The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1904-04-29

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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 herself. She asked for q
week to consider the matter. l insist
ed that two days were enough, but she
was resolute, and, with a wry face, l
bad to submit.
One stipulation was that | should
not attempt to see her during that
time. l thought this was rather hard
and said so, but she was even more
positive than before, and l 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 a day to
reach his house and a day to return.
Thus the week passed away, slowly
enough for me, and | am afraid my
friend found me a dull companion.
Promptly at the end Of the specified
time Ipresented myself at Mary'shouse.
| To my dismay found it full OF CON-
pany. had been there only five min,
utes when learned that the friends had
been there ever since the day after l
left. l scanned Mary's face, actions,
manner and reception, but could make
out nothing. She was kind and agree
able, but that had been her ordinary
manner, and no conclusions could be
drawn therefrom.
l found no opportunity to say a
word to her in private until my visit
was over. AS l went to the front
door on my way out to my horse, she
came out on the porch with me, as had
been her habit on previous occasions
As l babe her goodby asked, as calm
ly as I could, though heaven knows
fmy heart was beating so loud that
knew she must hear it:
"Well, Mary what is my fate to
be?'
"Really, john she said, "you must
give me one day more, and [ promise
you to give you my final answer then.
The house has been full of company
and my time has been so fully occu.
pied that | have scarcely had time to
sleep. Every night since you were
here l have gone to bed 80 weary that
l went to sleep as soon as my head
touched the pillow. My mother has
been sick, too, most Of the time, and
nv hands have been full, assure
you.'
1 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 let
ter"
And thus we parted l went home
with hope deferred. The next day
came and went and l 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 | deter
mined 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, I planned long trip to Europe
1t had always been my fathers wish
that /, his only son, should take this
trip, but l had always opposed it,
thinking that lie could not afford it,
for he had two daughters, both young
er that myself, and l longed to see
them take that position in society
which a good education only can give.
And, while this European trip would
not have seriously interfered with my
wishes for my sisters advancement,
I knew that it would entail an amount
of economy at home that | did not
think of. But, seeing my depressed
spirits and perhaps guessing the cause,
my father renewed his persuasions, set
forth IN glowing terms the advantages
to be gained, which none knew better
than he himself, as he had been quite
a traveller in his youth, and finally
overcamc all my objections.
My trunk was packed; passport and
guideto,ks were provided; arrange
ments were made for necessary funds
to NEE: my expenses, but not word
came from Mary, although she must
have heard that was ready to go.
Father. mother and sisters babe me a
sad goodby, and | was gone.
| faw tlavs after LEAVING home