Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-11-18
NELL'S RUSE.

"Mr. Asher, Mr.. Cole, Mr. Cole, my
old friend Tod Asher And now gentle
men, that have broken the ice, you
will please excuse me for few minutes,
as see am wanted"
And the speaker, Harry Johnson, who
was general favorite, turned smiling
ly away, and crossed the ball room to
where group Of ladies stood gayly
beckoning him with their fans.
Happy to make your acquaintance,
Mr.. Cole, murmured Mr.. Asher, In q
low musical tone.
"The pleasure is mutual, I assure you, !"
politely replied the gentleman addressed
'besides, 1t Is an odd concert Of mine,
but you seem to me like an old friend.
Your face is strangely familiar"
Indeed no; think we have never
met before. am stranger in this part
of the country. But come if you do not
intend to join the dancers, let US 60 to
the piazza where we can watch them
and have quiet chat"
agreed. Dancing is bore and q ci-
gar is better companion than q lady.
Do you smoke ?"
And as they seated themselves, Cole
produced a cigar, and offered one to his
companion.
The latter hesitated moment, as If
uncertain whether to accept or decline
the invitation, then replied:
"Thank you do not smoke at present.
My physician fofbids it. 1 am in rather
delicate health"
$50 | should Judge; you Look any.
thing but strong, and your complexion
looks as pale as girls"
"Indeed!' and the speakers voice
sounded rather contemptuous. "Do you
know that consider that rather COM
pliment?"
"Umph! Our opinions diffe: some
what on that subject, my friend. Now
don't believe that women are 80 much
like angels as some people make them
out to be-" replied Cole.
The handsome, girlish face of the list
ener, flushed, and he eyciaimed in as
tonishment.
'You cannot have mother and sister
an opinion"
"Sisters, no-a mother, yes-in Heav-
en-. She was an angel on earth, Mr..
Asher, if ever there was one, but the
girls to-day are not like her. They are
but butterflies and care for nothing but
flirtations and fashions"
hope and believe that you are mis-
taken, sir. Perhaps you hava not sought
for anything deeper than what firta-
ton will reveal, and if so, how can you
blame the ladies for playing the Roland
to your Oliver?"
"Well every one to his liking, OF
course the world is made up of opposites.
But, freely confess that I look upon
the ladies as merely pleasant amusement
for an idle hour-nothing more. Why,
man, all they wants flattery. But at pre-
sent haye no time TO waste on them,
for have got my hands full subjugat-
ing the proudest beauty of them all
naughty, lovely Nell Atherton. wish
you could see her,"
His listener smiled oddly, but replied
with eagerness:
IT wish could. Can't you point her
out to meg'
"Oh, she's not here tonight; she Is
off on weeks visit to some relative. II
she were present, I should not be here,
you may be sure. No, indeed! Pretty
Nell accepts no luke-warm attentions, l
can tell you; she would chain me TO her
side the whole evening. But then she's
fond of me, there's no mistake about
that"
"You thhN SO 2" and Tod Asher's lip
curled.
"Thinkl Why, my dear boy, I'm sure
of it. I'd like to see the girl who COULD
withstand me-ns, hal Why, sne can,
not bear to have me oHt Of her slght' !
tell you, Asher"
"Well, and that surely must be pleas
ant. I cannot imagine anything more
agreeable than to be With those thlas!ts We
love-"
"Ha, ha, haIn laughed Cole in great
amusement; 'but / don't love her you
see. have made wager that L can
bring her to my arms, and l will DO IL,
too. I'm sure of my game; but as Tor
love, pshaw !'-I don't believe IN It.
"But, perhaps, she does," replied AS
her, meaningly.
"Well, what of thate Girls have no