Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-03-07


njoy German ballads. VIII you not
bring him up with yon some EVENING""
John is pleased that Nettie at last
shares his appreciation of his friend, ana
III do so.
1t was an easy matter for Nettie to
Hatter the vanity of the gay Lothario and
though he knows Blayne's intentions to-
wards Nettie, his intentions became I'M
remitting.
Jahn was surprised.
They practiced Blayne's music, occu-
pied Blayne's boxes at opera and theatre,
read Blayne's books, rode after Blayne's
ponies, and Nettie was sure Fairfield es-
corted her to the rink Rith Blayne's
skates on his arm. and visited her in
Blayne's hats, gloves, coats and panta-
looms.
JoAn became annoyed; whenever he
called on her she was eloquent on DO sub
ject but Fairfield. His step. his eyes.
his horses, his attire. we're faultless and
beyond compare. Abroad, she had eyes
and ears for no one but Fairfield
John began to realize that though it
was pleasant to praise ones friend to the
woman one loved best, it was decidedly
unpleasant TO hear ones friend, who was
only ordinary after all, praised SO extrav-
agantly by the woman one loved best.
Then people were saying less of Fair
field and Blayne," and more of "Fair-
field and Miss Avenar' than was pleas
ant to our hero. In fact, John was a
little Jealous. He reso lived to speak to
Fairfield, wa ich he did in the follow ing
manner:
by Jove, My dear fellow, see here
You are going itratber strong, amt you ?
You are welcome to the horses, and the
rest, you know. but when it comes to
Nettie-Of ccurse you're only moon
ing tince you know my regard for her,
| bus then----"
'My dear Jack, congratulate nae !?
The dcgs, horses. and the rest are yours;
but | believe you have no further claim
on the lady. Ii I understand you right
ly you were never really engaged. To
speak the truth I am really very much
interested in Old Ayenars stamps,
and though I might prefer bride less
easily won. when once she is Mrs f.,
shall have dogs, horses and the rest, of
my own, and be rid your cursed pat~
ronage"
John was thundcrsruck. His first
impulo was to floor this puppie. Could
this be his dear old boy? Where was
the friendship Of years: At all events,
Nettie must be saved from this nercena-
~ wretch. q
Ia fifteen minutes be rang the bell a.
Mrs Avenal's deor. Nettis was visible
aud alone.
"Nenie," he commenced, "Fai. field
tells NE you are 10 marry him He is a
scoundrel, and not worthy Of you. He
boasts OF his triumph and svows that his
object is to secure your fathers wealth !"
Nettie scarcely able to control the d I'M
piles playing about her mouth, makes
answer.
"What? Your friend of friends, your
other self, scouadrel? Empossitle. But
he has anticipated my answer, for he has
not received it,
Il was mistaken in him, Nettie; and
ihen. it never occurred to me that you
would learn to care for him. I once
thought It."
Thought what, Jack p said Ne title
shyly. .
THAT You cared for me-. Nettie. I
loved YOU more tban-'
''More than you did Mr. Fairfield
You did not seem 10. am sure "
a light began to dawn over the m ind
of our hero
We will net narrate the explanations
that followed, but when some time af-
ter. Jshn Blayne had left the Avenal
mans ion, he had established claim to
Nettie, and was thereafter atten tive
enough to satisfy that young lady fully.
"Tne best society" was surprised that
Mr.. Fairfield was not even one of the
groomsmeu at the wedding which soon
followed, but we learn he has attached
himself as chum fellow feeder and bar
nacle, to another good fellow, W it'll dogs,
horses, and the rest you know.