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

he thought OF a certain pair Of sancy blue eyes
and waving brown hair.
1t would occupy too much space and time
to relate all the picnic's and happy gatherings
enjoyed during the summer; aud also the
many little advances ms'ls by Acdley at first
only to be rcpulsod by Grace bat. which were
&, last awarded by coveted the smile
And Sc day after day passed unhoeaed by
the merry party till at last the week, then the
day arrived when preparations must be made
for leaving their happy summer retreat TO re-
turn. the gentlemen to the hustle aud exciter
ment of business life. the girls 70 the usual
round of beaux and balls.
And how has Lin lsey improved bis time
We will follow them, Grace and Lindsey,
stealthily as they stroll slowly and silently to
the river for a last row on It's daik, still bosom
this moonlight night.
They are unusually Quiet as they take their
places aud float out uDder the lh, Of the stars.
Nothing ds;urbes tic soft ripple Of the dark
blue waves as the boat gliles through 'hc,a,
for the hearts and minds Of both are Tiled with
the thought this is the last time.
"The last !" the passing breeze whispers as
it kisses their cheeks, and it is echoed in their
orn hears
"Graee ~ and Lindsey spoke as ihonsh fear
fal o. breaking the soft, solemn stiffness reiga-
ing over the waters.
She started aud by that bright light Of the
silyery moon riding in all its glory through
the clear, blue vault, he could see the warm
blood surge up into her fair face. II was the
first time he bad ever addressed her hy her
christian name, and il had never fallen 50
beautifully upon her car.
"Grace, will leave for The city tomorrow
have you no kind word for me? You have
avoided me and shown me that my presence Is
dstasteful to you, aud it is only by chance We
are alone tonight bnt you VIII give me one
kind word will you not2'
II wish you God speed on your journey,
sho filtered, agerting ber head.
"Is that all Have you nothing moro to
say -
"Mr. Sinclair, Ih,ps you viii honor rs
with A call we shall be happy 70 see you.
Pardon my presumption; can expect
nothing more. have something TO ask you
can you not guess 2" catching her hand. 'DO
not spurn me when tell you how love you.
Will you be my wife | have loved yon from
the first moment saw you can You not loyc
me lust little in return ?" he pleaded. "Say
only one little word, darlning
+" Yes" but 80 family that only lovers car
could have caught the sound. Il was enough,
however, aud we will conscientously close odr
eyes aud ears to what followed aud return
alter the lapse Of hall an hour.
Grace, have another confession 10 make.
and you must promise nc not TO be the least
bit angry. VIII you?'
Tint depends upon what it is" she re-
piled looking up with an arch smile.
"Wl you not trust me il is nothing
wrong since il has been productive Of 50 much
happiness" -
"Yes, will promise; and Aulley will
always trust YOU dear"
We'll, an not Aulley Sinclairc, bnt
Lindsey ST. Claire, bclrolhed twice to you"
And then be told her Of the strstagem to gain
her love arranged by her mother aud himself.
OF course she was much astonished, and
little angry for a while bat on being remind
ed Of her promise and loving him as she did
'in spite Of herself" as she laushinsly con-
fesscd Grace coald say nothing more, and NO
again leave them only adding that thcte was
double wedding a short time after 10 certain
fashionable church in B-, the brides being
Misses Wentworth and Vincent; the sroouis
Messrs. ST. Claire and Hamilton.
Mamie Coleman's roguish eyes aud curling
hair completely snbjugatcd Frank Melville who
became perfect slave TO her capriccs and mis-
chievous propensiiies have just received an
mediation Ia wedding. OF course | shall CO.
ENu