Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-02-15
A MODERN LOVE STORY.

In one Of the romantic spots of Penn
sylvania, on the outskirts Of village
and near the margin of broad. wind
ing road, stood farmhouse, witt
quaint gabled roof and lozenge windows
its style and aspect indicated that i
had not recently been built, and rumol
stated that it had been erected during
the Revolution. Its time-worn appear
ance corresponded well with that of it
present owners, an aged couple who hat
spent their lives within its veuerabl;
walls.
At the opening Of this story, they
were seated side by side on the vine
covered porch in front of their dwell
ing, and they presented a touching
picture. The old woman was knitting
but her attention was divided between
her work and the companion at hel
side; she looked at him occasionally
and her glance was always answered b,
| a gentle smile.
They were tender. aaectionate Ok
pair, and their love was sanctifed BY
holy recollections and sweet associa.
tons. They had chung to one another
through the storm and sunshine Of
nearly half a century, and their old age
was blessed with that peace and con.
tentment that comes from a good cou.
science and 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 a 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 I'M
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 us, -"
answered his companion. There she
comes now" she suddenly added, as
the form of a young girl emerged like a
fair wood-nymph from behind the thick
foliage that shaded the highway.
She was a radiant creature, with mo-
tons 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 dividing the nosegay into halves,
laid them on the laps of the old peo-
pie.
"Why Nell, where have you been,
and where did you get these flowers -
They did not grow wild in the fields, and
surely they were not cultivated in our
neighbours garden. They are rare
plants, and must have been brought
from some foreign land. Who gave
them to you, child?"
And without waiting for reply the
old woman began, with eager curiosity
to examine the flowers.
Little Nell, you were very long Gu
your Grand where were you, dear
asked the old man in a Gliding voice,
although he smiled. and smoothed from
her temples the yellow curls that danced
in the breeze.
Grandpa" she replied, with a blush,
ION my way from the dairy passed
Morland's mansion on the heights. It
was not far out Of my way, and went
there because had heard the garden is
laid out more beautifully then ever, and
[ wanted to see it. l stopped at the
gate to talk to the gardener; be inform
ed me that Widow Moreland and a num-
Der Of guests had arrived from Phila-
delphia. and intended to spend the
summer on the heights ; he said that
Robert Moreland had returned from his
travels, and was there also. Just al
this moment gentleman came riding
up on horseback, and halted at the gate
His appearance was so sudden that
had no time to escape. He bowed
politely, and asked me If 7 was admir-.
ing The flowers said that vas, and
he told the gardener to arrange a
choice nosegay, which he did. [ thanked
the gentleman as well as I could, anG
was about to continue my homewarG
walk, when, to my surprise, he asked
me if my name was not Nellie Wood
vile. 1 of course assented, and he sale
that the last time he saw me l was {
little girl, seated on your knee, grandpa
Then ne asked me if l remembered him
and said yes, for knew that it wal
young Mr.. Moreland. He sent his
compliments to you both, and promised
to call and pay his respects to you"
| The young girl had spoken in hasty
excited voice, and she paused now t,
take breath. Finally she exclaimed
oh! the looks so noble and handsome
and at not all proud, although he is 81
richr"
Then, as if conscious of having mani
tested too deep an interest in he wealth
neighbor, deep blush dyed her cheek
my, DEAR" responded her grand
father gravely, pride arising from
riches is false; true pride springs from
another source. Mr.. Moreland was, n,