The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1880-08-28
w1LLFUL NELLIE.

trothed husband, Tom Chandos. enioyin.
his cigar out ON the Veranda, half hiddel
from view by the climbing roses, and nv sad
eyed cousin Mary Seaforth, sewing by tn
low, open window.
Nellie looked so pretty, nestled down il
the great crimson chair, her lovely face a
sweet and dimpled as child's, that one coulC
not help loving her, though she~were tn,
most self-willed, obstinate, provoking littl,
bundle of feminine contrarity that ever lived
Shutting the book with observable. energy
she remarked In tone of the deepes
solemnity:
"No, never wouldl"
'.Never would what, Nellie?' asked Cous
In Mary. Remember, dear, we are ignorant
of your Thoughts u W I y q III
q Mason, that l wouldn't, if l died an Ole
maid. Just fancy ones husband belonging
20 lodges, taking degrees, and possessing al
sorts of secrets, not one of (which; his wife L
ever to know 1 detest the whole brother
hood, and all their signs and MYSTERIES"
A faint wave of color flushed for an instant
over Mrs. Seaford's pale cheek.
'Did you not know, Nellie, that Harry
was Mason2"
mo, L. Pardon me, did not mean to
say anything to wound your feelings" STAN
nered Miss Nellie, CHANGING compassionately
at poor Harry's young widow Il knew that
captain Seaforth was a brave soldier, but
never until this moment that he was a Ma
son." - - - -
"Yes, he was member of the sdetested
brotherhood and / learned to love the order
for his sake. When | saw him dead-sword
and regalia by his side, mutely speaking of
life and glory past-there was no room in
my heart for either doubt or jealousy that he
had kept one secret from me- avs p -
A sigh that was half sob welled up from
the young widows broken heart, and with
bent head and tremulous lips she silently left
the ROOM r4 .5,t
Tears were sparkling in Nellie's eyes; but
she would not acknowledge herself to be in
the wrong. .-.-u--. ..-.s...-......a-.-
Tom left his comfortable seat on the ver-
anda, and smilingly approached the chair OF
his pertinacious lady love. ~
"What. is that you were, saying, Nellie,
shout the mystic fraternity?' "a q /
al said I would not marry Mason; so, if
you have any thoughts of becoming one,
please remember my unalterable resolve, y
she answered, saucily. .r-.t ,.Is8.
"If such indeed, be your unalterable deter
mination, then, dear Nell, you will never be
my wife; for don't look as if you were
ready to annihiiate mel am Masonr
"If you are Mason, Mr.. Chandos, you
have shamefully deceived me; and here and
now give you back your promise, and with it
the pledge of our betrothal." She proudly
drew from her finger a superb diamond ring,
and calmly handed it to Mr.. Chandos Take
back your gift, sir, for 1 do assure you mean
to keep my word. l will not marry a
MasonP'
Think again, DEAR" said Tom gently.
"You are wee bit angry, just now, and it
would be ungenerous of me to take you at
your word. By tomorrow you will have got
ton over your pet, and"
"Neverl" interrupted Nellie, turning away
her disturbed features. After what you have
told me will not-can not be your wife," i
"Then gos d-by, little Nellie. You were
ever spoiled, willful child, but l had not
thought you quite so perverse."
Tom coolly put the ring in his pocket, took
his hat, bowed, and in moment was gone.
For the first time in all our acquaintance /
was really angry with Nellie Wilton.
"What goose you are, Nell, to discard a
man who loves you so truly, and so patiently
puts up with all your vexing little tempers,
for such a Ridiculous reasonl / am heartily
ashamed of You, that am. Take nv adj
vice, and recall him before you sleep this
night. Tomorrow it may be too late, for
patience, like everything else, has its limits,
and fancy you have now tried Toms to the
utmost" 40 sfsakaW ataat
"Neverin she cried, bursting into tears
"And it is very cruel of you, Ruth, to take
sides against me. won't beg him to return
won't if it breaks my hearth
'eYou could not have loved Mr.. Chandos
very deeply, that's certain, and so perhaps
it's Just as well that you should be free from
him." said with assumed indifference.
"But did," she flashed out, holly, trying
in vain to stife her sobs, 81 did love him
dearly, and don't care who knows it. And
YOU are cruel heartless creature, that YOU
are Ruth Forrest, to suppose that didn't y
'Then why in the name of common sense
Nell, did you send him to the right-about SC
summarily2'
"0h, dear, how stupid you are, Ruth
Don't you see had to after what I'd said
/ know shall die, but / don't care, wisf
was dead this minute, for what's the goot
of living if I'm never to see Tom AGAIN."
And with this final summing up of he
woes, Nellie ran up to her room, threw her
self on the bed and cried herself into a rag
ing sick headache, q not uncommon sequenc,
to girlish sorrows, petulance and penitence
such as Miss Nellie was most justly sufferin.
from.
A week went by, but Tom did not come
Nellie hoped and waited, and secretl
Thought he might write, or in some way Civ
her an opportunity of making up their al
surd quarrel, but Mr.. Chandos did nOthin
of the sort. 10"
His exasperating silence aroused her prid,
and she declared she would 90 home tn
very next day, just to show him that she wa
not breaking her heart about him by an
manner of means.
"But you intended to spend the summe
with me, and it's not half gone yet. WIS
will people say?"' remarked, pretendin
to be nightly surprised. -. .....-
81 can't help what people say I'm NJ
going to remain here and allow Mr.. Char
dos to think Pm pining for his RETURN
ooh, nobody would suppose that, Mel
least of all Mr.. Chandos. He has given yc
up, dare say, and troubles himself very Ii
tie about you, one way or the other"
''Indeedi You are very wise, Miss Forres
and now 1 will go home, since you presun
to know Toms thoughts so intimately well
replied Nell, with great dignity.
The above conversation took place viii
we were on our way to visit poor won,
who was quite i'll, and whose husband had
Gently died of consumption, leaving her 9
tirely destitute. with three children to suppo
and not friend or relative in the whole wi
world.
We found Mrs. Hammond much bett