Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1896-07-07


repetition of the word, but it fitted her
was partially covered though not eff
faced by the manner of the woman Of
% years I had not noticed this, or at
any rate dwelt upon it, in onr few
meetings in the meantime
Amy was still and had never ceased
to be fond of me as an old friend, and
playmate, for in the far away old days
we had even played together as children
viii. But could never regain my exact
old footing. After while she did let
me get little closer, and then later 1
thought noticed sometimes a return of
something like the old camaradarie.
Was falling in love with Amy? I did
not say so. Then one day heard some
thing and the next day she told me
something herself.
ST knew the fellow and liked him.
he was all that a man should be, and If
any man could claim such standing
he was worthy OF Amy. Still, for mo-
ment / hated him, and could 1 have
heard of his disgrace would have re-
joiced; 1 hardly knew why, but l felt
why. But Amy was very happy, so
happy that forgaye him, and she soft
ened more toward me.
.'This is all of my story. It's enough
for it's 4 story of what was missed and
of fortune turned away from the door
ut the first and last call. How do I
know? 1 will tell you. Amy was to be
married after Easter. During Lent l
passed few days ut her fathers place
ON the Hudson. She was so happy and
grateful to this old world for her happi-
ness that she opened all her heart to me
and told me her hopes and plans So
selfish is entire happiness. If she had
confined herself to her future might
still have been fairly happy even in her
and his happiness. But in the fullness OF
her spirits Amy lapsed into reminis
cence.
During one of our close and cordial
conversations noticed look on her
expressive face, u look half quizzical,
half amused, and then she turned to mo
and smiled. Blushed? No. But when
she told me this story left her for a
moment saying 1 thought would smoke
cigar, though 1 forgot to light 1t when
I got on the veranda.
81 had spoken of her happiness, and
without thinking what was saying l
asked her famiIiarly:
Amy, is that lucky fellow tho first
or are you giving him only the rein-
nants of affection pretty girl has left
after three years of society| She
laughed gayly and without elnbarrass-
ment. Yes and no, she answered. 1
have met no man in society L consider
his equal in any way, and he has all
the affection I possess, hut 1nust mako
confession to you. and can do so
safely now. was in love once before,
and oh, how in love I was 1t was q
foolish affair." she said smiling, but at
the time 1 was terribly in earnest. 1
have quite recovered, so l can tell you
all about it Do you remember some
years ago when you were still quito re-
spectacle and used to come and take tea
with us every Sunday evening?
t'Of course do, L answered rather
testify.
well, you never knew 1 was in
love then, did you?'
f Why no, certainly not, I never
thought of it. You were child, re-
piled.
".I was To- she said. and was
very much in love, and with you, yon
silly goose. You never knew it, you
paid no attention to me, but would talk
to father or some of the guests, and 1
would sit up and drink in your words
and think them wisdom. Why, I re-
member one evening when L was sent
up to bed at o'clock came back after
the maid was gone and sat at the head
of the stairs where could hear you
speaking. Then my feelings got the bet
ter of me and began to cry. Mamma
heard me, but you didn't. and she came
after me and sent me back to bed, be-
sides giving me a good lecturing.
"And Amy laughed heartily and l
thought with unnecessary gayety. And
SO 1 made fool of myself. In mo
ment I felt that my cousin Amy was the
one woman in the world for me and that
she had really always been (And she
will always be.)
"And 1 said to her, Amy. you are
telling me of years ago, may tell you
something of the present timer But she
understood me, and Amy was loyal.
For moment only she seemed startled
and drew long breath. Then she
smiled again.
No, nor she said with her old gay
ETY., when your story is as old as mine,
you may tell it to me if you like, but
the exchange is not fair now. Which 1
thought was poor way out of it, and
I told her SO.
''Still, when left her and went out
upon the veranda to smoke, forgot to
light my cigar. New York Sun