Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-01-30

rich y"
Then, as if conscious of having mani
tested too deep an interest in her wealthy
neighbor a deep blush dyed her cheek
my DEAR" responded her grandfath-
ca gravely, 'pride arising from riches i.
false; true pride springs from another
source. Mr.. Moreland was, no doubt
kind to give you the flowers, and to re-
member his poor neighbors. Should he
come here to visit US, we will receive
him with due courtesy"
And the old man raised his head
proudly, as if conscious of his own dig
nifty. -,
His helpmate regarded him for mo-
ment with fond smile. sst.
"This young Robert Moreland was q
winning child,n said She, at length.
"His bright roQuish face often comes
back to my recollection. Doyou remem-
Der, James, how, when bonny lad, he
used to come and tell you all his plans
and hopes, and persuade you to make
toys for him?e And do you recollect
how fond we grew of him ?" sss<-sz
"Yes. yesW answered her husband,
shaking his head doubtfu1ly. but
then he was guileless boy. Now he is
a man and the owner Of property. Per
haps he has grown as naughty and over
bearing as his father was. almost wish
that he would not come here"
| Then turning to his grandchild, he
continued:
Nellie, child, promise me never to
cross the heights again on your way
home from the dairy; I have reason
for not wishing it.
| VERY well, grandfather" she replied.
in disappointed tone, at the same time
wondering what the reason might be.
But without venturing to ask, she took
up her pail and entered the house, fol-
lowed by the fond eyes of the old couple.
She was the darling of their old age,
and the only descendant of a large fam
lily. Her father, brave young soldier,
had been killed in the Mexican war.
and his widowed wife had died shortly
afterwards, leaving her orphan child to
the love and protection of its grand
parents. Little Nell was the light of
their home, and they could scarcely bear
to have her out of their sight.
In spite of all her efforts to the con-
trary, Nellie could not forget the gen.
tleman on the heights, who had given
her the nosegay. AS she prepared the
evening meal, his form arose constantly
before her mind, and his admiring gaze
seemed following her everywhere. She
wondered, over and over again, how it
was possible for him to notice her. He
had even remembered her name AS
she went about the old-fashioned kitch-
en-, setting the table for supper, she
glanced out of the window whenever
opportunity allowed, as though she
expected to see the gallant form of Rob.
ert Moreland riding past on horse back !;
but she saw nothing, save the tall trees
that shaded the road; beyond which
stretched the horizon, illuminated by
the setting sun.
little family had partaken of the meal
the old Bible was taken down from the
shelf, and Nellie read aloud from its
pages. Then the evening prayers were
said, and they retired for the night
Through all the religious exercises, and
in her dreams. Nellie could not banisn
from her mind the image of her neigh
Dor on the heights.
| The next evening, when returning
! from her eErand to tho dairy, which
was good mile and half from her
home, Nell was fain to take the road
that led to the heights; but calling to
memory her promise to her grandfather,
she took the lower road and trudged on
with her little pail wishing with all
her heart that she could get glimpse
Of the delightful gardens surrounding
Mr.. MOreland's abode. She had not
gone far before she was startled by the
barking of dog; and in few moments
great shaggy animal came bounding
out from behind some shrubbery, and
stood on the road before her. His fierce
eyes and threatening growls filled her
with terror; she did not attempt to run
or to scream, however, but stood still
and looked the animal intently in the
eyes; he crouched down and remained
immovable.
IA brave girl, by Jove" exclaimed
voice from the adjoining wood, and
presently Mr.. Moreland approached
"Go home, Sport!" he cried, in loud,
commanding tone, at the same time
pointing in that direction.
The dog obeyed, and crawling along
the ground, with his tail between his
legs, he was soon out of sight.
"YOu were courageous to attempt to
COW that huge fellow" remarked the
young man, at the same time regarding
Nell with look of undisguised admira-
ton.
1t was some time before she found
voice to reply, but at length she answer
ed, falteringly, Grandfather, you know,
was once quite hunter, and he has of
ten told me that to look an animal stead
lily in the eyes is the best mode Of mas
tering him."
"You must have great presence of
mind to heed your grandfather's words
at such a critical moment. Does the
old gentleman remember me?" he ask
ed, after a pause.
"Oh, yes" was the reply; 'and
grandmother does toe."
A long silence ensued, and Nellie felt
awkward and bashfui. Her little SUM-
bonnet did not conceal her bushes
The gentleman perceived her embarrass-
ment, and endeavored, by degrees, to
win her confidence. He began to talk
in pleasant, familiar way about topics
of common interest, and in little while
Nell was wondering what made her feel
so much at ease in the presence of this
stranger, for he was such to her, albeit
she had heard him mentioned frequent
ly, and he had petted her when she was
baby. To be sure, she blushed every
time he addressed her directly, and she
sometimes stammered when she answer
ed; and yet she did not feel as diffident
as was her wont. Finally, her reserve
melted entirely away, and she chatted
QuIlc SdIly duu lfduhly Will Hltu.
He insisted on carrying her pail and
accompanying her a short distance
She did not refuse, for his society was
far from disagreeable, and yet she asked
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 ev-
er beheld. He was tall, dark, elegant,
self possessed, and had a wonderfully
winning smile. She had never seen
any one who reselnbled him before, and
could not help contrasting hin with the
farmers sons of her acquaintance. How
awkward and clownish they were, COM
pared with him!
At last they came to an abrupt angle
in the road and, taking her hand kindly
in his, the gentleman said, Farewell
for the present, Miss Nellie. I am sor-
ry to leave yo1 so soon. for this has been
one of the most pleasant walks that l
have had for many day; and with a
smile he left her.
| Nellie continued her homeward cours
with merry heart and light step; she