Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-01-23
But never an interview. With all his

pleaulng 10 l0Ok Ia INC IaSc He hhS"
was so sweet and kind'-with all his
graceful cOaIing to be pernitted to
touch the hand that sent such welcome
letters he had not been able to obtain
even the promise of an interview, until
now, two hours after the time appointed
in an open letter that lay on his dress
ing case-a square sheet of flmy, cross
barred notepaper bearing several lines
of Mrs. Ryve's odd, pretty, back-hand.
He had read il rapturously, over and
over; and now, as he looked impatient
IL at his watch, he read It again and the
half-familiarity, half-shyaess OF the lam
guage delighted him.
Dear Mr. Merle have been think
ing perhaps, am cruel in longer with
holding myself from one who has been
so kind. If you really wish to see me
and are willing to run the risk Of disap-
poihtment when you find I am not at
d. . - D..
all the ideal woman you paint me, l will
be at the small summerhouss opposite
West End at 10 this evening. II by
any possibility others shsuld be in the
vicinity, which l have the hopes will
preclude, you will know me by n white
toletand a talle veil Gu my head and
face and around my neck.
Now it was 9, and from his room
Han ry heard the monotonous tuning Of
the band.
She could net have chosen more
auspicious time. There are hops at the
United States, Howland's, and here at
the Ocean, Everybody ii sure to be at
one or the other, and | will have a de-
lightful walk with her on the sands !;
then there will come a few days of
rides, and walks. and dances, and enjoy
ment generally, and then-the end of
it all; and home to Flo and the babies
and the Office ...I
A sIgh--his better rature's tribute to
the wifehe loved and yet was acting SO
unw6rthily towards and then he went
to the brilliant scenes around the ball.
room and the clerks ofibe to wait for
the wished for hour ofiJ0. n,,'-- q
| .lD Jff.S lIf q Ill = rrD g
AT twenty minutes oft his patience Was
exhausted, and he started forth down
Oeeanavenue, now quite deserted, save
parties hastening in fall dress to the
great lighted ballroom. -,
! Down past the pavilion, the Central,
Jaash's, he hurried, yet knowing per.
fectly well he would be too soon. Then
the big, gloomy walls OF the West End
loomsd up and the row Of the far-bs-
tween summer-houses on the cliff en-.
ded in the one Mrs. Ryve had deslgna'
ted, just this side Of the curve on the
avenue.
/ No enc was near the vicinity, al.
though Harry saw several ladies pro-
menading the croquet lawn. Then ten
fifteen minutes he waited in impatient
eagerness, and then his faith was rewar-
ded by seeing her coming down the
tagging from the West End and cross
the avenue opposite the summer-hsuse
tall, slender sylph-like in her trailing
white dress and misty tulle veil, would
so gracefully, so artistically over her
head andface and around her alabaster
throat.
She paused slightly on the threshold.
Harry sprang to meet her.
Mrs. Ryve?'
She bowed, little nervously, and en-
tered.
but can lever sufficiently thank you
for accedlng to my request? If you
knew how impatient had been-how
l have longed for This hour-you would
then know how happy you have made
me y
She did not make any reply. and
Harry then saw how agitated she
seemed.
In his heart he admitted her ali the
moro for it.
1 am so anxious to hear your voice,
to see your face, that know must be
matchlessly fair, to look in your eyes !!
Mrs. Ryse, will YOU allow me the greai
happinesc''
He touched her gossamer veil, as if to
unwind it. She murmured faint as.
sent and, elated with all the exquisite
novelty and romance Of the situation,
Harry tenderly removed the mask.
Now, face to face, most charming
Good heavens y
He dropped the tulle scarf as if an
asp had been lurking among the filmy
folds.
A low, sweet laugh, that was suspi-
ciously favored with not far distant
tears.
1t is really 1, Harry! l did so want
to know the terrible business that kept
you so much from home. Harry,
think III Join the iirm.'
Florence looked steadily at him, sau'
cy, rcproachfully, half cuntemptuously
Harry stood like petrifed stone fer 9
minute, then remarkable sheepish ex'
preston crossed his countenance.
so you are Mrs. Ryve, are you 2
lie tried to be magnificent, but failed
perfectly and then the tears canC
leaping from Florcnco's eyes in the
silver cascades.
oh, Harry to think you never caret
for me any more than--than-to-'
There was his opportunity to get ou
of this scrape, and he ftted himself mos