Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-06-25

fell behind with Captain Lloyd 81 want
you to promise To forget that hateful
walk in the rain and never again allude
to it,"
II am not sure that | could keep
such a promise-at least the first part. -"
chat means that you havnt forgiven
me"
II really do not feel as though had
anything to forgive, or you to ask par
don for he said pleasantly.
81 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 ofage--" he commenced,
but was interrupted by Miss Archer.
"Ncllie, are you and Charlie flirting ?
or what is that mysterious whispering
aboutY
1--WE are not flirting" returned Mr.
Gray, coolly "Miss Caldwell does not
hirt, have observed; and for myself,
you know detest it,"
~ know you have some old-lashioned
and absurd notions" retorted his cous-
in, laughing. zone must be very pr,i-
dish and ol-dfashioned to meet your
ideal Of perfect womanhood, Charlie,
And again Nellie Caldwell felt CON
scicncc-strickcn, remembering that UNI
fortunate walk, and the impression
which her conduct must have produced
on this very particular young gentle-
man.
Some time after this, there was pie
mic Mt picturesque old mill Il few
miles from town. Nellie Caldwell spent
rather u tiresome day, wondering why
it was that she could not enjoy herself
us usual and onvying Nellie Archer her
high spirits. To-day, at lcast, she OBJ
served, she and Mr.. Gray seemed to be
getting along unusually well together.
she appearing radiant, and he serenely
happy.
II wonder if they are engaged" she
thought, and did not feel nearly so elat-
ed as she ought to have done at the
probability Of such contamination.
He sought her out occasionally, but
had little to say, seeming to prefer re-
Ginning ut her feet on the turf beneath
the willows, looking dreamily on the
water or up into her face MS she talked.
Several young ladies observed that
they both looked very stupid and unin-
teresting ut each other.
| As the evening waXed lnte, there was
II sudden stir among the company. 1t
was certainly going to rain, some wealth
erwise prophet had declared, and the
elder portion of the company, Mt least,
were anxious to get safely under shelter
before tho shower came.
Mrs. Caldwell collected her dessert
spoons and her daughters, who had
come with her in the family carriage.
"Why, Nellie" said one of her young
companions, you are surely not going
so soon. 1t would spoil the party; and
besides, you will miss the plantation
songs, and your favorite Virginia reel. "
Mr. Gray stepped forward.
Would Miss Nellie accept II seat in his
buggy and would Mrs. Caldwell in
trust her daughter in his charge? If
30, Miss Nellie could remain to enjoy
the reel and yet arrive mt home almost
ny soon us the carriage with the fat and
lazy horses.
So Nellie staid, and her spirits rose
unncOollntnbly.
The final fayoritc reel was scarcely
commenced, when few scattered drops
of rain startled the gay throng An
immediate rush was mndc to the CON
yeyances.
'Don't be alarmed Mr.. Gray said,
nv he assisted Nellie into his buggy. 1T
will be- but II passing shower, probably,
and we will take the rMd through the
woods. which will afford some shelter
IN addition to that of my umbrella
A few other vehicles were going the
same way. Mr., Gryis wns the last III
the procession.
you don't object to tho mbrella2'
he said, missing it, and adjusting il to
its socket in the back Of the buggy
IL hate umbrellas Nellie returned.
DO put that tlown-there is hardly any
rain"
Nevertheless, am responsible for
your safety and good condition, 10 will
keep it up till we get to the woods,
"A little rin never hurts me.
"But il may hurt your hat Are you
il woman and never gave a thought to
that important question: Why, there
was not II young lndy on the ground to-
day who did not make that the first
consideration"
"Wcll,' said Nellie, laughing, per
haps am not much like other Young
women.
Perhaps SO. In fact, that idea pre-
scented itself To me on my first meeting
with you"
She colorcd and III, her lip but made
no answer.
"Ncllc," he said. bending forward u
little, and looking IN her face, doesn't
this remind you of--thnt evening",
Il Thought" she answered, sharply,
that YOU were never again 70 allude to
that subject
II can't help it; it is too often in my
thoughts. In fact, like to think Of
IT,
Her heart beat little At this tome.
Int She looked straight before her With
out reply.
Nellie, do you remember the request
| made of yeu that evening"
THAT request was not for me-
IT is now
Their ewes mot far nh instant