Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1877-08-01
Netlie Austin.

Have you heard that Mr.. Stab Is
going 10 leave us?" asked friend OF
Netrie Austin, as they met on the street.
No; ii cannot be true, :" replied Net
lie, with perceptible start.
II heard il from his own lips; he is
going to Louisville. Have you given
him orders to go, Nettie?'
The dark red color showed itself
tremulously on her cheek and then
died away.
II have nothing TO do with Mr..
Staib's goings or comings. Excuse my
haste. but must bid you good morn
ing" And the friends separated.
Nettie Austin was an orphan and
heiress, and at home in the best circles
of Owensboro'. Clever, cultivated and
brilliant all called her; handsome, too,
she was; tall, well-formed, with heavy
braids of dark hair. and hazel eyes,
whose depths could hold the saddest,
swaera-:, drealniest look possible.
OF course she was admired by the op-
posite sex There was but one of them
whom she had ever cared for, and that
was Louis Stab She had loved him
80 long that she could not remember a
time when he was nothing TO her. His
circumstances were far from being op-
ulent; and he did not pretend 20 move
in OwensborO's best society. Those
who pretended 10 know, called him the
finest looking man in town; and there
Was but one voice in regard 10 his emil
nently sensible, sterling qualities.
These things, coupled with his whole
souled nature, made Of him man as
liable 10 win a woman heart as any
about him.
He had worshipped Nellie Austin
afar of since they were children to-
gether. In his boyish days he had
looked forward 10 a time when he
would offer her name made famous
BY the wonders he would achieve in
science He had given all that up now;
for he had been left fatherless, with
legacy of little brothers aud sisters 10
care for.
Il will never be able To win her now
he had said then, ''but | shall always
love her.
4 few evenings after Nettie had heard
Of Mr.. Staib's intention TO leave the
place, he called upon her. A few min
utes after she had heard of his presence
in the parlor, her hand was elasped by
him In friendly greeting.
Il have called 10 bid you good-by,
Miss Austin"
Then II is true that you are going
sway?'
Yes, ana going"
II think for old friendships sake
you might have acquainted me with
your intention before"
Why, Miss Austin, - as surprised,
joyous look came into his face, 81 had
no idea you would take the least inter-
est in my affairs
why do you go, Mr.. Staibr viii
your business prosper"
Not as we'll, fear"
Then why do YOU gof"
Pardon mel cannot tell your"
How he wished he dared tell her that |
lie could not stay where he was liable |
10 see her day after dsy in the company |
of man whom the world called her
accepted lover, He wanted her TO
know that he loved her. But he would |
not risk the scorn of the stately, beau
tiful woman sitting so near him.
II shall make fool of myself If L
stay five minutes longer" thought
Stab; so, rising, he held out his hand,
saving, Il will not detain you longer,
Miss Austin, and will bid you good-by.
Nettie knew that every drop of blood
had left her face; for moment she
was powerless to speak. She had en-
tered that room so exultant, feeling
sure that at last the hour had come
W hen the one she had so long loved
would tell her how dear she was TO him.
And now-this was the end of it.
She arose and held out her hand.
Goodbye, Mr.. Stab"
How far away and unnatural her
soice sounded,
Louis Stab looked at the pallid white
face, and great hope ieaped in his
heart. He held the cold hand more
irmly, and there was an involuntary
pathos in his voice as he said,-
''Nettie, Nettie, you surely do not
ARE for my going:"
Care? Why should II" she an
;wered, haughtily, chagrined TO think
he should guess her unreturned love.
Il am sure l do not know" said
Stab. ..Once again, then, goOd-by."
She closed the door after him, and
stood listening to the retreating foot
steps. They died away. She went TO
her room then, staggering as though
she had received q blow. AS she
opened the door, and the light and
warmth streamed out, she put her hand