The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1897-05-26

cried, trying to draw away from him;
''you have spoiled all my fortune. Look
Here see gift coming"
What do l care for the cards, or any
thing else in the world but you? Come
Nell! Give me an answer. You must
have some kindness in your heart for
me. your old friend.
That's it, she whispered falteringly
for the first time letting her eyes meet
his. I'VE are such old friends. l have
known you all my life-I-" rubbing her
hand on the table nervously, Il am
fonder of you than almost any one; but
how can | tell if that is love? Jack, dear
can't we go on in the old way? l don't
want to marry Her fingers closed
pleadingly. 'Why should we spoil it al
by getting married."
He made a quick, impatient gesture.
"Oh yes! I know it is different with
men, but 1 would be contented to live or
just as we are for years. Why, see? We
would never know what it was to tire OF
each other. We would not have all the
romance brushed off our love by the
monotonous intimacy of married life
We would have all of the delight with
none of the despair. I don't know why
marriage should be regarded as the
height and pinnacle of earthly bliss. II
seems to me it is the one great institu-
ton that destroys love-
She gave a restless sigh, and let he1
chin sink into the soft palms of her
hands.
He stood looking at her a moment, his
heart smothered with pain and longings
and love. Then he leaned slowly forward
and took both her hands from her face
and held them in the firm clasp of his.
Nell, DEAR" he said softly. you talk
this way because you don't know what
love is. Why, do you suppose for mo-
ment that a mere pleasant companion
ship would SATISFY man who loved you
He would only be a half man to accept
what you suggest. AS for me, I cannot
go on with our friendship. 1 will MOI
take a crust when 1 have asked FOL
bread. You cannot help it, dear, and
must drop out of your life as best
may"
He dropped her hands and turning
away began to finger mechanically the
little string that regulated the lamp, I'm
til the flame began to flicker and finally
went out.
81 beg your pardon-I have match
I can light it again. he muttered hast
lily.
She watched him in silence as h,
struck a light and with a steady hant
once more sent soft glow over thu
room.
Z Id 70 III 60
light full shining upon it. 1t was strange
ly STILL She felt a peculiar little fiutter-
ing sensation in her throat.
Jack she whispered, falteringy.
He turned in a sudden passion and
catching both her hands, drew her tc
him-so near that his white face was al
most touching hers.
She did not move, but deep flush
crept over his tanned cheeks, and hi
arms frightened convulsively. The fore,
of his clasp crushed and hurt her. Hi:
face came nearer, nearer; their breath
mingled; then, with a sharp exclama
ton, he loosened his hold-so quickly, 81
suddenly, that she almost fell backward
"Forgive me-" he muttered hoarsely
don't speak to me. Goodnight. Say
goodnight. Say goodnight to YOU
mother. too"
He pulled aside the curtain with {
rough hand and stepped into the hall
She could hear him getting into his coat
Her hands were still lingering the cards
From the force of habit she turned three
up. Her eyes fell upon them as they lay
under the lamp-light.
rniSta ke-he was getting his cane