Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-07-01

eyes, sir"
The gentleman turned away, evidently
thinking it useless to try to engage her in
conversation, and she went soberly on
with her work.
1t rained when the hour came for vi
ola's return home, and she stood moment
at the door, looking out into the dark,
wet street.
Miss Burnett" said Mr.. Lavalle, cal
low me to see you home under my UNI
| brela."
Viola was surprised. Not only because
he was rich man and she poor miliner
and she wondered at his offer
''No, thank you" she replied Il can
go alone"
He had not time to repeat the offer be-
fore she was out and half way down the
street.
1t was darker than she had supposed,
and the rail- fell in torrents; but she
drew her mantle tightly around her, and
with bowed head walked swiftly along
Before she reached the end of the street,
there came sound of sharp quick steps
upon the pavement, and Paul Lavalle
came up beside her.
''Of course you think me very bold,
but | prefer to run the risk of mourning
your displeasure, rather than see you en-
danger your health by exposing yourself
on such night as this"
He drew her hand within his arm, and
together they went on to Mrs. Burnett's
door. Viola allowed him to carry on the
conversation, answering only when di-
rectly questioned, and then in monosylla-
bles. She could not help thinking how
ever, what a pleasant, agreeable gentle
man he was, and half repented her prom
Use to madame F.; but she managed to keep
it and bade him formal good night with
cool little speech of thanks for his kind
ness.
She had no desire to lose her situation,
but she was almost inclined to disbelieve
madame's story. Well, it might be true;
and if so, women haters were certainly
agreeable creatures.
The work became pleasure since daily
the establishment was frightened with
the owners presence; but Viola never
forgot madams warning. 1t was all in
vain that he brought fruits and flowers,
and praised her work She never lifted
her dark eyes at his pleasantries; and
once when he CHANGED to clasp her white
hand in the midst of confused tangle of
ribbons, she never spoke Or smiled; and
be would not have known that she observ-
ed the action, but for the dash Of blood
which swept across her round checks.
There were many more rainy nights,
and many times the umbrella was brought
forth and under its cover Viola trudged
home beside Paul Lavalle. She thought
him strange man, and felt that madame
had never clearly understood him. He
seemed very unlike her notion of wo-
man hater.
One day he dropped a note into her
lap, saying. "Here is letter for you,
Miss Burnett You will send reply be-
fore come again" and went away, leav-
ing her to stare wonderfully at the little
note.
After awhile she opened it, and read:
"VIoLA-
"You are strange being, and I can
not understand you; but [ understand my
own heart, and it bids me say I love you.
Will you give me the blessed right to call
you my own, my wife? | told you must
know your reply before l again come,
and SO it must be. Viola, my darling, l
await your answer. ''PAuL LAvALLE"
A joyous light broke over her face, and
with a food of happy tears, Viola wrote
beneath, II will be your wife"
"Why are you SO bright, Viola 2"
asked madame, who had entered.
Your brother. madame, has asked me
to be his WIFE
"And you told him"
eyes"
"My sweet Viola knew my plan
would succeed. had worked for months
to bring the change in Paups fortunes,
but had been thus far unsuccessful. He
declared that all women were husband
hunters, and that he would never marry
one of them. [ knew in an instant that
you would please him, and so I trumped
up the whole story. You will woudcr at
my anxiety. but will cease to, do SO when
I tell Won that | cannl5 marry until he is