Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-06-07
CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP.

Lenox Ray sprang from the train just
as the June sunshine was dropping
down the West in flood of golden
glory, and the air was fragrant with
the perfume of new mown hay, and
dewy with the approaching twilight.
Well, this is rather purer than
London airl' sighed Lenox, drawing
a deep breath of delight, as he hasten
ed up the green lane to the wide, old
fashioned arm-house, carrying his va
lise in his hand. Il wonder if Nan
ME got my note, and is looking for me.
Hollo |"
This last exclamation was drawn
from Mr.. Rays lips by a big, ripe cher
ry, which, descending from above
somewhere, came into sudden contact
with his nose. He looked up, and
there, perched like great bird upon
the bough of large cherry tree, and
looking down at him, with dancing
eyes and brilliant cheeks, was young
girl, pretty and wilful enough to set a
man crazy.
"How do, Lenox? Come up and
have some cherries!" was her mis-
chievous greeting, with saucy dimples
playing about her crimson lips.
Mamie |! Is it possible p exclaim-
ed Lenox, sternly.
"Whatl thaSe; tot,,herries are ripe I?
Yes, and splendi;sE.yseas5t Have some ?'
returned the nymph, 'coolly holding out
great ruby cluster
Mamie, will you come down from
there ?" said Mr.. Ray, not seeming to
notice the cherries.
=" Yes, to be sure, now you've come,
and 1 have had all the cherries | want
ed"
And while Mr.. Ray looked on in
stern disapproval, the young witch
swung herself lightly down from her
perch, and lit on the grass at his feet.
Now don't look serious, Lenox,
dear {" she said, slipping her little
hands into his with coaxing motion.
Il know it is Tom-boyish to climb the
cherry tree, but then it's such fun"
Mamie, you should have been a
boy" said Lenox.
Il wish l had Then / wouldn't
have everybody scolding me if | hap
pened to move. No, [ don't either !;
for thenyou wouldn' thaye fallen in love
with me. What made you, any way,
dear p she said, with fond glance
and caressing movement.
Because you are a sweet darling !"
answered Mr.. Ray, melted in spite of
himself. But 1 do wish, Mamie,
you would leave off these hoydenish
ways and be more dignifed."
J Like Miss Isham ? " asked Mamie.
Miss Isham is very superior wo-
man, and it would not hurt you if you
would copy her in some respects, "
said Lenox, coldly.
The tears sprang into Nannie's eyes
at his tone; she loosened her arm
from his, and dropping down on the
emerald grass at his feet, began to
braid bracelet of the long blades, in
silence, with a grieved expression
around her sweet mouth which he did
not see.
There !" cried Lenox, pettishly.
"Now you look more like five year
old baby than well-bred young lady"
Mamie threw away her bracelet and
got up again. Il didn't mean to vex
you. Shall we go in?" she said
They went into the parlor, and Mr..
Ray took seat in the great arm chair
while Mamie flung open the window
and dropped down on her knees beside
it. letting her glossy curls fall in a
great shower on the window sill.
Now, don't do thatP' exclaimed
Mr.. Ray, drawing chair near his
own. Come here, and sit down like
a rational being"
Mamie gave a rueful glance at the
stiff backed chair, but giving her curls
toss backward, obediently went and
sat down.
"Iwish you would put those fiy-away
curls and dress your hair as other
young ladies do, said Mr.. Ray. And
see here, Mamie, | want to have q
talk with you. You know | love you;
but in truth, my dear, my wife must
have something of the elegance of rel
fined society. Your manners need
polish, my dear"
Mamie reddened, and her scarlet
lip curled little; but she said moth
| ing.
"A few weeks in fashionable circles
will be great benefit to you, and |
wish you to have the opportunity. In
short, dear, l came down to tell you
that my sister Laura is making up
party to visit some noted watering
place this summer, and she wishes you
to be one of the number. And l wish
you to accept the invitation. Mamie.
Are you going?" asked Mamie.
mo; my practice will not allow it,
But 1 shall see you several times
You will go" -,
"Oh, Lenox, don't make me2' sob
bed Mamie, hiding her face on his
shoulder, as vision of his stylish and
hauty sister rose before her. Il DOM
want 10 60 l hate fashionable society
II don't want to be polished ! Td
rather stay here in the country, and
not wear any bonnet, and climb tree:
every day"
Mamie am surprised at thi'
display of childishness ! | must in
sist on more self-control," said he
coldly.
I but don't send me away! Don
Lenoxr' she pleaded.
Il must!" he returned, but NOR