Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-03-27


And that won't be Tonight said his
host. They are slower than molasscS
ia e cold cellar on a January morning.
But can not think of trespassing
upon your kindness for so long tme'
SIR
There, there Don't mention it.
Nv wife and Lena will be only too hap
py to have your company
'Lena-your daughter?'
No haven't chick or child in the
world. Lena-Eleanor is the right
name-is a niece and-well, you'll have
a chance to see for yeursclf.'
Llcanor Rivington, as she appeared
at the supper table, was nearer the
beau.ideal OF Marshall than any lie had
ever seen. She was sparkling beauty,
could not have been called either bru-
nette or blonde, but partOok OF the best
characteristics of both was a happy.
medium type, fair, not tall in height,
and ofwell rounded proportions, with
dainty feet and hands, the latter just
tinged enough with labor TO show that
she was not unfamiliar with it. Her
eyes were of peculiar soft grayish ha-
eel her hair mass of golden braids
her lips delcaiely cleft, and red as the
ripe clover blossom her nose and chin
exquisitely cut, aud there was the
charm Of perfectly graceful, lady-Lke
sslf-possession and culture in her move
ments, albeit her dress was of the SIM
pest III texture and fashion.
To say that Marshall was delighted
with the vision was simply less than
lruth. And he found, as the evening
passed, that her mind was well stored
by reading, that she possessed rIcn
aud trained voice, and played aud sang
in manner he had seldom heard equal
ed. In fact she grew in his dreams to
be the paragon of lovelness aud worth
he had so often pictured ; and when de-
tanned the next day he poured out, BY
letter, to his friend Fred Tryan a glow
ing description and predicted that at
last the spotlesS pearl he had so long
been in search of had been found.
IfCupid had made especial terms
with Jupiter Pluvius the matter could
not have been better arranged. Such
a storm as ragged had not been known
even BY that ubiquitous individual, the
oldest inhabitant.' Streams were flood
cd and bridges carried away, and al!
travel stopped. The old stage still
rea.ained unreparcd by the wayside,
and Marshall was kept within doors,
fcasting upon delicacies, andpassns the
time reading to Lena and hearing her
sing. or conyersing with her.
And naturally, rs they become ac-
ouaiated, they talked OF themselves, and
he limited at his peculiar ideas with re-
gard to married life that when he
married the beginning would be in a
small way-an humble home and
that while he was willing to toll for the
woman he loved. it might be necessary
for her to take up her share Of the bur
dens.
The beautiful girl met him halfway
did not seem averse to love in cot
tage,' seemed to consider it would be a
pleasure TO contribute to the making Of
home and some dainty dishes from
her own far hands were proof positive
to him that she was yersed in the Gull
nary art.
The storm ceased at last and they
parted. No words of love had been
spoken, but the touch of hands and the
glancing eyes and tell-tale blood had
given full promise of what would be-
even az the rosy tints Of morning tell Of
the golden glory Of MONDAY. OF what
Marshall thought his words to Tryan
told the entire story.
She is as beautiful and good as an
angel. Fred. The most perfect belnS
both in mind and body,
And will cook your pork aud beans
aud do up your shirts with smiles " was
the quizz:cal question.
Without doubt. Oh, sIch dishes as
she can prepare. They are food for
the gods
Apples of the Hesperldes, sweetcned
with nectar and anlbrosia But OF
course she knows Of your wealth p
Has not an inkling. In fact she
does not even know my name, thinks ii
Is Charley Marsh, and that ! have to
depend on business for livelihood
The name OF the goddess, Charley :"
Eleanor Rivington.'
"Ah! A romantic name. When is
she to changc it:
That is undecided as yet. have not
even whispered Of my devotioa.'
But intend to do 81 very soon?'
AT the earliest practicable moment
With such commencement as had
been made the growth Of love could
not have been otherwise than rapid
The visits of Marshall TO Ferndell grew
frequent, became more and more
lengthy and one evening when the
moon sailed as silver boat over the
highest waves of clouds, the fond VOWS
were whispered, and two hearts pledg-
I'd to beat as one for all time soft
hand was clasped in bread palm, and
burning lips were pressed to lips in the
rirst long, passionate kiss OF betrothal
Fred Tryan laughed cynical laugh
when he heard of the engagement
something in the matter seemed to