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


the remembrance Of her poor, dear
Harry or to attract the attention OF
Tom Lacy, who was fmtng outrageous
ly with Mabel Townley at the farther
side of the room. And so Casper Ducey
had passport to the society Of Bcro-
vile. and was received with open arms.
How DO you like him, Florry?' John
Myers inquired one afternoon, as Mr.
Ducey whired past the window in a
basket pheton, nodding gracefully TO
Florry, and turning to make some witty
remark to Mrs. Digby, who occupied
the seat at his side.
The widow laughed, showing every
one of her white teeth TO the fullest eX'
tent of propriety. She was eXultant'
and her face showed it, and so did Mr..
Ducey in a quiet, gcntlemanly sort OF
wav.
sOh. I like him exceedingly WE'LL
SAID Florry, in answer to Johns ques-
ton. He spent last evening here'and
he's gong to take me out IN the morn
ing for a ride to the lake with that
splendid turnout of his. How delight
fulv
(which ? almost savagely. Ducey
or his horses !?
Both, to be sure Then sauclly'
what stupid you are, John. l mean
ride
Florry rode with Casper Ducey the
next morning and many mornings there
after; and Myers aad the widow grew
Jealous. Ducey became Florry's con-
slant attendant, accompanying her to
concerts and parties, and taking her Tor
boat rides on the lake, and long rides
oyer the pleasant country roads. They
walked together. In short, it came to
he n fact that Florry Castle and Mr..
Ducey were deeply in love with each
other. or were flirting beyond all pro-
priety. He brought her flowers and
music. and read poetry to her IN his
rich clear voice-by-and.by he made
love to her in the same voice.
To say that Flory was not charmed
with her brilliant cavalier would he IN
direct opposition TO the facts OF the
case. All thoughts Of poor John Myers
were for the time being vanished from
her mind. She had no time now Tor
odd little chats with him, as OF old;
perhaps the inclination was wanting
also. John became desperate. He
could no longer stand silently by and
see matters go on as they had been
cong on for few weeks past.
He lom.d her alone in the parlor one
day.
.Florryu half learlully.
WHY. Johnu with a little start OF
sprprise. You have been so shy OF
me of late. So you have not forgotten
me, quite ?
Forgotten you, Florry?' There was
q world of reproach IN his earnest voice.
I shall never forget you. l.
Ihope not, john she interrupted
Mavbe she apprehended what he might
have said. 'Ihave something to tell
YOU. To-day I promised to marry Cas-
per Ducey.' -.
She was cruel, and she knew it. 1t
Is best So she thought, he must know
it some time
And you love him, Flomy?' after a
long pause.
Yes without looking up.
Better-better than you could love
me"
IL think so, john
His face was palld, and his voice
tremhled as he SAID. Then heaven bless
YOU. Florry, and make YOU happy l
wish you all JOY and peace, now and
hereafter
Never till this moment had she COM
prehended the full depth of John Myers
love.
How nobly self.sacriicing he was
this man who could thus give his hearts
idol up to another because he thought
she would be happier with him.
What a world of anguish those few
words cost him none could comprehend
but himself and another-One that reads
oil our hearts. How she pllied HIM as
che thanked him for his kind wishes.
He toiled patiently on at the old mo-
notonous drudcery in the counting-room
striving TO crush his wild. unavallin9
love. TO drown it among the ceaseles'
cares of business.
Mrs. Digby. tired of her futile fishing
for the great CATCH as she mentally
sty!ed Ducey, put fresh bait on hel
hook. and cast her line for Tom Lacy
a,1 nc Tho latter oentleman's heart haC
lonc since become enslaved by her pret
tv brown ewes. he was comparatively
easy victim.
Then the widow exulted over httl'
Mabel Townley, who did not care
straw for Lacy, and was satisfied in th'
nroud consciousness that she had love
at any rate.
After a while, the Borovillians ar
ranged to have grand picnic in Crimp'
grove, mile out OF town.
OF course all-that is, all who be-
louged to the circle-were expected t.
attend. The Quimbys, and MIR. Duce.
and Florry. and Tom Lacy. besides DIR
Cranton and his cousin. Miss Ellis, ant
ever so many more are going said tn
widow. 'and we shall have a splendl
time y
'0f course you will go, John?' sal