Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1874-02-12

should like it very much. You can't
think"
| We sat down to play chess. l don't
know how long we were at it; but
| this I do know, that ifthe entrance of
Mr. Levi had not disturbed us. it would
have continued probably to the present
day. There was a first move. Then
a ong conversation. Then a pause
during which the blue eyes seemed to
be intently studying the board, and
mine were intently studying the blue
eyes, Then another move. Then
more conversation, until the rival
forces on the Rajah's ivory battlefield
got into such state of confusion that
l believe Morphy would have become a
lunatic at the first glance he cast upon
them.
As for me, l thought of nothing but
the simple, beautiful young creature
who sat opposite me and, in spite of
myself, visions of such being moving
about lonely chambers, making the
gloomy gay, and causing the bachelors
barren life to bourgeon and bloom like
the dry rod of the high priest.
In the midst OF all this in came Mr..
Levi with my five dollars and dupli-
cate for the chess-board. He seemed
rather astonished at the quiet intimacy
which had been SO suddenly established
between myself and his deposit.
MIR. Levi, said 1 to him, II had no
idea that you lent money on this
species of personal property. I have
rich old uncle, who won't die and leave
lie my share Of his property, that I
would be very glad to raise something
on. How much will you give me on
him. He's in an excellent state of
preservation, and has served in the
last war?'
OOH" he replied, laughing, without
paying any attention to my proposed
avuncular exchange, "Ncllie Lee is
capital girl, and it $ sometimes as well
that she should be away from her
father. He" and here he made an
expressive psntomime suggestive of
rum. l looked at Nellie. Her large
eyes were filled with tears.
Don't be angry with me, Nellie,
continued the pawnbroker, kindly
'You know that he has very bad
habits or you would not be here My
wife is very fond of her, Mr.. Papillote,
and for that matter her father adores
her, and as he will never finish any OF
his pictures without the spur of some
terrible necessity, we contrive to put
Nellie in what we call pawn, and then
he is sure to work to get the money to
redeem her, Nellie, child, don't cry"
l went up to the poor child, and took
her hand gently in my own.
Nellie Lee, said, ':you love your
father very much"
She nodded her head, and shook off
tear or two that fell upon her hand.
cit is but right you should do So
But you are in a strange position here.
Your father is not ct to be your guar
dian, and you will not always meet
with pawnbrokers as kind az Mr.. Levi
Now, what you ought to do is to in
trust Yourself to the care of some man
who is young and strong, and who,
with your fair face and good influence
to stimulate him, will work for you day
and night, and love you as dearly as
your father did.
She shook her head gently, and still
the tears fell
''1 on think such a one cannt be
found. You are wrong. If you could
bring yourself to accept his protection
if you could persuade yourself that
love suddenly born could be as vigorous
and lasting as one that takes years to
mature, you never would repent of it; I
swear it"
"And where is there such one?" de
manded Levi, with mingled incred-
ulity and curiosity twinkling in his
black eyes.
''Here!" I answered. I waut bnt |
such an object as this to become in
dustrious. I have abilities, if I turn
them to account-of that I am con
WINGED; and, after all, if the wost should
come, nothing under heaven can keep
me from inheriting a portion of my
uncle's estate. If Nellie Lee will take
me for he husband, / call God .tc
witness that | will cherish and love
her until death.
The little head shook no longer, and
and felt slight pressure from the
small hand in mine. 1t may have been
tremor, however.
'sHer father would never consent.
said Levi, reAectively.
'Neyer," echoed Nellie, in a low
murmur; s.he loves me SO"
could have said, "What love is
this that puts its idol into pawnbro-
kers shop?" but l dared not insult the
pure heart beside me, and / remained
silent. There was long pause. NJ