The daily gazette., 1880-03-03
NANNIE'S PLOT.
By MARQUIS WARD.

ing his valise in his hand. alf
Il wonder if Mamie got my note,
and is looking for me. Halo p
This last exclamation was drawn
from Rays lips by ripe cherry which,
coming from above somewhere, came
into sudden contact with his nose.
He looked up, and there, perched
like great bird upon the limb of a
huge old cherry tree, and looking down
at him with dancing eyes and brilliant
cheeks, was a young girl.
"How do, Lennox? Come up, and
have some cherries" was her mis-
chievous greeting.
"Nannie Is it possible ?" exclaim-
ed Lennox, sternly.
| And while Ray looked on in stern
disapproyal, the young witch swung
herself lightly down.
"Now don't look so glum, Lennox
DEAR" she said, slipping her little
hands into his with coaxing motion.
81 know it's tom-boyish to climb
the cherry tree, but then it's such
fun"
"Nannie, you should have been a
boy" said Lennox.
~ wish l 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 caressing
movement.
| "Because you are SO sweet, dar-
ling" answered Ray, melted in spite
of himself. "But do wish, Mamie,
you would leave off these hoydenish
ways, and be more dignified. -
/ q Ill Iol.n
nie.5
''Miss Isham is very superior wo-
man, and it would not hurt you to copy
her in some respects"
The tears sprang into Nannie's eyes
at his tone.
They went into the parlor, and Ray
took seat in great armchair.
Mamie, giving her curls toss back
ward went and sat down.
81 wish you would put up those fly
away curls, and dress your hair as
other young ladies do,'' said Ray.
"And see here, Mamie, Iwant to have
a talk with you. You know l love
you but in truth, my dear, my wife
must have something of the elegance
of refined society. Your manners need
polish, my dear.
81 came down to tell you that my
sister Laura is making up party to
visit the noted Watching places, and
she wishes you to be one of the num-
ber."
"Are you going ?" asked Mamie.
mo my business will not allow it
but shall see you several times. You
will go P'
II don't want to go. I'd rather stay
here in the country and climb cherry
trees every day." 81.
"Nannie must insist upon more
self-control, said he, coldly.
But don't send me away" she
pleaded. bad fs.
SIT is for your good, Mamie, and
you must be content to go. Will your"
The supper-bell rang at that instant
and Mamie hastily answered
eyes let me go, Lennox," and ran
out of the room, and upstairs to her
own chamber. -..
eyes, rll go. And I'll teach you
one lesson, Mr.. Lennox Ray see if ]
don't" she murmured.
1t was nearly the middle of Septem-
Der before Mr.. Ray, heated, dusty and
weary, entered the hotel where his sis
ter's party were stopping.
AS he entered, he met his sister
Laura.
"Lennox you here ?" she said.
eyes. Where's Mamie p''
'She was ON the piazza, talking with
French count, moment ago. All
there she is, by the door"
"Ah p said Lennox, dropping
Laura's hand, and making his way to- |
ward 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 lus-
trous robes swept the floor for yard, !
his own little Mamie of three months |
ago.
Lennox strobe up with scarce
glance at the bewhiskered dandy to
whom she was chatting, and held out
his hand with an eager exclam alton
"Nannie p
. She ma de a sweeping courtesy, and
languidIy extended the tips of her In
gers; bnt not q muscle moved beyond
what accorded with well-bred indiffer-
ence.
"Ah good evening, Mr.. Ray"
ooh, Nanhie, are you glad to see me?"
said Lennox. feeling that his heart wa
chilled within him.
"Oh, to be sure, MI. Ray, quite glad.
Allow me TO present to you my friend,
the Count De Beaurepaire. Mr.. Ray,
monsieur" -
"LeLnox hardly designed a bow to
the Frenchman, and offered his arm to
Mamie.
"You will walk with me a little
whi'e?' .a
"Thanks. but the musi, is beginning.
and promised to dance with MT.
Blair"
"But afterward," said Lennox, the
chill growing colder.
"But 1 am engaged 10 Mr.. Thornton"
"Wbeu, them" demanded Lennox,
with a jealous paDg
"Really, my card is SO full, / hardly
know. will, however, try 10 spare
you q waltz somewhere"
"Good Heaven Mamie, what affecta-
ion Is this 7
Sbe favor ed him with a we'll bred stare,
"PaTdon / do not understand you.,
And taking the arm of her escoi {, she
walked away with the air Of an en-
PRESS. {
Lennex sought his sister.
"I.a1ra, how have you changed Nan
lie 80? Re demanded.
:.'Yes, she is changed. Isn't she per-
ect?.
"Perfect? Rather too perfect to suit r
ne," growled Lennox.
"T0-,nor' ow 1 shall see more of Nan
ie," he thought. +