The Westerly echo, & Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1854-1858, 1857-04-30

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the head strong will Of the horse she was
to ride. Her small hand and delicate
form seemed too frail to be put to this
test, and beside, ter Slight delormity.
although but little observed, had plant
ed permanent weakness in her limbs.
Oh, yes; she was quite sure she
could control the spirits of her stced ;
and in playful manner, told me that
her brave cavalier was to ride by her
side to protect her from danger.
| thought her face changed in its ex-
preston, aud took S.ade of sadness, a-
she told me that Maurice King was to
be Ncttie's escort but the shadow
quickly passed away, aud kissed her sof
cheek aud badc her goodbye, with a
feeling OF intense pride and joy in our
darling
Thinking that Mrs. Phillips would be
lonely IL the absence ot Nellie, walked
over to spend the day with her. The
hours flew swiftly by, and at sunset we
seated ourselves in the piazza to watch
for the return Of the party.
Presently we heard the tramp of the
horses feet, and the merry company
came riding toward the house. They
rcined their horses at the gate of the
cottage, aud james Leland sprang from
uis saddle to help Nellie dismouut. They
were in lively spirits, and no accident or
annoyance had happened TO disturb
Their days enjoyment. Their riding
Their riding caps were crowned with
wteaths Of oak leaves, aud scarlet fow els
and their bright faces told that their an
tlcipations had been more realized Mel
lie raised herself in the saddl, to give
her hand to her escort, when sudden
rogueish impulse seized ber to spring
from her seat without his aid. She
threw the bride over the neck Of her
horse and gave the leap. Untortunate-
ly her strength had mislcd her. 1t was
Tor her to clear the saddle.
and her riding skirt caught on the stir
rup, which started the horse, and he
sprang over the ground, dragging along
with him the body Of our daring.
Oh, the agongy Of that momeut Of fear
and suspense james Leland started
off quickly in pursuit, but Maurice, who
had not dIsmounted was before him. and
had already gained upon the frightened
steed. Sprngng from his seat, he caught
the bride Of Ne!iie's horse with one
hand, VIII le with the other he lifted the
poor girl from her dangerous position.
AT first we tearci she was killed, and
wGre perfectly stupiied with flight.
Maurice came towards US bearing in his
arms the iainting girl. We laid her
upon tie sofa, and soon she opened her
eyes to consciousness, and great was our
joy TO know that our treasure was saved
With the exception of few bruises and
slight injuries, she had the appearance
Of being unharmed. Yet she was very
weak from the excitement, and VIXEN
wc attempted to raise her head from the
pillow, she fell back iainiing into our
arms.
Maurice King would not leave Nellie
for the whole evening. He insisted that
his companions should escort the party
Of ladies to their houses, while he would
remain to ronder what assistance was in
bis power. James consented, but only
because he was forced into the arrange
ment. lie too would lingcr near Nellie.
lie departed reluctantly, aud returned
again during the evening, to make in
qulries for the invalid.
Nellie was sick for week after the
accident The excitement gave her
nervous system a shock, from which she
could not readily recover. Every day
Maurice King presented himself at the
cottage aud begged SO ca nestly TO 10 OF
service to US that we could not well re-
fuse the request James Leland came
too, but itsS frequently. Either from
pique at being snperceded 10y Maurice,
Or from a new lreak Of impulsiyoueSs,
be now became quite devoted in his at
tentions to Nettie Lee.
All ! / love to hngcr over those a.;Fs
so full Of happiscss to our darling no"
beautiful she was in her bclpIcs'nes',
how quiet and lovely in her new. Joy
Aud Maurice King was my beauldeai OF