Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1874-07-16
EMMA'S LOVERS.
BY NJ. S. HANSCOM.

y ~~-----1
asonable in my request?"
"Not bit of it. A more unreason
able request l think I never heard
You ask me to walk, talk and dance
with no one but yourself, and then ex.
pect the to think you reasonable. No.
John, once for all I protest against
such tyranny"
Miss Emma Lel4noht said this with a
deep injunction as she rose from he,
chair and paced the room with an
agitated step
"1'm sorry, Emma" said Mr.. John
Benthall gravelS ''that you choose to
misrepresent my words, as well as r,y
wishes. l asked you to Sustain from
walking, talking, and darcing with
Adolphus GORDON only, and | made the
request because 1 do not like the han,
and because think he presumes Upon
the notice you accord to him. But I'm
not at all afraid that he will stea.. your
heart from me, Emma"
The young lady's large blue eyes
flashed angrily, ahd her tones were cold
when she answered
t'You are over confident, sir"
"Enma!" he said,in lew,reproach-
full voice.
81 repeat it, you are over confident,
and as for Mr.. Adolphus Gordon
think him by no means so deficient in
brains as you imagine. For my part, I
find his conversation remarkably inter-
esting and as for his dancing, it Is
simply perfect.
81 said nothing against his dancing,
Emma, and l do not think of vieing
with him in that respect" said Mr..
Benthall, keeping his temper admirably
"but maintain that he is destitute Of
brains. He has an excellent head Of
hair, I allow you, and what you ladies
would call an adorable pair of side
whiskers, and that is the most you Car
say of his head, at all events"
"You forget to speak of his dress,
said Emma, ironically, you surely mus
have something to say against it, al
you seem to be taking an inventory O
the gentleman"
''Gentlemans hum-ne my deal
Emma, I have nothing to say of hi.
dress further than he always looks al
if he had just stepped out of a band
box-a regular lady's mana swee
little man" added Mi. Benthall in [,
provokingly quiet tone
whatever you may say of him,
cried Emmy, in a great passion, "h'
dose not SANDER his neighbors-I nevs
heard him speak ill Of you"
Il should think not said Mr.. John
with dignity, 81 do not for momen
suppose you would allow so great :
liberty"
"And why not, sir9"
"Why nots Good heavensl do 20,
ask that question:" he cried, indig
napdy.
81 do ask it, sir and l expect 20,
to answer it, said Miss Emma, setting
her teeth firmly together.
"That | decline to do, he answered
rising to take hts leave, land when
next see you, hope you will hav'
become more sedsfbfe of what is du,
to me as well as yourself. Goo
morning, Miss Lermont," extending
his hand.
"Good morning, sir, she responded
holding both her hands behind her, ant
making him little mock curtsey, ssant
many thanks for your kind wishes
Stay a moment, please don't be in sucl
a violent hurry. want you to take
little message to Mr.. Gordon in cas-
you should meet him on your way
down street"
"And that MESSAGE IS" began. Mr.
Benthall, his face lighting up as b
thought bis Emma was about to yiel,
to his expressed wish.
"To this effect" she interrupted
''telf him shall be ready for sail o.
the river at four precisely, this after
noons as agreed Tell him to be Punc
tual.
Mr.: form Behthalf olapraf his III