Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-06-03
UNDER AN UMBRELLA.

~ SLeOhAo LA4s ~ S4IloLe344l44hs Q
It was about sunset of changeful,
April day, when a young girl, lightly
descending the steps of a handsome
residence, walked briskly down the
street, which presently merged into a
shaded avenue, sprinkled with modest
villas and neat cottages. She was en-
veloped in waterproof cleak, which
revealed only the graceful contour of
her shoulders, over which fell a cluster
of golden-brown ringlets. Her little
feet tripped daintily along the rough
road, until suddenly pausing she lifted
a fresh, sweet face, with laughing
brown eyes and dimpled mouth.
Raining againw she said, aloud !;
and stepping under the shelter of a lin
den, she pulled the hood of her cloak
forward over her little hat. And then,
as the light April rain was driving
directly in her face, she tied over it a
thick, brown double veil. "Sunshine
and shower all day." she murmured.
"'The uncertain glory of an April day
Very provoking weather, when one is
compelled to 60 out; but then every
thing looks so fresh and beautiful that
il would be really sin to complain
The sound OF quick step approach
ing from behind caused her to glance
back. 1t was already growing dusk.
rendered deeper by the lowering clouds,
yet she could discern very nice look
ing young gentleman approaching,
sheltered beneath a huge umbrella.
The girl walked on but in n moment
the step was by her side, the shadow of
the umbrella extended over her, and n
gloved hand was eagerly held forth.
cousin Nellie, is it really youP"
The girl started, and peered curiously
theough her thick veil.
81 am Nellie" she said, with some
embarrassment; "but II don't re-
cognize you"
%" Not recognize me? and after only
one years absence! Why, Nellie, am
so much changed And besides, did
you not receive my letter, saying that
you might expect me this week?
81 don't think did," replied Nellie,
demurely; and at the same instant she
thought to herself:
" wonder who it is that he takes me
forp"
at is strange that you should have
missed the letter. But hope / AMI not
the less welcome for coming unexpect-
"Well, it is unexpected, | confess"
He was silent for a moment; then
said. in changed tone:
"You don't seem a bit glad to see
me, Nellie. And yet. if you knew how
have looked forward to this meesingi"
THAT was very kind of you, and
am sure | ought to feel myself very
much fattered."
Another ominous silence.
I" don't care who he is, or for whom
hn kal~ an.
girl, as she walked demureIy along be-
Meath the umbrella held over her
& What right had he to address me and
call me his cousin, before making sure
who WASP Perhaps little lesson will
do him no harm"
Nellie" said her companion.
slowly, "do you remember the last
night that we were together alone Ia
the ibraryP"
I" can't say do, exactly"
lmpossiblel You cannot have for
gotten it, and what you said to me in
adieu. You promised that you would
welcome me back with those words"
"What wordsP"
"You said: Dear Charlie, do love
your Nellie, dear, won't you say them
now, as you promisedP"
The young girl started. He spoke 80
earnestly that she was fairly frie ehtened.
and felt herself blushing as though the
words were addressed to herself. Nell
lie Caldwell. Who the other Nellie
was-the Nellie beloved by this hand
some young man she had no idea. Al
any rate, though, she began to think
it was time TO put an end to this adven-
ture. What right had she to suffer him
thus to betray his secrets TO herP So
she said, gravely, yet still with spice
Of mischief:
81 think you are mistaken. am
quite sure | never said those words to
any man."
He bent little forward and looked
earnestly under the hood and at the
brown veil.
"Nellie. will you take off that veil ?
l want to see your face, and TO under
stand what you mean by talking in
this strange wayp"
"Oh, you will understand it presently,
when we come to that green gate yon-
der; then will remove my veil. But
how came you to recognize mep" she
asked curiously.
How could have failed to recoR-
nize you, rather. You have grown
slightly taller, perhaps, but / knew
your step and your beautiful hair.
more beautiful then ever, Nellie. was
on my way to your house, when at n
distance saw you come down the steps.
and | could not resist trying to overtake
you. for just one word and look"
"OhF' said Nellie, as light dawned
upon her; and then to put check upon
her companions sentimentality, she