Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1860-09-12

SuCoo uut WIN 4A6llIG WOu udNt tlc
audacity to dc that, though, for all her
boasted daring
Scarcely " said Lizay Almor, laugh
ing, "Ncllie iIa3mond--Quecn Neil, on
her throne, proudly dcfying the attempts
to storm hel heart, made by the many
lovers who benda at her shrine and the
same Nellie offering herself to the one
whom she secretly regards--who can re
eoaoilsthe picta.vs !,
You arc mistaken, Iii Almor, ifyou
Imagine care for Archer Clayton, :
responded Nellie, petulantly. "And |
will accept the wager Oh won't it be
fun % And her dark eyes sparkled with
mcrriment.
And you really accept the wager
Nell ?" Inquired Maggie.
"Assuredly not that | care for BY
ron 5 love sick stuff but | viii show you
that Nell Raymond will dare do any.
thing :"
Her auditors laughed merrily.
There goes Mr. Clayton to the par.
lor now, presently remarked Maggie.
Now is your opportunity, Nellie your
father and mother will not be home un-
til near dinner.time, ard you can enjoy
your interview undisturbed,
"Ycs; 50 on Nell urged Lizzie
"What must be done, had as well be
done at once, as aurt Mary says. We
will walk down to the glen and wait for
you there.
Amidst a trio of mirthful cachinations,
Nellie arose, while her own musical laugh
echoed that of her young companiofs,
and with her eyes brimful of mischief
bent her steps toward the house, while
her friends, with many merry glance
after her, started for the glen.
Pausipg a moment in the hall to COM
pose her bright face to becoming de-
gree of gravity, Nellic,entercd tie pleas
ant, shady parlor, where Archer Clay
ton was seated alone. In spite of her
Wanted hasdihood, her heart beat quick.
ly as the lang, dark love.eycs were raised
to hers, AMI those clearest fmanly tones
said
GOOD morning, Miss Nellie.
Good morning, sir, " returned Nellie,
seating heBeIf opposite to him
Your company is an unexpected,
though most welcome pleasure said
Archer with a bright smile, which H.
lumed and gbrifed his thoughtful face.
"No doubt" responded Nellie and
then with a pelatory ''ahem - she went
on, saucily,
my dear Mr.. Clayton, your many
attractions ofpersohal character have in.
delibly impressed my heart, and this
being leap,ye.r. / avail myself of the
privilege it acsordS my sex, and offer you
my hand, my heart, and my fortune
which latter is immense, when you con-
slider that I i'm fortune in myself"
The recipient of this remarkable de-
claration frs flushed deeply, then be-
come very pale; but finally, conquering
his emotion, replied with roguish light
in his dark blue eyes, and an arch ex-
preston on bis handsome countenance {;
my dear Miss Nellie, words would
fail to express the depth of my gratitude
for the inestimable honor you have con-
ferred upou me, and we're sure that
your love for me alone dictated it," there
bis voice faltered, in spite of himsel) II
should delightfully."- except your offer ;
but fearing that other motives--your
love of mischief, for instance--may have
Influenced you, must beg week for
consideration ere return an answer. "
Nellie's brown eyes dilated with Won
der and her confusion was pitiful to be-
hold; she had not expected anything
like this retort--she had not doubted
that he would flee her presence as soon
as she concluded her rash speech,
"Pray excuse me, Miss Nellie :" said
Archer, in melo.dramatic tone. "The
excitement of this unexpected interview
has been too much for my nerves, and |
must seek to calm them in the solitude
Of my own apartment Remember this
day week--next Thursday--I viii be
ready with my final answer" and with
a profound bow, he left the room.
Burying her burning face in her hands,
Nellie sobbed aloud, in her modification
and distress -ah distress for, at that
moment she could mob conceal from her.
self than she did love Archer Clayton, !,