Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-09-08

"You are sort of grandfather, you
know" she said one day, giving his arm a
squeeze. ~ have an idea that you are
about seventy-fve years old. How old are
you, John 2"
II am just one-third of that he said,
smiling. II am only month past TWEEN.
! ty-fve."
possible! Well, you must have been
very old when you were born. Besides.
twenty five is old to me. I am only nine
teen. Now, you come and hear my story
and tell me what to do. I came over here
[ On purpose to see YOU"
| John followed her obediently through
The garden, and down to bench under the
shadow Of the beech grove on the lawn;
and when she took her seat there he leaned
sgainst the trunk of tree and waited,
looking down ON her.
"You see, John, - she begun, GIVE had
ali offer.''
John Holt was tanned that summer, but
through the BROWNIES one might have
seen faint blush run over his face. Mel
! lie didn't see it, for she was looking down
and rolling her apron tassels, a very bright
color in her own face.
There was moments silence after this
announcement, and seeing that he was ex-
pected to say something, John presently
said "Yes.''
Nellie gave her shoulders an impatient
shrug, and looked up. 'It's very good
offer,,' she went on. II suppose you will
guess FROM whom. 1t is James Lee. 1
told him would think about it, and tell
him my decision tomorrow. Now, he's
very well off, you know, and when his
father dies he will be rich. But then, Of
course, there's no hurry about that But
the trouble is this: James will live all his
days in Riceville, am positive; and that
is dreadful. You know want to live in a
city, and want my husband to make a fig
ure in the world. And James, why James
is almost as much Of a deacon as you are"
"You are complimentary, observed
John Holt, with a certain quiet dignity.
The blush had quite gone from his face,
and seine of the brow mess seemed to have
gone. too; for he looked slightly pale.
"Oh, don't mean any harm, you cross
fellow" Nellie said hastily. "You know
I think you are splendid"
II am much obliged to you,'' he said,
with stiffness which was quite new to- his
manner
''Oh, if you don't want to advise me,
won't trouble you,'' the girl flung out, ris-
ing in a pet.
"Come hack, Nellie" he said, kindly.
II am not cross. Only tell me what you
want"
She seated herself again with little
culver in her lip.
II Want you to tell me what you think
OF. James Lee. Tell me if you think I'd
better marry him. Tell me if you think he
cares enough for me to go Just where say,
and live where [ wish"
The color wavered again in John Hollis
face. and he drew quick breath. Some
impulse to speak seemed to come upon
him. CHANGING up for his answer, Nellie
saw the change, and added a word: =
"You see, John, | like Albert Leighton
better than do james,
The color and light dropped out of his
face again, and a rim of even white teeth
pressed for an instant his under lip.
''Then why don't you marry Albert
Leighton?' he asked, looking up into the
tree that spread over his head, and reach
ing to break a slender twig.
"He never asked me to,'' she answered,
demurely.
81 suppose he means to, doesn't hep"
asked John, looking at her with glance
that might be called almost naughty.
"How can tell?'' Nellie pouted. 'sMen
are so queer. The most of them would
rather wait to be asked, think"
eff you want my advice, will give it, !"
John said, twisting and hinging away the
little twig in his hand. elf you like AL
bert, don't keep James in suspense. You
have no right to doit. You can't seriously
think of marrying one man when you pre-
fer another. If Albert likes you, as I be-
lieve he does, take him. He's a good fell
loW.'
"You think So" the girl said, looking up
suddenly.
81 think So" he repeated, turning away.
"Now let's go up to the house,
She rose and walked quietly by his side,'
her fair, girlish face little pale, her eyes
downcast. At the gate she stopped.
Il will not go in now," she said, in low
tone. II will go home.'
He merely bowed. and looking back after
few steps, she saw that he had not en-
tered the house, but was stealing off to-
ward the barn.
The next week James Lee commenced
violent Irritation with Bessie Holt, Johns
sister, and in a month the two were en-.
gagged. Nellie laughed, and turned the
light of her smiles upon Albert Leighton.
a handsome, dashy fellow, who had been
crazy about Nellie for the last six months.
John Holt said nothing, but was rather
cool about his sisters engagement.
ny gu see, suspense would have killed
him." Nellie whispered, mischievously.
Il hope he isn't marrying my sister out
of pique toward you,' John said, coldly.
eff I. didn't think Bessie loved him too
well to give him up, I would tell her."
''And betray my confidence, John Holt"
Nellie exclaimed. II tell you, he is like
most Of you men-purely selfish. He didn't
care a fig about me. think he seems to
like Bessie''
"When are you going to be married." he
asked, abruptly.
The question came so suddenly that for
once the girl lost her composure. A GRIM
son blush swept over her face, and she
dropped her eyes without being able to
speak word.
She recovered herself in minute, and
protested that she had no thought of mar
rying. But the blush had convicted her in
John Hollis eyes, and he scarcely heard a
word that she said.