Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-06-06

ever beheld, whose rosy lips and
violet eyes smiled out upon him, as
though he was an old and long expect
ed friend ..-.f- .t
He stared at her for a moment, and
then said:
81 am Josiah Poppleton, and 1 wish
to see Miss Ashton"
The rosy lips dimpled into still
brighter smile. -..... .s
''That is my name, sir. Won't you
walk in?"
Mr.. Poppleton found himself in one
of the contest, cheeriest little-sitting
rooms in the world.
The first thing his eyes fell upon was
his own photograph, cabinet size, in a
little rustic frame on the mantel. He
remembered giving it to his nephew.
And he remembered, too, with con-
siderable satisfaction, that il was re-
markedly fine likeness.
1.-THE little baggage knew me" he
thought as he took seat, land that
was what made her smile So"
He felt his courage oozing from the
ends of his fingers. Somehow, it didn't
seem such an easy thing as he had fam
cied it would be to carry out the pro-
gramme he laid down for himself, and
be began to wish he was mostanywhere
else. But here he was, and he must go
through with it.
''Miss Ashton-ahem! 1 suppose
you know that am Frederick Popple-
toms uncle, and so can guess why l
am heres'
Rose glanced up shyly at the speaker
from beneath her long brown lashes.
II suppose it is because he asked you
to come"
Nothing of the kind. He didn't
know a word about it."
"Oh!"
Mr.. Poppieton felt that he was not
getting on very well; as he considered
it highly important that he should get
on, he summoned all his resolution,
and commenced again:
'No, ma'am, came entirely on my
own responsibility. consider it a
matter of duty to let you know that I
| strongly disapprove Of your engage
ment. And, furthermore, it is my in
vincible determination, if he persists
in running counter to my wishes, to
have nothing more to do with him."
This was evidently something that
Rose did not expect to hear; the dimp-
ling smiles left the mouth, and the
violet eyes opened widely.
Looking resolutely away, Mr.. Pop
pleton continued:
''Ifyou think my nephew has property
in his own right, you were never more
mistaken. He IS entirely dependent on
me; and if he commits the folly he con-
templates won't give him a penny-
not penny!"
Here Mr.. Poppleton turned his eyes
upon the face opposite him, as if to see
what effect bis words were producing.
All its bloom and brightness had van
ished, but he went pitilessly on.
"Of course, you can marry him fyou
choose this is free country, and peo-
pie can make themselves as miserable
as they like, suppose. Only, 1 feel it
my duty to warn you what the newt
able consequences will be. Fred can
hardly take care Of himself. You'll
have large family-poor people al
ways do have large families-and the
result will be poverty, misery. and no
end Of trouble.
This was not very encouraging pros
pect to look forward to, and Rose did
not look as If she considered it as such.
She made no reply, however, and Mr.
Poppleton continued
"On the other hand, if you will act
as sensibly and discreetly in the matter
as I think you will, on reflection, yox
will never be sorry for it. You may
count on my protection and friendship
the friendship and protection of
Josiah Poppleton"'
Rose now spoke.
81 love Frederic
sDon't answer me now" Interrupt
ted Mr.. Poppleton, rising and turning
to the door stake time to think the
matter over. I'll be here tomorrow
at the same hour to get your decision.
Only remember, If you really do love my
nephew, that you will not take course
that will ruin his prospects for life."
''No wonder the young rascal is be-
witched," thought the old gentleman,
as he took his way homeward, ''she is
certainly the most bewisching creature
ever saw!"
MFR. Poppleton expected bis nephew
back on the following day, and was
therefore, all the more anxious that
the matter should be satisfactorily
settled. Promptly at the hour he had
named to Rose, he was on hand to re-
ceive her decision.
Mr.. Poppleton, cannot feel it would
be right for me to break my engage
ment with your nephew F.; if he chooses
to give me up, that is another thing
The thought of making trouble between
you two gives me more pain than can
tell you. What possible objection can
you have to me ~
| Here poor Rose burst in tears.
mo objection to you, whatever, my
dear" said Mr.. Poppleton, taking one
of the soft white hands in both of his