Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-05-21
Adventures at a Picnic.

70 ~ ~
John Myers loved Florry Castle, the
preltiest and the most bewitching girl
in Boroville, place noted far and wide
Tor tie beauty and intelligence of its
ladies'. Florry's father was the wealth
lest merchant in town, and John was
his clerk.
Now do not imagine | am going to
repeat the oft.told story oflEe princess,
for if you do you will be disappointed.
John was Florry's equal in everything
save one respect. While she was the
most careless, romping, iun-loving
young lady in the world-she had at
tanned to the mature age of seventeen
John was the most diflident fellow con-
celvable, blushing at everything, always
appearing, he lancied, as bashiul people
are apt TO, at the greatest disadvantage
whenever lie attempted to put his foot
forward, and doubly awkward, he
thought, whenever he essayed to utter
more than the commonest of common
place expressions to Florry. Surely be
was not handsome. in the general ac'
ccptation OF the term. Tall. angular,
o,most awkward at times, there was
yery little gracefulness about him, it is
true and lis great sepsitiveness led
him to think these little disadvantages
infinitely more conspicuous than they
really were.
But Flurry, overlooking all this, and
seeing only big blue eyes and wavy
brown hair-noting his constrained,
difident manner when in her presence
and lis odd little attentions to herself
and her wishes, and discerning his great
love for her through all, at last began
to pity him heartily for his want ofcon-
fdence in himself; and we all know TO
what tcnder passion pity is akin,
Once he heard her express wish to
read book, the last new novel. Ii
was not for sale in Boroyillc, and he
wrote to the publishers.
When he came TO dinner one day.
she sat near a window turning over the
leaves. with the bright sunlight falling
in mellow glow upon her queenly
little head. She looked lovlier than
ever Just then. and he tried hard to keep
back the flush that mantled his face as
he saw her for the first time in the en-
iovment of his anonymous gift.
oh. john she cried. with pleas
ant look in her face that did his heart
GOOD. you know l have lOnged to read
'Charley's Bride. and some good fairy
has made me twice glad by sending ii
to me. I'm sure it must have been
Mrs. Chester. She's always so thought
full. and sic said she'd not forget me
when she returned home
Pm very glad you've cot the book,
Flory.' he sad. simply, but in a con-
strained sort of way that made her look
up.
Why. john she SAID, does any,
thing trouble you?'
No. Flory.' with half averted face
why do you ask?'
Because
Because what, Florry:'
Nothing y Then changing the sub
iect: and with a quick, shy glance up
into his face. The book is splendid,
John. Mrs. Chester is very kind
Mrs. Chester still. John turned away
And so matters went on for full
month, and then Casper Ducey came
TO Boroville. astonishing all with his
handsome face and attire. his lavish eX
pcnditure of money, his fast driving
and lbs fast life altoge ther. He was 6
thorough man OF the world, dashlng
brilliant. fascinating, and, as far as ex'
ternal appearances 90, wealthy-ant
appearances 90 a great way in such
place as Boroville.
Mrs. Digby approved Of Casper Du
cey. Mrs. Digby was an oracle in Bo
roville. She was handsome woman
of fve-and-twentv, lively young wild
ow. whose half mourning became he
charmingly, and who some people salt
but some people are not 10 be relie'
on. to any great extent, you know
would not be particularly averse TO try
ing the matrimonial yoke again. s.
lightly had she borne it, with a suitabl
partner. of course.
In company with her late husband
the widow had spent several seasons a
the various places of summer resort
beside passing winter at capital, an
she was considered inlallible authorit
on all matters relating to society q
large. She was pretty, intelligent
dressed in excellent taste, and was be
lieved TO have a snug little fortune a
her own. So, you see, she was a yer
nice bit of femininity, the world woul
say.
Quite a little company Of the nice'
people of the village assembled in tn
widows parlor one evening, and Nj
Ducey was the subject of their conver
sation.
Yes, Mr.. Ducey is very desifa5l
man. said the widow. We must we
come him IN our circle. He is hanc
some, witty, and accomplished, and
and OF course he is rich; but that don
, matter so much, you know. We ms
him at Newport three years ago-pool
dear Harry and L.
She gave her handkerchief a very VI
certain twirl, that left the shadow OF