Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-02-05

aada Of lrs. Wi!loughby's old-fashioned farm
house.
She i. oue Of party Of four invited bJ
Belle Graham, Ms Willoughby's niece, ic
spend ike summer there She is the youngest
Just seventeeu-and I'm afraid the widest
of all; roguish, dancing blue eyes; light, curl
iug brown hair; dimple1 mouth aud chm
aud ful Of mischief
Belle Graham, a very sweet girl sub ''ccn-
fscatei :" the happy man being a certain
Charlie Harper.
Josie Murray was, as Nan expressed il,
"al,er her ,Nansl own mind ;" and that Ii
sufficient guess.
Grace-golden-hsired, violet-eyed seven
teen, aud fsgofi!e of all.
Italia Viucent--a quiet, dark-haired, dark
eyed Young lady Of eighteen summers.
A lew days passed aud Mamie watched in
vain for an opportunity Of wreaklng terrible
vengeance upon Grace ior the lndignity offered
her on the river bank. At last she proposed
that they each should take book, go out to
the orchard, and sitting in the trees read a
while. Grace liked the idea exceedingly, and
on they went. She chose a cherry tree, so
she could grow sweet on cherries; So they
scrambled I'd and began to read very dillsent-
ly. Presently Nan, getting down, climbed up
by Joe and a great amount Of whispering en-
sued for sometime. Grace fell asleep and
Nan. going from one girl to another, persuad-
&c them TO leave her alone for awhile SO as to
frichten her, for the orchard was some distance
from the house aud they all knew how very
timid she was.
They consented and after going few steps,
Mamie aud Josie returned. Mischevioua Nan
climbed stealthily up by Grace, and plncked
some cherries. stained her forehead, cheeks,
nose aud chin; then descending, pulled some
grass and spnnkled il over her. head putting II
through and through Der hair. They then
ran away, leaving poor Grace asleep with her
book open.
Presently young gentleman, about twenty
four wears Of age; came mp and seating him
self at the foot Of the cherry trce-whIch was
very larse-lad aside small vallse which he
carried and spreading handkerchief over his
face settled bis ample lirhs for nap. lie
had Just begun to dream Of certain little
suany-hai7td girl, when bang came some
thing down upon lis devoted head, scattering
all his fair visions in Dieamlanl.
Sprinsng up with low ejaculation Of sur
pr;se be looked around aud seeing book ly-
ing on the grass near him with leaves turned
and backs bent, picked il up, and on locking at
the title page found it to DO Bulwcr's "Iano-
nj :" examining still further he found the
name "Grace Wentworth" traced in pretty,
schoolgirl characters upon the fly leaf.
Grace Wentworth, my promised wife.
wonder # she is near AMI how came this book
here wish the other boys would hurry; |
am nearly crazy to see--Ha! what is that J.
he exclaimed As the branches of the tree shook
Violently. bringing down shower Of cherries
npon and sroaui him. looking up he spied
a tiny boot just pecping below pink
muslin dress as It's wearer slowly descended
from her high perch
One spring. and Grace stood face to lace
with Mr.. ST. Claire.
They sazeI IN astonishment at each other
for about two minutes; then struck with the
ridiculousness Of the situation, Lindsey burst
INTO PEAL after peal of laughter, while poor
Grace turned the color Of poppy and looked
wouderiugly At him. her blue eyes asking the
question her bashfulness could not utter.
Excuse me. miss" began Lindsey. en-
dpavoriug TO check his laughter, which opera
ton almost choked him, but your face
YOU have been eating cherries, have you not p
al have. sir but do not perceive why
that fact should elicit such scuse.ess laughter,
size replied baughuy.
Pardon again, Miss Wentworth; but your
face is very much stained, and, And -
Poir Lindsey could get no further. And
truly. Grace presented most laughable pic
turc jos, then.
Her long golden hair streaming around her
flied with grass and e7en dust her face pant
I'd with the cherries two spots on her fore
head. three on each check. all her nose COW
ored: all round her mouth andon her chin, Will,
the remainder of her lace was crimson with
Indignation at the Insulting laughter Of the
man. Truly. Nan and Joe bad accomplished
their work well bur they did not expect this re-
suit. indeed they thought only of the mirIh Of
The household on her appearance
" ST., yon appear to be acquainted with my
name; may inquire how also to whom
have the extreme pleasure Of speaking ?'
" Certainly; first, if you will glance at thC
Gy leaf Of this excellent novel, you will per-
ceive a name that presumed was yours and
as fcr miue--I beg permission to introduce
myself as Aalley Sinclair, gentleman, a. your
service"
And with a profound bow, Auiley-as we
shall cal, him for . whiie-placed the book IN
Grace's outstretched hand With a naughty
ashank you Mr. Sinclair" she turned on ber
heel ana walked away with great dignity just
as two other young men appeared on The
scene.
Helloa, old fellow, who is that young Ia
ay % cried one.
"a Miss Wentworth, I believe"
And how in the name Of all that is Won
derful did you happen TO meet such rare
specimen 10 this ou.-ot-thc-way orchard
THEREBY hangs a tale.
And Audley. commencing. told them all Of
bis little adventure, which elected much mirth
on the part Of his companions.
Now boys, want you 20 forget my name,
and call me Audley Sinclair, as that IS the
cog gave my charmer Cor purposes Of my
own.
Certainly. dear child, with the greatest
felicity. But suppose there must be shell
ter near 20 cover that little angel, and vote
we search it out Immediately as am almost
lamished. and it is near tea time. So come
along. boysV
Now how cane Lindsey st. Claire in this
place? lie received note
from Mrs. Wentworth about 4 fortnight pre-
ceding the above occurrence, in which she
stated the oJstinacy Of her daughter; but 4
he PLAYED his part vel. all would be right
She also tod Lin Of Graccs proposed visit TO
the country, advising him Ia take two or three
friends-himsclf under an assumed uame-
and board at the same place for few weeks.
She then added if be failed to gain her loTe
she could do 90 more.