The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-12-15

THE crimson shaded lamp shed
soft radiance upon woman,
cowned in some white fabric which
enveloped her figure. Opposite her,
lounging in careless fashion, was her
companion, a handsome man Of 30
years.
Judging from their surroundings, in
dicative of culture and refinement, 1t
might have been supposed topics of alb
sorbing interest, Of travel, exciting adj
venture or historical narrative were
being discussed.
The ease and grace Of the woman
were equaled by the intensity of the
man. whose outward appearance
showed only cold and calm thought.
The woman broke the silence by say
ing in clear, low tones: $50 you still
cling to your ideals. After these many
years you still respect the good, the
true, the beautiful, happy mani
The shade of cynicism conveyed in
these few words grated upon the sensi-
tive temperament of the man.
Certainly, Agnes" he replied, quiet
". although fierce remonstance was IN
his heart. "Why do | find you so
changed? Five years ago you were
enthusiastic in dilating upon the beau
ties of friendship, pIatonic or other
wise; of the ideal in love, ideal happi-
ness in a home where two souls with
but single thought, including the
remainder of Ingomar's rapturous so
liloquy. Tonight you return chance
assertion with a stinging swiftness, not
unlike the strokes you use in tennis
matches"
"Really, Jack, your remarks are quite
confusing. Ideals and tennis matches'
What other novelties in metaphor can
YOU offer?" laughingly rejoined Agnes.
but she placed her fan to her lips TO
control their quivering, so fearful was
she that the subdued light would betray
her emotion.
On such night five years before, in
the same place, they had discussed
ideals. All. how well she remembered
it. When he left she wore diamond
circle, happy in the belief of mans SIN
ceritv. One year of bliss, her fathe"
died. and the wedding had to be post
poned. As fate would have II, Jack
Wilson was ordered to Paris on special
business for his firm. Thus it chanced
that Agnes Leighton bade him fare
we'll at the steamers dock, and watched
the dim speck of smoke which carried
the one she loved above all vanish IN
the horizon.
Letters came and went. Soon un-
pleasant rumors reached her ears, then
were openly discussed; rumors that
Jacks life was not becoming in an en-
Gagged man. Agnes crushed her sus-
picions and defended him nobly, when
her mother advised her to inquire OF
Jack the cause Of these rumors.
In an evil moment, a copy OF the
Figaro reached her through a friend,
containing an account of the magnit-
cent success of a former schoolmate
who embraced music as a profession.
Glancing through the paper Agnes was
Mortified to learn of the infatuaiion
of NJ. Jacque Wilson for a pretty SOU
brette who charmed the crowds of Wis
itors at a famous cafe chantant.
Naturally, this seemed conclusive
proof of which Agnes ayailed herself
TO the extent that she sent the clip
ping and her engagement ring to his
address in Paris. Swift as the mail
could bring il came a reply from Jack
begging her to believe in him; that
while appearances were against him. he
knew time would prove all things;
that he was bound by VOW OF silence
which affected the happiness and fu-
ture of various people. While he re-
gretted the unfortunate circumstance
which threw the clipping in her hands,
he admitted its truth as to statement,
returning the ring. having faith In her
nobility Of character to forgive the
seeming incongruity OF the clipping