Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-12-24

SO far advanced in her good graces as to ven
ture to press her nand, and the sweet bali CO.
quettish smile that played around the corners
of her cherry lips did not seem to disapprove
of the liberty had taken.
"Do you know" said she, as wesat chatting
confidently together, "that liked your face
the first time saw it ?"
at was sympathetic on both sides, then" l
whispered, drawing her so near that could
feel her hot breath on my check.
EYES," she murmured, gently withdrawing
herself from my glowing embrace, for we had
passed through the tunnel, and had taken q
lovers advantage-snatched a hasty kiss.
"You are naughty mantle naughtlest
man ever saw" she said in a low and tremu-
lous tone. "If pa should be on the train,
what would he say to such proceedings
"Never, sweet creature" rejoined earnest
", "your cross old father is miles away, and SO
let us improve the present opportunity"
"Are YOU aware" she observed half mis-
chievously, 'that there is another tunnel be-
vond. a great deal darker too than the one we
have left? ?"
~ know it." said I, with tender glance at
nv fair enslaver. 1--WE are drawing near it
very fast"
Once more l. placed my arm around the
waist of the lady, and wrapped up in the gloom
of the tunnel, took sweet pledges from her lips.
1t was very gratifying to my vanity. All good
looking men are vain you know. / perceived
that my lovely companion clung more affec-
tionately to me than before; indeed | had
scarcely time to tear myself from her arms
when we emerged once more into broad day
light. She had let her veil drop over her face,
but could detect the crimson flush through
the fine net work of lace. Her voice betrayed
much agitation as she whispered;
al have gone too far with you, sir; alas
you have ceased to respect me-"
"My sweet charmer," l replied, I" let us
ever be friends. Give me your name and ad-
dress"
"My name and address," she responded
&" YOU must never know. Ialrsady feel fright
ened to think how far have permitted myself
to venture with stranger. Forgive and for
get mel"
"A flirt-a coquettc y
"No, no." she returned hurriedly, pressing
nv hand al am not a flirt, but dare not
as much as think Of you-let the acquaint-
apce proceed further. Have pity on mc-have
pityr'
She looked so pleadingly, so entrcatingly
with those dark, soft eyes cleaning through
the silken meshes of her veil, that ! could not
persuade myself to be offended with her. Al
last she reluctantly consented to give her name
and handing me aprettiy embossedcard, / read
Kate Darrel, No. - University Place.
The train had reached Thirty-second St.
and could see that my fair inamorata grew
every moment more restless and disturbed
First her head peered out Of the window, anc
then she would half rise and cast hurried ant
fearful glances behind.
Already was beginning TO share the un
comfortable feeling Of my companion as vlslon'
of angry papa fourishing a cane over my heat
rose vividly before my minds eye, when sud
denly Miss Darrel uttered an exclamation, ros'
from her seat, and unceremoniously dartec
from the car.
wondered at the ease and dexterity with
which sho descended, though the car was pro
PEELED quite rapidly by horse power, but my
wonder and surprise was destined to be in
creased when, few minutes afterwa'd,
thick-set. stern looking gentleman entered from
the side, bis eye inquisitively scanning the fac
of each lady passenger.
"Halloop said he rather gruffiy pauslnt
before me, al has young lady been occupying
that seat ?"
"Yes, sir" replied somewhat disconcerte'
and quite abashed.
"Ligbt jockey, maroon colored silk and gra!
travelling cloak ?" pursued he interrogatively
al believe that was her costume" replie'
sulkily.
."By God. she's given me the slip again,
cried the gentleman, slapping his breeche
pocket with much emphasis.
"Given you the slip" repeated, sudde
and awful light breaking upon me.
ayes the iade is as sharp as noble"
"Pray, SIR" said I, with slight sensatio
. of suffocation, may be so bold as to inquir
: IL YOU are the father of that young ladyT
: "Father, the devil No, sir, am detec
tive"
5 "Tben," said l with desperate calmnes'
" who is this young LADY,"
"Bless my soul, she is Nancy DacorS' 10
fashionable pickpOcket. BY gad' SIR has 50
5 been playing her points on you 2
, The detective grinned, and the passenger
gradually comprehendipg the situation
] smiled provokingly. ! did not reply; the II
t teIligence was stunning and notifying in tn
f highest degree. So my beautiful compsnio
was nothing more than a member Of the "sWe
mob" and I, while fattering myself upon nav
ing made conquest, in reality bad been 10
e victim of cunning and designing deceiver
and we'll had she duped me, for even while
? vss ,natchinp those dear-bought kisses she ha