The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-05-26

mirers.
Some weeks gided by, in which the
acquaintance between Miss Nellie Cald-
well and Mr.. Gray imperceptibly as
sumed a more agreeable character.
His cold politeness, and her equally
cool indifference gradually thawed, and
each vaguely felt that, despite their mu-
tual efforts TO keep apart, there was
something which mysteriously drew
them together.
Nellie attributed this to her sympathy
with bis disappointment in regard to his
cousin, and often expressed the wish
that the latter would love him, as she
was sure he deserved, and make him
happy by marrying him. Itwas mex
plicable to her that any girl could prefer
Captain Lloyd to Mr.. Charlie Gray.
Neither had ever but once alluded to
their first meeting
Coming out of church one evening
Miss Archer said:
Nellie, what have you been doing
with yourself this last terribly rainy
weekP Isn't such weather enough to
give one the bluesP"
"Oh, no." she answered, cheerfully.
Il like rainy days at home, and can
always find something to amuse mep"
Even in the rain ITSELF" said Mr..
w
enviable disposition is yours, Miss Cald-
well, to be able to find fun in such a
situationp
Nellie looked up quickly, and met the
| halt-laughing glance bent upon her.
Instead of answ, ring gayly back, as was
| her wont, she colored, and her eyes filled
with tears.
"Mr. Gray" she said, as Miss Archer
| fell ehind with Captain Lloyd, 81 want
you TO promise to forget that hateful
walk in the rain, and never again allude
to it," @
81 am not sure that could keep such
a promise-at least the first part.''
THAT means that you haven't for
given me-"
Il really do not feel as though had
| anything to forgive, or you to ask pardon
for" he said, pleasantly.
:" ] was very silly and wrong, but you
see have grown older and wiser SINCE"
said Nellie, demurely.
| If the increase of wisdom is in pro-
portion to that of age" he commenced,
but was interrupted by Miss Archer.
Nellie, are you and Charlie fiirtingP
or what is that mysterious whispering
aboutP"
"We are not flirting returned Mr..
| sirt, | have observed; and for myself,
you know / detest it.",
Il know you have some old fashioned
and absurd nOtions," retorted his
| cousin, laughing. Zone must be very
prudish and old-maidish to meet your
ideal of perfect womanhood, Charlie"
Ard again Nellie Caldwell felt con-
science stricken, remem bering that un-
fortunate walk, and the impression
which her conduct must have pro-
duced on this very particular young
gentleman.
Some time after this, there was pic
mic at a picturesque old mill few miles
from town. Nellie Caldwell spent
rather a tiresome day, wondering why
it was that she could not enjoy herself
as usual, and envying Nellie Archer her
high spirits. To-day, at least, she OBJ
| served, she and Mr.. Gray seemed to be
getting a'ong unusually well together,
| she appearing radiant, and he serenely
happy.
thought, and did not feel nearly so elated
as she ought to have done at the prob
| ability of such a consummation.
He sought her out occasionally, but
| had little TO say, seeming TO prefer re-
clining at her feet on the turf beneath
the. willows, looking dreamily on the
water, or up into her face, as she talked.
Several young ladies observed that
they both looked very stupid and unin-
| terested at each other.
AS the evening waXed late, there was
sudden stir among the company. 1t
was certainly going to rain, some wealth
er-wise prophet had declared, and the
elder portion of the company, at least,
were anxious to get safely under shelter
before the shower came.
Mrs. Caldwell collected her dessert
spoons and her daughters, who had come
with ner in the family carriage.
"Why, Nellie said one of her young
companions, ''you are surely not going
so soon. Itwould spoil the party; and,
besides, you will miss the plantation
songs, and your favorite Virginia reel. y
Mr.. Gray stepped forward.
Would Miss Nellie accept seat in
! his buggyp and would Mrs. Caldwell
| intrust her daughter.in his chargeP If
| so, Miss Nellie could remain to en-
! JOY the reel and yet arrive at home al
most as soon as the carriage with the Eat
and lazy horses.
So Nellie stayed. and her spirits rose
unaccountably.
The final favorite reel was scarcely
commenced, when few scattered drops
of rain startled the gay throng. An inn
mediate rush was made to the convey
ances.
Don't be alarmed" Mr.. Gray said
as he assisted Nellie into his buggy. g II
will be but passing shower, probably
and we will take the road through the
woods, which will afford some shelter
in addition to that of my umbrella"
favrr ofha,. xyahfoloc xuara ofpinn thf
same way. Mr.. Gray's was the last in
the procession.
"You don't object to the umbrellaP
he said, raising it, and adjusting it to it'
socket in the back of the buggy.
. hate umbrellasw Nellie returned
"Do put that down-there is hardly
any rain"
Nevertheless, l am responsible fol
your safety and good condition, so viii
keep it up till we get to the woods"
"a little rain never hurts me-"