudden ecstasy.
Must l tell you in order to save
myself from being rendered hope
lessly miserable by your extreme
nicely of conscience" she contin-
ued. smile returning to her face,
THAT took an inordinate interest
in you from the first? That 1 was
determined to leave school, but
changed my mind when you came?
That / was jealous of the others and
compelled to lock it all up in nv
breast? That I only learned by de-
greas what was going on in your
heart and yet afraid to betray my
self? That was nearly persuaded
the other day to abandon my drive
and remain here, and-shall I say
more?"
could not speak to answer her
last question. We stood with hands
clasped, looking each other in the
face. What it would all lead to did
not know. l was conscious only of
an overpowering happiness, and per-
haps she saw it. for her face mirror.
ed the emotions of my heart.
And from this day hence shall
call you Charles, as it's written in
your music books, she began after
pause, with pleased smile. I'VE
shall determine what to do, and
you'll stay for the present, won't
| your"
III stay Lottie, if I cam" said,
grasping her hands moro firmly.
My love is 80 fervent it would
shrink from no sacrifice, but loving
you 80 l wish our love to be kept in.
violate from reproach-no hidden
relationship, nor shall our compact
be cloaked by the appearance of a
schoolroom intimacy
| A0leu. Charles W cha avnla;,naI