Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-05-29
Wouldn't Marry a Mason.


Brown-halred Nellie W ilson lazi-
~ turning over the leaves OF
book; her betrothed husband,
Tom Chandos, enjoying a cigar
out on the veranda, half hidden
from view by the mbing roses,
and my sad-eyed cousin, Mary
Seaforth, sowing by the low, open
window, Nellie looked so pretty,
nestled down in the great GRIM
son chair, her lovely face as sweet
and dimpled as a child's, that one
could not help loving her, though
she were the most self-wiiled, OBJ
stinate, provoking little bundle OF
feminine contrariety that ever
lived Shutting the book with
observable energy, she remarked,
in a tone of the deepest solemnity,
mo, Inever would ~
"Never would what, Nellie?"
asked cousin Mary. "Remember,
dear. we are ignorant of your
thoughts"
"Why,' replied Nellie, "I'd
never marry Mason-that L
wouldn't. if I died an old maid.
Just fancy ones husband belong
to lodges, taking degrees, and
possessing all sorts of secrets, not
one of which his wife is ever to
know. / detest the whole broth
erhood, and all their signs and
mysteries
A faint wave of color flashed for
an instant over Mrs. Seaforth's
pale cheek. 3aH
ibid you not know that Harry
was Mason?"
"No, I-pardon me. / didn't
intend to say any thing to wound
your feelings stammered Nellie,
glancing compassionately at poor
Harry's young widow. II knew
that Captain SeafOrth was a brave
soldier, but never, until this mo-
ment, that he was Mason
"Yes, he was q member of the
detested brotherhood. and l learn
ed to love the order for his sake.
When saw him dead, sword and
regaIia by his side, smutely speak
ing of life and glory past, there
was no room in my heart for eth
err doubt or jealousy that he had
kept one secret from me-" .s
A sigh that was half a sob we'll
ed up from the young Widows
broken heart, and with bent head
and tremulous lips, she silently
left the room. 1o
Tears were sparkling in Nellie's
eyes, but she would not acknOwl-
edge herself to be in the wrong.
Tom left his comfortable seat on
the veranda and smilingly APP
preached the chair of his lady
love. W e1
"What is that you were saying,
Nellie, about the mystic fraterni-
ty?" .hee
"I said / would not marry a
Mason, so, if you have any tho'ts
of becoming one, please remember
my unalterable resolve" she an
swered, saucily.
''If such, indeed, be your unal-
terable determination, then, dear
Nell, you will never be my wife,
for I-don't look as If you were
ready to annihilate mel am a
Mason m 3A 4 't "
"If you are Mason, Mr..
Chandos. you have shamefully de-
ceived me, and / here and now
give you back your promise, and
with it the pledge of our betroth-
AL"
She proudly drew from her fin-
gers superb diamond ring, and
calmly handed it to Mr.. ChandOs.
Take back your gift, sir, for do
assure you that / mean to keep
my word. ! will not marry a
Mason"
"Think again, DEAR said Tom.
gently. you are wee bit angry
just now, and it would be ungen-
erous of me to take you at your
word. BY tomorrow you will
have gotten over your pet, and"
"Never!" interrupted Nellie,
turning away her disturbed fea-
lures. "After what you have told
me, will not-cannot be your
"Then good-by, little Nellie.
You were ever d spoiled, wilful
child, but | had not thought you
quite SO perverse.
Tom cOolly put the ring in his
pocket, took his hat, bowed, and
in a moment was gone. 81
For the first time in all our ac-
quaintance / was really angry
with Nellie Wilson. 8
1"What a goose you are, Nell, to
discard a man who loves you so
truly, and 80 patiently puts up
with all your vexing little tenn
pers, for such q ridiculous reason.
/ am heartily ashamed of you.
Take my auvice, and recall him
before you sleep this night. To-
morrow IL may be too late; for pa