Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-01-23

yourself, Will you :.
Harry glanced at her as he took his
Panama off the hall rack. Was she IN
fun ? Then a second glance at her
placid. demure face re.assured him.
Never fear that, dear. And for be-
ing such sensible little woman you
shall have the handsomOst black silk in
New York next fall. Pack my porte
manteau, will you wlfey, and have it
ready for the afternoon boat-five-thir-
ty,'
He kissed her, then rushed up to the
nursery for a 'by-by' to the pretty
Youngsters in their bath, and then went
downtown to arrange matters for the
laborious, unenviable trip to Long
Branch. She watched HIM down the
street, slow smile gathered on her
lips; then turning somewhat abruptly
from the window, she consulted the
me rrily ticking clock on the mantel,
then stood moment IN thoughtful de-
liberation, and then FASTENED upstairs.
A group Of gentlemen were standing
leisurely about, chatting and smoking
OH the piazza OF the Ocean house,
watching the steady stream of passing
carriages, promenaders and well-filled
hotel stages.
There that's the lady l spoke TO
you, of, Michaelson-yonder, in navy
blue, with the dark veil over her face.
l never saw such a perfect picture III
my life-and such walkn
Mr.. Merle indicated quite eagerly the
direction in which he wished his COM
panion to look.
She Oh think heard she was 8
widow-Mrs. Ryye. 1t seems TO me
I've seen her several times with Mrs,
Cunningham, soif you are fascinated,
Merle, there's your chance. Laura
Cunningham will introduce you, wont
she .
Harry stroked his mustache reflective.
ly. We'll, she may. If she happens
to be in one Of her jealous moods
though
Michaclson laughed.
Upon my word, Merle, you're too
bad, You, an old married man. wife
and babies, snug and happy home and
going it so deep with every pretty face
you fancy
Harry Knocked the slender ashes of
his cigar with scientific precision.
Not so bad,old fellow. Just remem.
Der it all amounts to nothing, and just
forget there is a wife and babies in the
background
Pm agreed-only | wouldn't do it.
By-the-by, yondcr comes Mrs. Cum
ningham. Yes, she bowed to and ex-
changed word with Mrs. Ryve. She
is graceful, Merle
Harry answered enthusiastically:
Isn't she ? | tell you, she interests
me amazingly. She was the first lady,
met coming up from the train, the day
| arrived. and | felt strangely attracted
then. Laura shall introduce me, Or
Such an idea, Mrs. Ryve Why no
one wears such thick horrible wells as
YOU do. | am sure there are very few
faces among us that would better bear
unyeiling. Such a lovely. complexion
Mrs. Ryye smiled at Gussic Cunning
hams candid compliments
Besides Gussie continued, "Pve
heard how piqued number OF gentle
man are because Of that very veil-Mr'
Harry Merle particularly. You know
Mr.. Merle, don't you? Laura's admir-
er may be betrothed for all l know 10
the contrary
A sudden white palor swept acros;
Mrs. Ryve's face but she averted hcl
head 80 suddenly that Gussio did not
see it.
He's a real handsome, stylish fell
low, we think. There, Mrs. Ryye,
have [ succeeded in plpning that spray
Of clematis properly? Thank you. Yes
We like him amazingly. Laura seems
perfectly enraptured within him.
Mrs. Ryve toyed with her gilt'handleC
fan.
And Mr.-Mr. Merle you said hi'
name was-was piqued because | wore
a veil?'
! Gussie laughed.
so Laura said. lie wants an in
PRODUCTION to you. III give it, if 20,
say So
A little flash of Mrs. Ryve's eye
and then her answer:
Thank you! No, Miss Cunningham
1 only came for quiet and visit of OBJ
servation. / don't at all care for so
ciety,'
All rightn Gussie returned, soo'
naturedly, Although, why ever yo'
came to the Branch for quiet. cam
tell
Mr.. Merle stood before his little look
ingglass, carefully arranging bis hal
aud giving sundry finishing touches Il
his immaculate white lawn tie-a hand
some, gaylooking fellow, wearing hi
35 years very lightly-with few wors'
faults than considerable vanity, and al
Unsuitable thirst for flirting with ever.
new, pretty face. Not that he didn'
love Florence, dearly and truly he did
onlyit was so good to do little flirting
|