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


5 the other way, and saw Mr.. Woodville
Nellie's grandfather, coming up tn
: road between them. He soon reache,
. his side, and welcomed the visito
politely.
MIR. Morland was apparently glad tx
meet the old gentleman, of whom hi
had in boyhood been very fond /; but Mr.
Woodville's stiff, formal manner rather
repealed than otherwise.
i The visitor accepted the invitation te
enter the house, and his reception by
the old lady was warm and hearty. She
prevailed upon him to partake of some
refreshments, and she patted him on
the head and called him bonnie
laddie," as she had done years before
He thought her the most. charming old
lady he had ever known, and remained
chatting with her long time. After
his departure, grandma was loud in hel
praises Of Robert Morland, and even
grandpa had to admit that he was fine
young man.
Mr.. Morland found the farmhouse an
attractive place, and he often wendeG
his way thither. The old couple always
welcomed him cordially, and grew tc
like him better each time they saw him
He never failed to remember them in a
delicate manner. Many rare plants
found their way to grandma's garden
and grandpa was supplied with fruit
trees, tobacco, and various nicknacks,
Whenever he rode past at sunset, and
saw the old folks sitting on the porch,
he always called to mind the touching
words of ''John Anderson, my 10 john
! The long summer drew 20 close al
last, and the time came for Robert Nor.
land to leave his country residence, and
the home Of his childhood. to enter on
his business career in New York. He
dreaded to break the sweet spell that
pleasant circumstances had woven abou!
him, and he felt that the most delight.
full period of his life was drawing to a
close.
| 1t was with sad heart that he went
to the old farmhouse to bid farewell to
its occupants. They seemed equally
sorry to part with him, for his genial
society had been a source of enjoyment
to them. lie took leave Of nellie with
a gentle pressure of the hand, for he
dared not trust himself to speak.
| When he had gone, she took her
milk-pail from the pantry, and, tying on
her bonnet. she started on her errand
to the dairy. It was bleak November
day, and the wind was sharp and chill.
The leaves that had lately worn such
gorgeous hues lay sere and withcred on
the ground. The sky was overcast
with sombre clouds, and nature seemed
in her gloomiest mood. When Nellie
reached the angle in the road where
she had so often parted from Mr..
Morland, she could continue no further
so, sitting down on stone by the road
side. she wept as though her heart would
break.
All at once hand was laid upon her
shoulder the touch sent wild thrill
through her frame, and looking up, her
eyes met those Of Mr.. Morland, and
they were also filed with tears.
Nellie, am the worst man that ever
lived. [ did not tritle with your affiec-
tons Intentionally; I did not fully
realize that l was doing 50. Little Nell,
forgive and forget me {; believe that I am
unworthy of your pure love for acting
as have done. and wipe me from your
memory"
She dried her eyes, and, standing up,
Strengthened her form proudly, and re-
garded him with a glance akin to con-
tempt.
sYou told me once" she said, that
variety is the spice Of life; SO, needless
Of the beautiful flowers in your own
garden, you coveted those Of mine in
the same manner, for the sake of change
and variety, you have turned from the
fine ladies Of your acquaintance to
lavish your attentions on simple
country girl. Beware how you follow
the heartless dictates Of caprice, else
you may one day be compelled to
support the burden of a troubled
conscience, and suffer the severe
torture of self-reproach.
AS she pronounced these words, the
expression on her countenance was al
most severe. Her companion had never
before discovered that her innocent,
childish face could express such power
ful emotions. She had hitherto seemed
girlish to him, but now he realized that
she was a woman.
s'Mr. Morland, farewell"
Taking up her pail, she was about to
proceed on her journey, when he seized
her hand, and detained her.
''Oh, Nell, little Nell, your words are
severe, and they have wounded me
deeply f.; but don't leave me thus. This
may be our last meeting, and think how
wretched I should be to know that you
despise me! Oh, darling! you do me
| Injustice in accusing me Of trihing with
your love. But stern promise binds
me to another see that you scorn me
the more for this confession, for you
think am false to two women but l
am not. for neither my betrothed nor
myself profess to love each other. II
is marriage of convenience that was
arranged when we were children.
Perhaps you wonder why 1 never told
YOU before? A hundred times it had
been on the point Of my tongue, but !
withheld the fact, for l was so happy