Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1871-03-09
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TIE BEWITCHING WIDO W,
BY MATTE DYER DRITTS.

Just before dark one evening, Ton
Courtenay came into the little Office where
Frank Worthington kept his dusty law
books, and helped himself TO chair anc
a cigar, with quiet make ourself-a
home sort of GOODNESS VIII ich showed hin
no stranger to the premises.
We'll. Frank. said he. we got through
the last case to-day, and | am ready to be
off home Tomorrow. You promised to
90 with me, remember
No need to remind me of it, old fellow,
laughed Frank. I've endured the hor.
rovs of a clearinghouse too long not tc
jump at the chance of trying country liv-
ing awhile.
You can be ready by morning 2
oh, yes 1t won't take long to pack
my kit. l haven't any Saratoga trunk to
ell with hounces and furbelows
AN right, then. We shalt have a
cousin of my mothers to 60 down with
u.s.
The deuce we shall Tom, if It's girl
won't go, by George l got enough Of
travelling with girls last summer
You will go! III never forgive you il
you don't
Is the cousin of the feminine persua-
sion 2
Yes, but she's not girl. She is a
sedate widow lady, who goes down to
make an annual visit to us every Christ
mas
oh, that alters the case One of those
mothetly, middle-aged ladies who make a
fellow look respectable, as if he was trav-
cling with his mother !
Tom repressed an inclination to laugh,
and replied, soberly:
Yes; no doubt Mrs. Cameron will APP
pear like a mother to both of us.
Mrs. Cameron. A good, old, respec-
table name, repeated Frank. Has she
money, Tom ?
Well-yes, a fair little fortune.
And you may stand CHARGE in her
will p
Possibly
Yes. Well, my boy. you are quite
right to be attentive to your mothers
elderly relation. No doubt Mrs, Cam
erom will be an addition to our journey
DECIDEDLY said Tom, feeling lit about
time FOR him to get out of that office, where
he could indulge in the laugh he had
reasons for wanting, and rising as he
spoke. You'll meet US at the depot at
seven in the morning 2
L will.
Sharp seven, remember 7
Yes And time and railroad cars wait
for no man, or woman either. Depend on
me, Tom, and just look after that elderly
cousin
III do it. Good might, them
Good night, old fellow
And as Tom went out, Frank arose and
began to put his Office in order, and make
some preparations for his Christmas jour-
ney.
He meantto be up very early next NOR
ming, but oversight himself, and reached
the depot only five minutes before train
time. He went hastily into the ladies
room. supposing Tom would be there
with Mrs. Cameron. The rom, however
had but one occupant, bright faced lady
in a stylish black .and-white travelling suit
with IA long white plume dropping over a
coquetish black velvet hat. She turned a
pair Of saucy brown eyes upon, Frank as
he entered, glanced around and beat a
hasty retreat.
'Whew ! what pretty girl !! Glad l
don't have her to bangle after, and wait
on, though thought he. Where the
dickens is Tom 2
He hunted through the crowd, and Just
as the the train was about starting, saw
Tom on the platform.
'Ah, here you are. Be quick, now ?
hailed Tom. 4 thought you were about
to give me the slip after ALL
No Danger | slept late, that's all.
They went in the car, as the ponderous
wheels rolled off. and as they opened the
door, Frank gotta glimpse of the pretty
girl with white plume, seated inside.
Did your cousin COME z he asked O!
Tom
Yes, I'll introduce you"
Tom marched straight down the mar
row aislu to that very girls seat, and.
as she rose, with bewitching smile, Tom