The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1880-05-27
2aotes' portfolto.
Nature Versus Art.

valise in his hand. His sweetheart had
been spending the summer in the noun
talns.
81 wonder if Mamie got my note and is
looking for me? Halo"
This last exclamation was drawn from
Rays lips by a cherry, which descending
from above, somewhere, came into sudden
contact with his nose.
He looked up, and saw, perched upon the
limb of a huge old cherry tree, and looking
down at him with dancing eyes and brilliant
cheeks, a young girl, the object OF his ado
ration.
"How do, Lennox? Come up and have
some cherries!' was her mischievous greet
TNannie! Is it possible" exclaimed
Lennon, severely.
And while Ray looked on in stern disap
proval, the young witch swung herself
lightly down.
Now, don't look SO grum, Lennox,
DEAR she said slipping her little hands in
to his, with a coaxlng motion.
ma ,nie. you should ! q e been a boy"
81 wish | had No, | don't either for
then you wouldn't have fallen in love with
me. What made you, dear % with a fond
glance and a careSslng movement.
Because you are so sweet, darling,
answered Ray, melted in spite of himself;
but | do wish, Mamie, you would leave
off those hoydenish ways and be more dig
ni6ed."
Like Miss Isham?" asked Mamie.
Miss Isham is a Very superior woman,
and it would not hurt you to copy her in
some respects"
They went into the parlor, and Ray took
a seat in a great armchair.
Mamie, giving her curls a toss backward,
sank on the sofa.
II wish you would put up those fy-away
curls and dress your hair as other young la
dies do" said Ray. And really, Mamie,
want to have a talk with you. You know
| love you; but in truth, my dear, my
wife must have something Of the elegance
of refined society. l came to tell you that
sister Laura is making up a party to visit
the watering places, and she wishes you to
be one of the number"
Are you going ?" asked Mamie.
"No; my business will not allow it but
I shall see you several times
81 don't want to 60. I'd rather stay
here in the country and climb cherry-trees
every day."
lit is for your good, Mamie, and you
ought to be content to go. Will your
The supper bell rang at that instant, and
Mamie hastily answered:
"Yes let me GO. Lennox,' and ran out
Of the room, and up stairs to her own
chamber.
"Yes, I'll 90. And Ill teach you one
lesson, Mr.. Lennox Ray; see if | don't
she murmured.
1t was nearly the middle Of September
before Mr.. Ray, heated, dusty and weary,
entered the hotel where his sisters party
was stopping.
''Lennox you here % said she.
Eyes. Where's Nannie?"
''She was on the piazza, a moment ago,
talking with a French count. There she is,
by the door
"Ahl" said Lennox, dropping Laura's
hand, and making his way toward the door.
But it was difficult, even when he drew
near, to see in the stylish, stately lady,
whose hair was put up over a monstrous
chignOn, and whose lustrOus robes swept
the floor for a yard, his own little Mamie
of three months ago.
Lennox strobe up with scarce a glance at
the bewildered dandy to whom she was
chatting, and held out his hand with an ex-
clamation
"Nannie!"
She made a sweeping courtesy, and
~languidly extended the tips of her fingers /;
but not Il muscle moved beyond what ac-
corded with well bred Indifference.
"Ah good evening, Mr.. Ray"
"Why, Mamie, aren't you glad to see
me?'
"Oh, to be sure, Mr.. Ray, quite glad.
Allow me to present my friend, the Count
de Beaurepaire. Mr.. Ray, Monsieur"
Lennox hardly deigned a bow to the
Frenchman, and offered his arm to Mamie.
You will walk with me a little while?"
''Thanks-but the music is beginning,
and | promised to dance with Mr.. Blair"
But afterward," said Iennox.
Il am engaged to Mr.. Thornton"
When. them demanded Lennox, will
a jealous pang.
Really, my card is SO full hardly know
| will, however, try and spare you a sci
some time tonight"
Good Heavens Mamie, what afecta
ton is this -
She favored him with a we'll bred stare
Pardon, | do not understand you
And taking the arm of her escort, sh,
walked away with the air of an empress.
L.: &