The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1878-09-25
NINE STARS.
FANNIE ISABELLE sHRRRIcK.

Conciipd,d.)
But Nell was a most sensible young lady
ana therefore, though she felt very sorry and
repentant, still she was not q hystercaI hero
me TO sit up half the night crying her eyes
out over . trifiing bit Of giriish folly. So
soon her fair head was nesting on the soft
pillow and her soul fast locked in the deep
and tranquil sleep of the innocent.
The next morning, however. Phil was CON.
siderAbly ~astonished at the change in Nell.
She was no longer cold, capricious or ais.
aainfuL She avoided him purposely, but
it was with a shy reserve. When she talked
her roguish eyes no longer sought his face
with their arch piquancy and every now
and then. as his eyes were fixed upon her
face, she colored deeply and drooped her
head with a strange mixture of defiance and
shame. F
What the deuce is the matter now "
soliloquized Phil, as he marked her strange
manner. One never can understand a
woman, anyway. Just when you think she
Is going to behave decently, she becomes as
proud and fiery as Lucifer; and Just rs you
have made up your mind to endure her ever
lasting whims with stoical bravery, she
turns around the other way and becomes as
meek as a lamb. Don't understand it at all.n
and he threw away the stump of his cigar
wit a jerk that decidedly emphasized his
last remark. IL
On the whole, he was not at all pleased
with the change, for she was even more
unapproachable than before. However, he
waited patiently, flirting desperately with
Stella in the meantime.
Nearly a week had passed when one even
ing Phil whispered to Nell, as they left the
Supper-table, They are going to dance to-
night, but 1T Is very warm for such amuse-
ment; won't you walk with me q little on
the lawn ?".
The dark eyes looked at her earnestly.
She drew AWAY with her old gesture of
annoyance and disdain, and answered cold |
ly, mo-
He moved away piqued and disappointed,
when suddenly she drew near, and laying
her hand on his arm, shyly whispered in
ms ear, Excuse me, | will 60" Her heart
'elented at the last moment, for she knew
hat this night was his last one among them.
He pressed the little hand eagerly. and
soon they were alone under the blue sky
With its sprays Of shining stars
unconsciousiy their steps wandered to-
wards the river.
The little boat moored there looked very
inviting. "Would yon be afraid to go out
IN the river with me ? " he asked, not dar-
ing to think she would consent.
Afraid-of what /" she answered glee-
fully. She was herself once more; saucy, |
~iefant, and dangerous,
They were soon out upon the ripping
vayes-the clear moonlight falling on the
.luiet river and transforming it into q dream
Of silvery splendor.
The scene was too beautiful-too peace
full for die words; and for a while even
Neils chattering tongue was silent. Phil
was inwardly smiling as he congratulated
himself mentally. He was content to watch
her In silent admiration, for he well knew the
dangerous power of the moonlight and the
glittering. ripping waves. There was not
a sound save the splash of the oar and the
far-off murmur Of the music as it drifted
from the shore where the merry dancers
were gaily dancing and flirting. desH
Suddenly, however, she looked up ut
the stars, "One, two, three" she began
gravely.
NELL" ta7a t-sf ff.7 Il |
How provoking, how could he be SO i'm
pertinent when she could not demonstrate.
-Four, five, six, " she went ON not needing
him. =. - -
ed Phil. ll1
Seven, eight, ninei" finished Nell
withdrawing her eyes from the heavens and
regarding him with amazement.
Seven, eight. MIN " echoed Phil, tri-
to congratulate you" tA fEe
Before Nell was aware of what she was
doing she had extended her hand and he
held 1t firmly in his own.
Nell" he said with a mocking smile,
"Your fate is sealed. Nay, do not strug-
gle IA she half rose from her seat" it
is useless. The hand I hold is my own"
How dare you'll! +" said Nell indignantly,
but the crimson tide hat stained her face
betrayed her. $3.50 l1Qisg
"You said SO yourself" he said gravely.
".Nine stars for nine nights, and the hor-
rid man, the man you hate hall be the
husband of the girl who counted the stars.
Say Nell, is it not SO ?"