Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-10-03

-
"Another invitation | SUPPOSE" she
muttered; ''this makes the third that |
have received to-day I think | shall re-
fuse invitations sor the nexs week, by
way OF a change. | am tired Of parties,
balls and society generally. l wish some
sensible woman would discover some new
way Of passing the time. | wonder
whether the Roman and Greoian ladiBs
danced the German, and firted, and ate
omels, and had to undergo the bore of
fashionable society But in the mean
time have forgotten my note IN ISIS
Helen Hammond, North Charles street.
From my dearest friend, Louie Hunter"
and her face frightened.
DEAR HELEN:-I have just heard of
q characteristic niece Of impudence on the
part Of your friend, Mr.. Charles Vane
Last night, at the Ohio Club. be bet a
champaign supper with one of his friends
that he would propose and be accepted
by the notorious Airt, Helen Hammond
l hasten to put you on your guard. and
hope that you will give the impertinent
fellow a lesson which be will not soon for
get.
Il have finished reading Morton
House. 1t is more ambitious but less
interesting than Valerie Hylmcr.' a
Your sincere friend,
"LoUL1E."
"Well," exclaimed Helen, after she
read the note, 'this is even more than |
could have expected from Charlie Vane;
but will be even with the ccnceited fell
low. Forewanred is forearmed and I will
give him more than he bargained for.
The idea Of making the subject of bet
at his club. l must turn the tables on
him, and if he is hurt, why it is his own
foolish fault"
In few minutes the servant announc-
ed Mr. Vane, aud that fashionable gen
tleuen soon made his appearance. He
was dres ed with elaborate elegance. His
beautifully fitting pearl colored cravat
would have made Beau Brummel die of
envy. His kid gloves were of the same
delecate color, and fitted with mi,acu-
lous nicety.- "All the perfumes of Ara
bia" seemed to exhale his glossy hair.
while his moustache aud imperial were
waxed with artistic skill "
Mr.. Vane bowed with his usual air Of
| assurance.
How is my charming friend, Miss
Helen; this evening? >..-..
''Pvrfectly well, Mr.. Vaae; pray be
be seated"
Il did not have the pleasure Of seeing
| you on Charles street this morning al
though l promenaded from one to three
saw Miss Jones, Miss Wilson, Miss
Tanner, Miss Lee; but the fairest of all
the fair of Baltimore-M Helen-did
not gladden. my eyes
Il am glad that you have been able
to survive your disappointment. said Hell
en-, land in future when you want to see
me, come here, where you will be more
apt to find me than on the street
l was with Fred Simpkins. who never
makes morning calls, except upon Mr..
Barnard.
Il am happy to say that Mr.. simpkius
never makes calls upon me.
"Miss Helen, you are TOO cruel ~ cried
! Vane.
Il am not cruel" said Helen I am
just.
'Ju firt,'' mut,ered Vane to him
self.
"Mr. Vane, will you be kind enough
to ring the bell? l wnnt the CRATE re-
plenished. l feel cold"
Il hope my presence has not had that
effect upon you," as lie arose to comply
with her request.
':Stay," said Helen" John has gone
out. Won't you put few pieces of coal
in the grate?
"Certainly." replied the asionished Mr..
Vane family, casting despai,ing glance
at his DELEGATE tinted gloves. aud MUIR
INJURED, Five dollars pair"
However, he nervously seized the coal
scuttle and proceeded TO replenlsh the fire
as gracefully as possible.
DO have your photograph taken just as
you are now. with the coal scuttle IN ons
hand and the poker in another" said
Helen, sit would be SO original and be-
coming
1T pleases you to be sarcastic" an
swered Mr.. Vane, replacing the coal
scuttlc and resuming his seat. "You
seem disposed to amusc yourself at my
expense this evening, Miss Helen
And why not, pray Z" said Misc
Hammond. II have often heard you
say that you believed in extracting amuse-
mert from euevy one. But I see you
like to laugh at others. but do not like
others to laugh at you
From you Miss Helen, I expected
better treatment
"And why do you expect? Because l
treated you as do every one-with po-
lteness?' said Helen.
Eyes. and more than politencss," re-
turned Vane.
s.What sublime conciet What reasons
had you for supposiug that | treated you
with aught save politeuess 2 asked Helen.
because I believed you better than
the world gave you credit for; because |
believed you had purer sentiments,
higher ASPIRATIONS and nobler ambition
than that of acquiring the doubtful tri-
umph of firt; because believed you-
heart. despite your contact with cold
and selfish world, was still filled with
warm aud generous impulses; because l
loved you, and because l believe my love
was returned. Nay Helen, do not cover
your face, but listen TO me. AT first l
did not wish to give up my bachelor in
dependence, but love has conquered such
selfish notions, aud | now offer you my
hand. my heart and my fortune. You do
not speak. my darling. You hesitate.
| Beware how you spurn the warm love of
young heart ~
He waited in vain for response to his