The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1897-01-22
A DECEPTION.


ing the earth for me, thirsting for re-
venge, and that is why / shun the
haunts of men and live solitary, Sc
cluded life, only venturing out at dusk
and wearinga beard (Which doesn't suit
me) and blue glasses (Which don't
need) as a means of disguise. Of course
it should never have happened, admit
that. A word of explanation and all
would have been well, and / should not
now be living with the sword Of Damo-
Giles hanging over my head. But let
the opportunity slip and plunged myself
into an intrigue which may yet end in
bloOdshed.
1t began with very simple mistake
Oh my part. was lounging on the pier
at Eastsea one fine morning i'll Septem-
ber listening to the grand selection
from the Bohemian Girl" (they play
this every day at Eastsea) and watching
the promenaders, when my eyes fell on
a young lady who was sitting i'll quiet
corner reading a novel. could not see
her face, for it was hidden by crimson
parasol, but her general appearance at
once told me that it was Flo Beresford,
one Of the prettiest girls know, and,
inwardly congratulating myself, l rose
aud crossed to her.
So absorbed was she in her book that
she did not hear me approach, and to
attract her attention q know her very
welD playfully tapped the sunshade
with my paper, She looked up in mo-
ment, and then, to my horror, l saw l
had made mistake; it was not Flo,
but stranger.
stood paralyzed, trying to frame an
apology, but before l could get the
words out ! was amazed to see a lovely
smile of evident recognition and a still
lovelier blush overspread charming
face.
"George" she cried in joyous tone.
"This is a surprise. When did you
come? But there, sit down.
Now, l know that this was where l
made the fatal error. 1t was evident
that had double, and equally evident
that she was mistaking me for him.
l know ought to have undeceived
her, to have murmured a few words Of
apology, raised my cap and gone away,
but | did not do this. Perhaps it was
her eyes Or her mouth or her hair. |
don t know. But, anyway, she drew her
skirts aside, and sat down.
What made you come $3.50 sud-
denly?" she asked.
What" then recovering myself.
"Why, you, of course" She blushed
divinely.
Couldn't you wait for my answer"
she murmured softly.
"No," said, Il couldn't
She turned over the pages Of her nov
ell in distracted fashion. On the fly leaf
l caught sight of some writing-'To
Lucy from George" and the date.
Then Il sudden inspiration struck me.
bent my head close to hers, SO close
that stray tendril of her brown hail
brushed my cheek.
Lucy" whispered, almost putting
NY lips to her shell like little ear, "what
is your answers"
She laughed.
Wouldn't you like to know?" she
said. "Iposted the letter this morDing, .
Chin answer to my letter." put
in, taking a step i'll the dark
eyes, in answer to your letter. Ant
you'd have had it tonight"
"And as it is I've missed it.
eyes, you've missed it. F"
But you'll tell me what-what yor
said:'
She bent her head and toyed will
| the tassel Of her parasol. She was very
r lovely.
, "I've half a mind not to-just tt
tease you, she murmured.
"Do you want to drive me distract
ed?" l cried.
A ripple Of laughter came from he
tosy lips.
"You see if you'd only waited?'
But IL couldn't wait. Lucy, 30,
E will tell me?"
"Not-not now"
, "When?"
5 "To-tonight perhaps"
, "Here?"
eyes, here.
Then | wondered what it was he ha
y asked her. 1t seemed to me that it coul
IL only be one thing, but All, had it.
: Have you kept my letter." l asked
4 Kept it? Oh, George, yes. Why,
}. have it here" putting her hand to he
e breast.
e "Just-er- let me have look at it
moment"
e LET you? Oh, so you want to drav
e back, do you? Well, you can if YOU
i, "My darling. p
- George, forgive me. Of course
~ know. There it is /"
/ 81 was auout to say" observed as
a took it, THAT only wanted to see if
|. had spelled necessary with one {
n two"
n She opened wide her eyes.
q necessary" she said. "Why, there
/ no such word in the letter"
-. "Isn't there;" l murmured. LET II