The Forrest City times., 1910-07-29
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moments of ecstasy as she felt in these brief meetings with Mark at the division line of the two gardens. Somehow in her mind Mark seemed associated with the woods. the blue sky and the sunshine She knew If she married the doctor she would have to live in town. shut up in the big house thas had come to him from his grandfather. On the other hand. however, if she married the doctor he would give her the pretty things her soul craYed. for even as Virginia loved the pink and white of the orchard and the blue of the sky. so she loved the dainttness of silken gowns and the sparkle of jewels.
 Therefore that night when the aoc. tor asked her to marry him. Virginia put him off with a timd half-promise.
 T must think about It." she said, and went to bed to lie awake and wonder If she could live the rest of her life in the dim old house in town. with man she did not love
 In the morning she went out early to work In the garden. She could hear Marks whistle, but even when he called Good morning" she did not go to the fence Her broad hat hid her burning cheeks and her hands trem- bled as she dug around her radishes Presently Mark came closer and called, Come here. Virginia"
 There was a masterful note in the voice which she had never heard be- fore. She rose and went to him.
 Virginia, he said. abruptly. they say in the village that you are going to marry the doctor"
 Nirginia's face famed. But l am not" she cried, and in a moment she was transformed Like a flash 1t had come to her what t would mean to l put Mark out of her life; what 1t would mean to have the spring go and summer come without these moments ! of happy meeting.
 T am not. Mark" she said again. Why. you" Then her voice died away. She could not tell him what she thought of him. That was the mans part. Mark looked down at her Il know what you want to say. yir. ginia.. he told her. gently. and I wish you would say it. It seems as If had no right to ask you to love me and to marry me. But you won't be happy with the doctor you won't be happy with anybody but me. Vir- ginia."
 It was the serene assertion of the man who knew that he had met his mate Virginia knew. too. that there was nothing of conceit, nothing to of. l fend, in his sense of security She ! was his. as he was hers. and no one should separate them.
 Miss Cornelia. unconscious of the awakening of the young people, came l down the path and across the garden 1 to play the part of cruel fate She had ruled Virginia in every thing for years and she meant to rule her still.
 Virginia, go back to the house won't have you idling in the vegetable garden" she said
 Aunt Cornelia, I am going to marry Mark" Virginia returned. calmly
 It was useless after that for Miss Cornelia to protest, to buster. to plead; Virginia had made up her mind. She loved the out of doors and she loved Mark She said it over and over again. And am to have flow CT garden. Aunt Cornelia." was all the answer she would make to the old lady's arguments when they had left Mark and were in the house once | more,
 But you will never be happy, Aunt Cornelia's tone was tragic.
 Virginia pondered for moment. then she said. Are you happy. Aunt CorneHa 2"
 Aunt Cornelia stared. She had not thought of 1t that way.
 When am with Mark" Virginia said, T see beauty in everything II was he who first made me see the Wonderfss things in my vegetable garden. When yoa wouldn't let me grow flowers he found ne crying in the orchard un4er the apple tree. au4 he showed me the beauty of usefui things. Out of the little things of life he gets SO much that is interesting and wonderful, and you never showed me any beauty, Aunt Cornelia.
 The old woman knew that it was true Things had been eammonplace to her always To Virginia life would never be commonplace if she married Mark. She rose and went to the u.a. dow
 Well. l suppose you will do=as you like Virginia, she said. drearily
 Virginia came and stood beside her Cant 1t be as you like. foo2" snd denly her arms went around the old lady's neck. her fair head lay on the I spas old bosom. the young eyes looked into hers with love in them
 And at that look Miss Cornelia melted But she was not one to show her feelings, and although her arm frightened about the slender form she said. grimly, Well. l guess YOU win have to do as you like. Virginia. and when you and Mark come to live with