Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-02-26
Ten Days in Love.

tCit boyS III EVSOs
1t was cold night in January. Peo-
pie were hurrying along through the
binding snow-storm, battling with the
wind that howled and moaned out by
turns its story of woe.
Hugo Remington and his friend Will
liams, glad to be out Of The storm, had
settled themselves in gown and slippers
for a quiet evening at home. The
shutters were closed and the curtain:
drawn, and on either side Of the heartl
was placed the favorite chair Of each.-
These friends had lived together in
their bachelor quarters for more thar
two years. Everything in the apart
ment showed refined taste and wealth
Some said that it all belonged to Hugh
and that he made it a home fer his
friend, No one, however, knew this tt
be true. Hugh was quiet and reserved,
seldom spoke Of his affairs to any one
never laid any special claim to anything
but allowed it to appear that all things
were equally shared. After the evening
papers had been read and discussed, the
two sat talking Of days gone by, Of little
episodes in their lives. Hugh was in
talking mood, and had told several good
stories Of his past life; stopping sud;
denly, he exclaimed;
Did I ever tell you OF my love fol
the wldow?'
No. replied Williams. Let's have
it,
Well said Hugh, taking another
cigar and looking very serious as he
leaned back in his great easy-chair, 1
met her in Paris
Met who?'
oh, never mind who. BE content
that am telling you the story, and
don'task for names, 1 thought OF her
as the widow 1t is sufficient title.
We'll, l won't interrupt. Go on.'
So Hugh continued:
L was calling upon nay old friend
Mrs. Lee, and while waiting for the
servant to take her my card, an odd
piece Of bric-a-brac standing in the
corner Of the romm attracted my atten.
ton. l got up and went over to e1'
anime it. While thus engaged, the
door opened. 1 turned, thinking thai
it was Mrs. Lee, when, ell! what 4
beauty met my sight! so small thai
she looked like a child, large deep blue
eyes that came out from under a mass
of light golden curls, small nose, ant
rosebud Of a mouth. She was dressed
in deep mourning, and l thought, as ]
looked at her, that had never seen 3
more beautiful picture. She didn't see
me until made slight movement
which startled her. Coming toward,
sad:
Il frightened you, did l not?'
Yes; | was not aware that there wa;
any one IN the room. You are waiting
for Mrs. Lee?' And she gave me the
sweetest Of smiles, showing most
perfect row Of teeth.
Before l cold answer, Mrs. Lee
appeared, and introduced us. Mrs.
was making Mrs. Lee short visit prior
to her departure for America. l was
glad Of that, as l should then have the
pleasure Of seeing her again.
The evening passed only too quickly
and l arose with an apology for stay
ing so late. Mrs. Lee invited me to
dine with them informally the next day.
She said her friend preferred being
quiet, SO they sheuld be quite alone.
You may be sure that accepted the
invitation, and was there promptly at
the hour. The widow was more charm
ing than on the previous evening.
longed to stop the hours from rolling
on. Having been in the habit OF
dropping in at Mrs. Lees at all hours,
my frequent-almOst daily-vislts were
not noticed as anything strange OF
unusual, Mrs. Lee thanked me FOL
coming to them in their loneliness, and
the widow would give me one of hel
sweet smiles, and l was thankful in my
inmost heart that they were lonely, and
that it fell to my lot to cheer them
So the weeks passed. until the time
came for the departure Of Mrs. Lees
friend,
Now had intended passing month
or two in England before coming home
but when Hound that the widow wal
to return in ten days, began to thinl
that my duty called me back to my
business. The more ! thought Of it
the more important it seemed to me tt
90.
DO you knew of any one going OF
the l5th?' the widow asked me one
evening, in her dove-like way.
No one but my.elf,' answered
Business has called me sooner than
expected
How delightful = from the widow
while Mrs. Lee exclaimed, oh, Mr..
Remington, l am so glad! 1 couldn't
bear the idea ofmy friend going entirely
alone, and you of all Others will know
best how to take care ofher.'