Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-07-11
writtea for OvE FIRKsiDE FGIEsD.
What Allied Hannah.

Hannah was ueither blonde nor bfu-
ue;,e; she was a kind Of happy combination
of both. Shs was tall. graceful. aud stylish
young woman. Of narFiacsablo age. She
was industrious and ,ily in her habits, scEupu-
lousy particular in her e.:ire aud her conver-
sa;;on. and in some particulars sn interesting
aud attractive person. She was no, averse to
the society of young gentlemen, nor were oil
young gentlemen averse TO Der society. She
had several admirers, who, doubtless, visited
Der with serious Intentions. Her most favored
suitor, however, was an individual By the
name Of Beard.
To please her fortunate lover. Hannah MAS
willing TO make many sacrifices. She even
consented to accompany him upon Sabbath
afternoon drive, notwithstanding her consci-
en,ions serup,es about going out riding upon
tho Lords day; aud might euumerate nu-
merous instances Of rare self-denal upon her
part, equally remarkable aud surprising. The
individual bearing the name Of Beard took
heart at the encouragement she gave him; bis
visits tc Hannah became more frequent aud
prolonged. aud to the interested observer who
watched the progress Of events, there was the
promise Of an earnest attachment, II not an
immediate wedding in the habi,alion Inhabited
by Hannah
Oae June evening. the Individual by the
name Of Beard called upon Hannah. After
deep deliberations. he had determined TO offer
her. his hand and bis heart. aud he had re-
solved upon this particular evening to break
the icy barrier that had long existed between
them, 10 make his wishes known 10 her. 10
avow bis admiration Of Ler person, and char
acter, or in more Common parlanee. to a. pop
the question"
Hannah received him cordially. and invited
him to be seated 10 .he paror. lie sat down
npou one eBd Of the sofa, inwardly hopiug
hat Hannah would by some Circumstance ut
down upon the other end of that romantic
institution; but. for some unaecountable rsa-
son, Hannah did nothing Of tho kind. Shs
walked deliberately to the opposite side Of tbs
room, and sat down upon cue end Of sofa
there.
The individual by the name Of Beard sighed.
Hannah looked distressed
"Are you feeling pretty well tonight =
asked Beard
"SplendidIy," responded Hannah.
Perhaps you were not expecting me'"
mo was not B."
&" But you look troubled. Has anything
serious happened?"
"No, nothing at all. said Hannah evasIvely.
perhaps ought to have sent you word
that was coming2'
"No. II was noi at all necessary for you 10
take tha. trouble am always glad to SEQ
you"
The individual by the name OF Beard took
heart at her last remark, aud crossing the room
sat down upon the sofa close by the sdc Of
Hannah 10 lis astonshment and ehagrin
she deliberately turned her face away from him
and seemed offended q, bis conduct.
4" Have said or done anything to incur
your displeasure?" he asked.
"No. nothing at oil. she replied, still look
ing the other way.
" But what is the matter them
Nothing, nothing at alI--At least nothing
hat Ivould Ike To tell you; that is. 1t would
not be exactly proper"
The heart within the individual by tho
name Of Beard throbbed with Wild pans Of
JEALOUSY, a feeling Of doubt aud Gislrust ran
through bis soul. The woman before him had
been tnaing with bis hearts noLlest affections.
He impulsivey era.pod her hand and beat
Lis head close to hers
Listen !" be began exciisdly
But Hannah seemed determined to 10 moth
ing Of the kind. She pushed bin away from
her. lie started TO his feet and abruptly
left the parlor, without even pausing for az
ad.eu. SEEKING bis bA; he pulled 1t down over
lis eyes, aud LETT the house, siammiDg tbs
door violently after him.
lie never called at that house again. t.
For some moments after biz departure Bsnr
nah sat like ono stupifed with astonishmsut,
then, as a sense Of tho ridiculous circumsiap.
ces u Ler situation dawned upon her, shs
laughed outright.
She bad been eating onions. that was what
allied Hannah. EUSESE J. IItLL.