Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-10-03

keeping tight hold on the rein ''your
carriage can take two inside"
VERY well. But I came alone"
you've got to take passenger"
''What do you mean ?"
80, wirra-your brother has been
stealing a horse"
Stealing horse"
"Yes, this gentleman's, and he said
you were to take HIM to the villa, and
get the horse back again."
Every singular" said the widow ;
shut William has always been very &c.
centric"
At this crisis Mr.. Champion appear
ed, H8 tf
my horse ready ?"
"Jump in sir"
II didn't come in carriage"
Sin wild ye," shouted the hostler.
'sTake a seat beside me, ifyou please,
sir" said the widow, with her most fas-
cinating smile.
Mr.. Champion approached the step to
inquire the meaning, when the hostler
seized him with a vigorous hand and
thrust him into the phaton, while the
pony, startled by the movement, dashed
off at run. En-
Poor Captain Champion! Here was
situation! A confirmed old bachelor
bodily abducted by a fascinating young
, widow.
The Captain had to lend his assis-
lance to the young widow in managing
the pony, who was shortly reduced to
his usual slow, quiet pace. For his as
sistance Mrs. Leslie told him that in a
few minutes he should be in possession
of his horse, which had been borrowed
by gentleman. This was all the ex-
PLANTATION she had vouchsafed. She re-
quired in turn to be made acquainted
with the name of her companion, after
her own.
In few minutes the Captain began
to be somewhat at ease-in fact he be-
gan to like his position. He had never
sat so-near a pretty woman in his life,
and he began to ask himself whether, if
the proximity was so pleasant for a few
minutes, constant companionship might
not prove agreeable. While her atten-
ton was engaged on her pony, he had
an opportunity to survey her features.
Her large, dark and luminous eyes
seemed to be literally swimming IN
their liquid lustre. Her profile
was strictly Grecian, and her parted lips
showed row of pearls as white as
snow. The most delicately tapered
fingers, encased in French kid, closed
upon the reins. and the vanished tip of
dainty boot, indicated a foot that Gin
derella might have envied.
''Do you live far from here, Ma
dame ?" asked the Captain.
Not very far The pony can mend his
pace if you are in hurry"
mot for the world. The pace seems
to be fast one.'
The widow turned those bewitching
eyes Of hers upon the old bachelor and
smiled.
1t Was all over with him. When he
sprang out at the villa and touched the
fingers of the widow his heart was ire
trievably lost.
A red faced old gentleman, in a dress
ing grown, received them at the door.
my friend, Captain Champion, +" said
the old gentleman. walk in-warm
day."
''Very," said the Captain.
And indeed his looks seemed to cor
roborate the statement, for he was as red
as peony.
The Captain and the old gentleman
were chatting together familiary, and
the former felt himself completely at
home.
After an hour spent in this manner,
the host excused himself, and the bach
elor was left alone.
His dreamy reverie was interrupted
by the sound Of voices in the hall. The
Captain easily recognized the Widows
and a glance through the halfsped door
showed him that her companion was a
handsome young gentleman.
''There, dear Belle" said the young
man, do not scold me any more. I
won't do so any more. Now, give me
kiss"
A hearty smack followed. 1t was a
veritab genuine kiss-the Captain saw
and heard it. A pang shot through his
heart.
''The only woman could ever love-"
said he to himself, land she is engage
ed"
The widow trippcd into the room. If
she was pleasing in her carriage dress,
she was perfectly bewitching in her
drawing room attire. Champion could
now see the whole Of that fairy foot.
'sMy dear SIR" said she, ''your horse
is now at your service"
Champion rose.
But" she added, 'you stay and
take dinner with US, my uncle will be
very much delighted and shall be
highly pleased"
1.-THE coquette," thought Champion,
II am obliged to you madame, but I
have an engagement
"Then we cannot hope to detain you,
sir. but you must allow me to present
you to my brother.
The handsome young man made his
appearance, and shook hands with the
bachelor.