The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1896-08-05


bling.
No woman was ever born with one
half of her sense without finding out such
things long before they were ever spoken
to her. But there was no help for it.
She had the game in her own hands and
evidently intended to play it to suit her
self. She asked for week to consider
the matter. l insisted that two days
were enough, but she was resolute, and,
with wry face, had to submit.
One stipulation was that I should not
attempt to see her during that time. l
though this was rather hard and said
so, but she was even more positive than
before, and 1 yielded with the best
grace could.
In order to give her no excuse for
further delay set off the next day to
visit college friend and staid at his
house five days. 1t took day to reach
his house and day to return. Thus the
week passed away, slowly enough for
me, and am afraid my friend found
me dull companion. Promptly at the
end Of the specified time I presented
myself at Mary's house. To my dis
may found it full Of company. I had
been there only few minutes w hen I
learned that the friends had been there
ever since the day after left. [ scanned
Mary's face, actions, manner and recep-
ton, but could make out nothing She
was kind and agreeable, but that had
been her ordinary manner, and no con-
illusions could be drawn therefrom.
found no opportunity to say word
to her in private until my visit was
over. ASH went to the front door on my
way out to my horse, which was tied in
front of the house, she came out on the
porch with me, as had been her habit
on previous occasions AS I babe her
goodby asked, as calmly as [ could,
though heaven knows my heart was
beating SO loud that I knew she must
hear it:
"Well, Mary, what is my fate to be?"
REALLY. john" she said, "you muA,
give me one day more, and ] prom g
you to give Jou my final answer then.
The house has been full of company and
my time has been so fully occupied that
I have scarcely had time to Sleep Every |
night since you were here I have gone
to bed SO weary that l went to sleep as
soon as my head touched the pillow. |
My mother has Loen sick, too, most Of
the time, aud my hands have been full,
l assure you.
l suppose she must have seen my |
blank look of disappointment, for she
added in her softest tones-and no voice
could be softer than hers: Come, John, |
be good boy now, and will send you
my answer tomorrow by letter. -
And thus we parted. l went home |
with hope deferred. The next day came |
and went and heard nothing. The sun
sank in the west, and my heart sank
with it. My heart was in my boots for
many day, but pride finally came to
the rescue, and determined to try to
forget Mary and the whole female sex.
Feeling that it would be impossible
to have any peace of mind with Mary
so near, planned long trip to Europe.
1t had always been my fathers wish
that I, his only sen, should take this
trip, but I had always opposed it, thir K
ing that he could not afford it, for he
had two daughters, both younger than
myself, and I lCnged to see them take
education only can give. Ard, while
this European trip would not have seri-
ously interfered with my wishes for my
sisters advancement, 1 knew that it
wOr1d entail an amO77nt of economy at