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


: She did not refuse, for his society was
far from disagreeable, and yet she asket
herself repeatedly, ''What would grand
pa say, if he should see me" When
ever chance permitted, she glanced shy
ly at the gentleman, and she thought
him the handsomest person she had
ever beheld. He was tall, dark, ele-
giant, self-possessed, and had wonder
fully winning smile. SHE had never
seen any one who resembled HIM be-
fore, and could not help contrasting
him with the farmers sons of her ac-
quaintance. How awkward and Glow
nish they were, compared with him!
At last they came to an abrupt an
gle in the road and, taking her hand
kindly in his. the gentleman said,
Farewell for the present, Miss Nellie.
am sorry to leave you so soon, for
this has been one of the most pleasant
iawalks that have had FOR many day -
and with smile he left her.
Nellie continued her homeward
course with merry heart and a light
step; she did not understand why she
felt so much happier than usual. When
she reached home she found her grand
parents occupying their customary seats
on the porch, and she greeted them in
her usual manner. When they ques-
toned her, she gave them the bits of
news concerning NJ. Moreland, and for
the first time in her life she concealed
something from her dear old guardians.
She did not know why. but her tongue
refused to pronounce his name.
The evening passed in the ordinary
quiet way and that night Nellie was
walking in dreamland with the hand
some stranger until day dawned.
Nearly every evening, on Nellie's re-
turn from the dairy she met Mr.. Nor
land, whether by accident or design she
never paused to consider. Sometimes
he was on horseback, and would simply
pass her with bow; but oftener he
was on foot, and not seldom he persist
ed in carrying her milk-pal as far as to
the angle in the road.
Sac became SO accustomed to meet
ing him at last. that she always looked
for his coming; and #, by any accident,
be failed to appear, she was sorely dis
appointed. She did not at first heed
the curious stare Of passers-by; but at
last she began to fear lest their being
seen together SO often would give rise
to gossip which might reach her grand
fathers ear, and this thought filed her
with apprehension besides, her con-
science troubled her, for she realized
that she was deceivng her kind grand
parents III not telling them the truth.
After many anxieties and temptations,
she determined to try to avoid Mr.. Nor
land by going home through the woods
instead Of walking on the highway. One
evening, to her dismay, size met him in
the woods.
Were You trying to escape me. Mss
Nellie? ?" he inquired, laughing at her
confusion.
Yes, sir" was the honest reply:
because / know that grandfather would
object to my walking so often with
you"
You are right, Nellie he would OBJ
iect, and It was wrong for me to en-
courage you to do anything that would
meet with his displeasure. But some
how feel very lonely up in the old
mansion yonder, although the house is
full OF company. Your society has
been solace to me. am going away
to stay for couple Of weeks and 1
sought you out in the woods to take
leave of you. Goodbye, Nellie ;" and
before she could prevent it, he snatched
a kiss and was gone.
That evening, when Nellie went
home to the old folks, they noticed that
she Looked sad but they did not sus-
pect the reason, and they felt deeply
concerned, for she was naturally as gay
as bird. She complained Of not be-
ing well, and went early to bed. Her
pillow was soon wet with tears, for little
Nell's heart was inexpressibly heavy.
The following day her cheerfulness re,
turned. and all anxiety on her account
was quickly banished.
| One morning, two weeks later. as
Nellie was watering the flowers in the
garden that fronted her grandfather's
house, she was startled BY hearing her
name called by familiar voice. She
glanced UP and saw gentleman stand
ing at the gate, watching her.
''How do you do, Mr.. MoIlands VIII
you not come in ~ said Miss Nellie, in
calm voice as though her heart was
not beating wildly.
THANK YOU" and ne pushed the gate
open and entered. rs your grand
father at homer"
mo, sir; he is taking his morning
walk, but will be back directly. VIII
you be kind enough to step into the
house and waltz"
II would rather remain here with
you, if you will .allowaue." Then look
ing at her reproachfuiiy. lie continued,
in soft voice, You do not appear
glad to see me; have you not missed
me at all ?"
A deep scarlet flush mantled her
brow, and her lips trembied in spite of
herself as she answered, Ibid you ex-
| pect me to miss you?"
Eyes but see that you did not;"
and he laughed lightly.
| Poor Nellie had not thought Of any
thing else since he left.
"Will you give me one Of those how-