The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-06-07

SON., Harry, cousin Harry. shall Ger
| tainly die, know shall. 1t was too rcdic-
| ul0us!' cried an Enthusiastically grlish voice.
| And again clear ripping laugh burst
from the lips Of the one who was 50 lately
| introduced as Tod Asher.
"Don't Nell, for goodness sakc If yo,l
predict such dreadful things, I'll never
| again consent to aid you in any more of
your harum-scarum freaks. But by all
that is lnughablc how Cole will he cut up
when he discovers the identity of my old
| friend Ashcr!"
And the young man joined in the girls
infectious mirth
"And to Think" cried Nell, still laugh
| ing, cot the miserable creatures boaslng
to my very face that he would bring Nell
Athcrton to Ills arms! Ugh I could have
boxed his ears then and there and the only
tlIlng that restrained me was the knowledge
that he would make Il fuss, and then every
one would have recognized me-"
"l'm very glad you didn't, Nell; YOU
would have spoiled our dcuouca,cnt. And
rs Cole really needs taking down, I'm not
sure but that it may he Il very good lesson
for him. Oh, by-thc-by, when is the final
understanding to take placc2"
Next Tuesday night. And now re-
member, Harry, you are not to be in the
room with the girls; that would make it
rather too embarrassing for me- But you
can listen in the conservatory, and, after
the affecting part is over, you can make
your appearance rs quickly us you choose
the sooner, tho better"
"All right. Nell, you're Il trump
wish all the girls had your good looks and
spirits" said Harry, admiringly.
"Fhanks, cousin mine; and now, good
night Pm almost tired to death. | sup
pose it is from dragging around these
clothes all the heavy evening. Ugh! think
OF having to wear such things every day of
ones life.
And with laugh that had little of wea-
riness in il she ran gayly up the stairs.
You promised me my answer to night, !,
Nell darling What is itl Am to be the
happicst, or the most miserable of men?"
"Wcll, really, Mr.. Cole, you are SO inn
patient, one would almost believe your
heart is concerned.
Alas! | have no heart. Your bright
eyes charmed il from me weeks ago, fair
Nell. Why will you torture ne thus2"
81 torture youY Positively you amusc
me. The idea of a latly's having power to
annoy you. How absurd"
And she laughed gayly, apparently quite
at her case; while her sl,itor, completely
nonplusscd at her odd behavior, gaZcd at
her wondcringly, than said, atfcctionately:
what has come over you, sweet one?
lou were not wont to be SO sarcastic Do
you delight to see the sorrow you inilct on
loving heart2"
ella, Ia, ha! Do you know what that is.
MIR. Colc5 thought you did not believe in
love-"
lie started, and gazcd at her cnrinnslv.
then exclaimed, rcproachfully: =
"IIow could be blind to such charms
as yours, my peerless Nell? Come, have
done with all this irony, and tell ME you
will be my own sweet BRIDE"
"Ncvcr!"
And her clear voice rang out contempt
ously.
"WhaC! you refuse mel"
And hs sprang angrily to her feet.
81 do, most decidedly; and more than
that, | tell you that dcspisc you, Mr..
Cole"
"Madam!' cried he, in blank astonish-
mcnt.
eyes sir, do. I dcspisc braggart and
not talk so lightly of the ladies, and win
their hearts but to break them. You are Il
braggart, because even to a stranger you do
not hesitate to boast of your conqucsts and
venture so far as TO mention the name of
your lady-lovcs"
Who told you oil this?" gaspcd the as
tonishcd man.
"You did, Mr.. Cole? l suspected you
| for your flattcry was SO fulsome.
81 determined to try your fidelity, and
Disgusting myself in mans attire, sought
the ballroom with my cousin Harry, and
was by him introduced to YOU as Tod
| Asher"
"Your yourself began conversation on
| subject which l had intended to lead you
to, and you know the rest"
"Vcry well, madam; since you are so
well satisfied with your achievement,
| which, permit me to say, was at the least
mladylike, will bid you good evening""
"No, stay n Moment" cried Nell, as she
threw wide the folding doors, near which,
| by design on her part, they had stood dur
ring the entire conversation, and disclosed
to the gaze of her discounted suitor smil-
ing circle Of the fairest young ladies of the
village. }tf
| tTadies," cried Nell, addressing them,
81 promised you a novel kind of entertain
mcnt, and think yon have had it. Here
after you will all know how to value the
fine speeches of this gentleman.
"Sir," and she turned to Cole, who had
all this time stood mOtionless, as if changed
to marble, "you can go; we desire your
presence here no longer.
"IIad you been more man, l should
have called upon those who have right to
protect me from your insult; but rs it is,
would not trouble them. can defend my
self. Now CO."
And she raised her beautiful arm, and
pointed toward the door, out of which hel
abashcd suitor was only too glad to escape.
The merry peal of laughter which fol,
lowed him rang IN his cars long after the
house had been left behind.
"Well, Ncll," laughed Harry, as he
joined them, "that unfortunate fellow lps
had a lesson he'll not soon forget"
$50 much the better, Harry" retortet
Nell; 81 did not mean that he should for.
get It. I've taught him better than tt
make game of the ladies, at least for time
And, Pm sure, girls, )" and she turned ap
pealingIy to her friends, "you all join III
| In rniocno flot a william hno bnnn IN