Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-04-14
DAISY's CoURTSHIP.


slow, graceful waves the blue muslin skirts Of
Daisy Mays morning wrapper, as she stood
beside the table arranging pile Of stsmless
flowers in shallow glass dish.
"Indeed, I'll never marry farmer, auntie.
| love the country well enough here at home,
where nothing but the poetry of it falls to me
gathering flowers, drinking creamy milk.
sketchiug shady spots, driving whenever |
want to, and always sent luscious things TO
eat and in winter, rides and sleighing, and
plenty of books and my music"
"And John Maurice" Her aunt tackled the
name very tersely at the end of the long list
of attractions; then watched to see the effect
on Daisy's face.
The pretty lips pouted charminsly.
Maurice Oh, Johns good enough, Of
course but"
ats good thing you have got over your
foolish attachment to him, Daisy, for he's 60
ing to be married soon. Engaged to one Of
the pre,test girls you ever saw-a Miss Win
chester, visiting at Castledeans."
Daisys eyes grew little darker, and then
she elevated her eyebrows coldly.
"He is engaged, is he? Oh, well, that's
perfectly natural, am sure. suppose Miss
Miss Winchester, did you say2-I suppose
she's a decided blonde and pettcr"
Daisy didn'. say that Maurice had often
sworn that there was no other style Of beauty
for linn but Daisy own.
"Oh, bless yoa, no. Miss Winchester is
tall, almost as tall as John, and very stately,
and lovely brunette Everybody thinks
John lucky fellow"
Daisy rose and took down Der garden hat.
81 dare say lie is-opy never could see
what there ,yas about these tall, dark women
to captivate anybody. Auntie, I'm going over
to Minnie Castedean's awhe-may ?"
Auutie watched the petite, graceful figure
in the navy blue foulard camJlrc, and white
arletan shade bat tied over the clustering,
floating curls, and nodded her head wisely and
smiled serenely.
You dArliue-you perfect darling TO come
to us Daisy, I've been just dying TO see you
and have you at home again. We're going to
have the most jolly times this summer, you
know. The house is full, and there is Nellie
Winchester especially want you to know;
and the handsomest young officer on leave
Gus brought him up-Col. Cressinston: and
we've impressed John Maurice-you remem-
Der John. He's handsome felow-beats
the Colonel, tell you, and Nelies just be-
witched after him."
And Daisy laughed and assente.!, and de-
clared she half remembered John Maurice, and
was dying to see Miss Winchester, and in
tended inaugurating Irritation at once with
the military gentleman.
Minnie ratified on as seventeen year old
girls have a way Of doing.
" It's too bad Nel's gone down to the city
to-day to buy ribbon for the pic mic. Oh,
you'll surely be here next Tuesdoy for our pic
mic at Eagles Head, Daisy? | suppose John
Maurice Will take Nellie, and am sure Colo
mel Cressinston will be delighted TO be your
escort"
Colonel Cressington will be happier than
ever before in his life, il he may have that
honor, Miss Minnie"
When her morning call was over, Colonel
Cressington insisted on walking home with
her, pnd Daisy permitted It, not because he
was so handsome and so entertaining, or she
so pleased with him, but because-well, she
felt little provoked at hearing so many praises
Of tie lady to whom John Maurice was en-
gagged and somehow it made her feel better
to firt, a little
And, as If the 7ery fates themselves we're
who should she and her gallant
cavalier meet, face to face for the first tine in
three years to Daisy, but John Maurice
John Maurice-so perfectly splendid in bis
clear, dark, manly beauty, bis cothcs-eVery-
thing Just as it should be.
This John Maurice, and engaged to Nellie .
Winchester
Dasy's heart gave bound as be extended /
. hand which she saw had plain gold ring
IN the little finger.
And then she crushed all the joy she bad
-elt at seeing him, and gise him her hand with
cool, graceful little bow
Daisy May is i, possible? Why. you
ire prettier than ever, and-I declare, Daisy,
am awfully glad yoa're home again"
lie was SO easily familiar. so falkland
ngaged to her
Daisy smiled.
Thank you, btr. Maurice, for your good
will. am glad to see you"
It was very proper very lady-like, but
hadow came over Johns handsome face.
"l hope shall see you often, Daisy"
you'll be at the pic ric on Tuesday Cres-
ington, keep that sunshade over her head
iood-bye till see you again"
His horse was prancing restlessly, and be
7as ot Ike a dart aud on. Of sight when
yaisy bowed goodbye to ter uniform gallant
t the gate.
"Wbat handsome fellow John Maurice
as grown to be, hasn't he, uncle? ?"
Daisy was slipping her coffee slowly that I