Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-01-30
A MODERN LOVE STORY.

In one OF the rOmantlc spots OF Penn
sylvania, on the outskirts of a village,
and near the margin of broad, wind
ing road stood farm house, with quaint
gabled roof and lozenge windows; its
style and aspect indicated that it had
not recently been built. and rumor sta
ted that it had been erected during the
Revolution. It's time-worn appearance
corresponded well with that Of its pres.
ent owners, an aged couple who had
spent their lives within its venerable
walls.
| At the opening of this story, they
were seated side by side on the vine-cov
cred porch in front of their dwelling,
and they presented touching picture.
The old woman was knitting, but her
attention was divided between her work
and the companion at her side; she
looked at him occasionally, and her
glance was always answered by gentle
smile.
They were tender, af1ectionate old
pair, and their love was sanctified by
holy recOllections and sweet associa-
tions. They had clung to one another
through the storm and sunshine of
nearly half century, and their old age
was blessed with that peace and con-
tentment that comes from good con-
science and a well-spent life.
The scene that lay before them, as
they sat at the entrance of their dwell
ing, was exceedingly lovely. In the
distance stretched row of hills known
as the heights; they were clothed In rich
luxuriant foliage, and added beauty to
the landscape.
The old people sat silently enjoying
the summer sunshine, and inhaling the
perfumes from the garden. Neither
spoke for some time, when finally the
old man said, II wonder why she tarries
SO long?"
AS he spoke, his eyes wandered un-
easily in the direction of the road, as
though searching for some loved object.
''She has no doubt loitered by the
way-perhaps to gather flowers for u.s."
answered his companion. "There she
comes now," she suddenly added, as the
form of a young girl emerged like fair
wood-nymph from behind the thick TO-
liage that shaded the highway.
She was radiant creature, with mo.
tions as light and graceful as fawn.-
Her bright young face lit up with smiles
as she bounded merrily forward to greet
the aged couple. In one hand she car
ried tin pail, and in the other bunch
of flowers. When she reached the porch
she put the pail on the ground, and di-
viding the nosegay into halves, laid
them on the laps of the old people.
why Nell, where have you been,
and where did you get these fiowers?-
They did not grow wild in the fields, and
surely they were not cultivated in our
neighbours garden. They are rare
plapts, and must have been brought
from some foreign land. Who gave
them to you, child ?"
And without waiting for a reply the
old woman began, with eager curiosity,
to examine the flowers.
Little Nell, you were very long on
your errand; where were you, dear?"
asked the old man in a chiding voice,
although he smiled, and smoothed from
her temples the yellow curls that danced
in the breeze.
"Grandpa," she replied, with blush,
"on my way from the dairy I passed
Morland's mansion on the heights. 1t
there because had heard the garden Is
I wanted to see it. stopped at the gate
to talk to the gardener; he informed
me that Widow Moreland and number
of guests had arrived from Philadelphia,
and intended to spend the summer on
the heights; he said that Robert More
land had returned from his travels, and
was there also. Just at this moment a
gentleman came riding up on horse
back, and halted at the gate. His ap-
l pearance was SO sudden that had no
time to escape. He bowed politely, and
asked me if was admiring the flowers /;
I said that was. and he told the gar
dener to arrange choice nosegay, which
he did. 1 thanked the gentleman as
we'll as I could, aud was about to con-
tinue my homeward walk, when, to my
surprise, he asked me if my name was
not Nellie Woodville. Of course as
sented, and he said that the last time he
saw me was little girl, seated on
your knee. grandpa. Then he asked me
| If remembered him, and / said res,
for knew that it was Joung Mr.. More
land. He sent his compliments to you
both. and promised to call and pay his
respects to you"