Litchfield enquirer., 1876-08-24

He didn't care a fig about me. Ltbink he

seems to llKe beSSle. f>'+
 'sWhen are you going to be married ?'' he asked, abruptly. 1ae s.I 4e :f5.s:st
 The question came so suddenly that for once the girl lost her composure. 4 crimson blush swept over her face, and she dropped her eyes without being able to speak word. s.sa
 She recovered herself in minute, and protested that sho had no thought of marrying But the blush had convicted her in John Holts eyes, and he scarcely heard a word that she said. @a
 It was winter, and while they talked they were waiting, with half dozen oth CTS, for large sleigh that was coming to take them out to a party given by 8 friend seven, or eight miles ont in the country. Even before Nellie's blush had faded, the .trampling and jihgling at 'the gate attracted their attention, and Albert Leighton. put his head n at the door to call them. Bessie, and her lover came forth from an adjoining room, another group came up from a distant window, and they all Fan gayly out and bundled into their, places. ...-.....ass .,s .....ss,
 The party passed of as such things usually do. All seemed to enjoy them. selves; Nellie was lovely as pink and full of mischief, Leighton was attentive, and John Holt was cheerful and kind to everybody. He was fully as qn1et as usual, to be sure, and rather avoided Nellie Ora. mer, but it is doubtful ifiany one but her self noticed that v F .g1,tss1t a. s.
 It vas twelve o'clock when they start ed to go home, and the moon had set. Al first their gayety held out, but after a mile or so fatigue and want of sleep be gan tostell on them, and one by one they
 John" Nellie ''' said, "there is just room for me on the seat with you. May come there? It is cold here." 4i hs
 He made room for her in silence, and she left her discomfted escort and took her place next that strong should er ,e'f'- .-5 js &airH.
 Then silence fell again; but after a while, in the darkness, John Holt was aware of light pressure against his arm, then soft, plaintiye whisper stole into his ear. , . .s.........
 ''I am so sleepy, Johnr'
 He turned a little-why not? They were old friends-and lifted his arm to the back of the seat, took the head softly and tenderly to his bosom. And so she lay in that faithful and tender clasp till they drew near homo; ;then, with one whis- pered word of loving gratitude: "No- body is so good as your she drew away, and took Albert Leighton's hand to step out at her own door. r.,
 After stir in his own mind, John Holt concluded that Nellie and Albert had quarreled. He sighed, since she could not hear, and so be annoyed, pitied the pSr1 n1 Iy1 olN0 ia work. The waters of his soul were to deep for babbling '.-
 When spring came, for the first tune in was going to California. The announce ment was made quietly but firmly ,and he stood like rock against which expostula- tion beat itself to0 spray. He gave good reasons and resolutely maintained his right to choose for himself
 "You have always said, mother, that you wished were more yenturesome. ;" he said. "I am going to, please you now. "
 s'But how is the farm to get along with out you?" she objected. a7a s.
 Frank understands everything, and can manage" ~
 Mrs. Holt took courage, and, breaking over some little awe which, in spite of
 
 out:
 "John. has that Nell Cramer tilted you?" s..
 ] ''Jilted me!'' he said, flushing as much with anger as with surprise. ''What do you mean mother? We have always been good friends, but nothing more. never gave her chance to jilt me" ",4aa
 ''Then why don't you give her the olr S1Aa I,S ~kl ,l>~ 1.I not choose to give up. now that the ice was broken. ''Nell is good girl. if she does firt a little. always thought that she liked you, only that you were to slow to see it. Then, Nell has got a little sum of money of her own that wouldn't be amlss." :. E-4! 5t.ss r9 ~- , "You are. entirely mistaken, moth CT, " he said. decisively,. Don't let us say any more about it.
 ''Oh, you great fool!'' muttered the mother, looking after him as he went out. "Was there ever 8 man so blind! He is no more fit to live in the world than an angel out of heaven is." eg n9
 Then, seeing Nellie Cramer passing the street, she lifted her volce and called her m, T ..sf,-s a. ..-..s.. Eao
 The girl came in, wondering at such peremptory summons.
 aos'Come and sit by mel" commanded the matron, and Nellie obeyed. if Mrs. Holt scanned her from head to foot, the neat, trim figure in it's snugly fitting paletot of dark gray, the green bonnet, that brought out her fresh clear color with 8 new luster. and the fair, bright face.
 ? 'sDid you know that our John is going to California;" asked Mrs. Holt, abruptly, her keen eyes on the girls face. M as
 All the color faded out of it in an in- stant, and Nellie Cramer dropped into 3 chair as suddenly as if she had been shot She sat there and looked at the other with her strained eyes. but said no word.
 ''Yes," said Mrs. Holt, unable to re- press slight smile of satisfaction at this proof of the correctness of her sur mise; 'syes, he's set on going in spite of all I can say. He is going in a mouth OF six weeks. Let me see;. this is the mid dle of April He says he shall start by the first of June, at furtherest:p
 That smileof Mrs Holt's was an un- fortunate one. Nellie had always feared those sharp eyes. and now the thought flashed into her m1nd that Johns mother was trying to expose and mortify her. A woman's pride will do good deal for her, even when her heart is breaking. It brought the color to her face again, and strengthened her trembling limbs r IL steaded her voice and her eyes. Mrs. Holt was puzzled and disconeerted by the sudden change. i''t ts%'.'' : .'I am 50 sorryp' Nellie said, in a, tone of fearless regret. "We can scarcely get along without John. He seems such a standby. But men ought not to be tied at home. I think. If they choose, to go, they should be allowed their own way. There he is now in the garden. I am go- ing ont to speak to him of it.
 Try and coax him to stay, Nellie, 2 said the mother, in tone of z morei en- treaty than, perhaps. she had ever used in her life before. He is good son, and can't get along without him. I think you can keep him if you will. js.
 This prayer would have been effectual, but for the memory of that smile which ranked in the girls heart. Had she not given John Holteevery encouragement, if he had cared about her? Had she not said and done things so affectionate to- 1o I L i