The herald. (Smyrna, Del.) 1870-1871, 1870-08-20
miscellaneous.
MFRS. aAPLEsONE's WARD.
ny J. HARvE{ SMITH.

swell, up6h my word, this is getting
delicious, I must say," exclaimed Har-
ry Waters, in serio-coff1ic tonej as he
tunibled for the seventh title in a mud
puddle concealed by the long grass. This
comes bf taking short outs. I'm as hun
CRY as a starved cat, and have not the
least idea where I am. Aboriginal fot-
est" he eohtinhed, taking short sdrvey
of his sitiation. "Wouldn't be sur
prised in the least; If some fair nymph
should start DIP and take me captive
not very likely though, If she catsd any
thing for appearances"
And he cast laughing glance at his
mud d-stained clothes, and tumbled hair
for you see he could not be expected "a
travel for two mortal hours through an
unknown wood, and keep himself in
presentable attire. After vsinly striv-
ing to find some travelled road, he gave
up in despair, and mournfully resigned
himself 10 bis fate, to--wait until sonae
chance passer-by could direct him tc
Cedar Grove, where he was going to see
Annette Maplesone by name. Our he
| ro's father was one of those old-schcol
gentlemen, who believe that marriage is
merely a matter of business, the wife
pledging herself to honor and obey hel
husband for and in consideration of a
fine house, plenty of servants, carriage
and pin-money.
Master Harry on being informed that
he had been disposed of to Madame Ma
plesone for her daughter, Annette, ac-
quiesced quietly, being perfectly heart
free, and consoling himself with the
thought that very probably he would
hardly ever see his wife after the honey.
moon, and that she would not interfere
with his pursuits, and so they should
get on very comfortably together.
And so we find Mr.. Harry Waters,
who having Started from the railway
station to walk to Cedar Grove, under.
took to cut off about two miles or so by
going across fields, and for his foresight
had walked about ten miles, according
to HIS idea, and sesmed to be ho tiearbr
to the end of his journey than when he
| Started.
So taking cigar from his pocket he
seated himself oh fallen tree, and
smoked talfiilt; Until he was disturbed
| by ringing voice, that resounded
through the old forest like asweet toned
bugle, .gaily singing:
'I,fh the girl that's gdy and happy
Gay and happy will be;
And If you'll listen to my story"
Aid the next minute vision dashed
into the open glade where he was seat
ed, and after gazing at him for mo-
ment, burst Into hearty laugh.
The vision was a young lady of about
eighteen summers with roguish black
eyes that danced with fire, and nut
brown hair that hung in short curls all
around her head, pearly little teeth just
visible through her crimson lips, and
cheeks like full-blowned roses In
short, living incarnation of health, fun,
and beauty.
"a perfect Diana, by Georgel" silent
1y exclaimed Hairy, and rising To his
feet he lifted his hat with all the grace
that he would have used in Mrs. Tons
parlor. The fair nymph Immediately
dropped him mock courtsey, and with
demurely folded hands waited for him
to speak. He stood gazing at her face a
full minute, lost in admiration, vile n
suddenly recalling his scattered man.
ners, he inquired calmly:
"Can you inform me where Cedar
Grove is7"
"I cam" she answered, evidently
smothering a laugh. "Do you see that
gnarled oak out there ~ He signitied
assent. "Then go to that; turn to your
right, and you will see footpath; follow
that, and in five minutes you will arrive
at Cedar Grove"
"Good graciousl' exclaimed Harry
"And here 1 have been travelling around
a couple of hours in search of place
that was almost under my nose. How
stupid of me, to be sure"
"Indeed it was,'' answered his guide,
with merry twinkle in her eyes.
Inconsistent as it may seem, though
Harry couldn't bear contradiction, yet
he wauld much rather she had differed
with him than agreed with him; out of
course he did not saw 40 So n,ereIv