Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1880-04-09
W'ILLFUL NELLIE.
BY ELSIE LEIGH WHITTLEsEY


We were sitting together that bright
June afternoon" Brown-haired Nellie
Wilton lazily turning over the leaves of s
book; her betrothed T.. husband, Tom
Chandros, enjoying his cigar out on the
veranda, half hidden from view by thu
climbing roses, and my sad-eycd cousin
Mary ssafor:h, sewing by the low open
window. j,
Nellie looked so pretty, nestled down
in the great crimson chair, her lovely
face as sweet and dimpled as a child'a
that one could not help loving her, though
the most selt-willed, obstinate, provoking
little bundle OF feminine c6ntrariety thai
ever lived. Shutting the book with oh.
servable energy, she remarked in tone
OF the deepest solemnity: -.
mo never could!'
Never would what, Nellie2'' asked
Cousin Mary. "Remember, dear, we arc
ignorant OF your thoughts"
"Why, replied Nellie, "I'd never marry
Mason, that I wouldn't. if. l died an
old maid. Just fancy ones husband be
longing to lodges, taking degrees, and
possessing all sorts of secrets, not one OF
which his wife is even to know. I detest
the whole brotherhood, and all thei,
signs and mysteries.'' '. ~ =
A faint wave of color flushed for an in.
slant over Mrs. Seatorth's pale cheek.
''Did you net know, Nellie, that Harry
was Mason2'' :, =: e,
'"'No, Il. Pardon me, did not mean
to say anything to wound your feelings i
stammered Miss Nellie, glancing com.
passionately at poor Harry's young widow
II knew that Capt. Seaforth was brave
soldier, but never until this moment, thai
he was Mason" - - go
~ Yes, he was member o. the 'deteste0
brotherhood, and I learned TO love the
order for his sake. When I saw him
dead-sword and regalia by his side
mutely speaking of life and glory past
there was no room in my heart for eth
CT doubt Or jealousy that he had kept one
secret from me- go
A Sigh, that was half sob welled W
from the young widows broken heart
and with bent head and tremulous 4lipl
she silently left the room. :, ,.tt.s.? t,r
| Tears were, sparkling in ,Nellie's eyes
but she would not acknowledge herself
tO be in the wrong. ~" ' ~ -. ~ -,
Tom lett his comfortable seat on tn
lyeranda, and ,smilingly approached tn
chair Of bis pertinaciods lady love.
-, "What is that you were saying, Nellie
about the mystic fraternity9"
II said would not marry Mason; SO
If you have any, thoughts of becoming
one, please remember my unalterable. re.
solve, 'she answered saucily.
"If such indeed be your unalt cradle de
termination, then, dear Nell, you will
never become my wife; for don't lool
as if you were ready to annihllate me:
am Mason!" : So :, 5''' -. b.
s"lf you are Mason. Mr.. Chanaos, 70,
have shamefully deceived me: and !.
here and now give you back your prom
Use, and with it the pledge Of our betloth
AL" She proudly drew from her fnge
q superb diamond ring, and calmly hand
ed it to Mr.. Chandos. "Take back you
gift, sir, for 1 do assure you / mean K
keep my word, will not %. marry a Ma sfl
son.'' -, -, ''s''
9 "Think again, dear" said Tom,d gently
''You are . wee bit angry, just now, ane
it would be ungenerous OF me ITO taxi
you at your word. By tomorrow 20,
will have gotten over your pet, and
"Never?' interrupted Nellie, sturnin.
away her disturbed features. After wlia
you have told me will not-cannot b,
your wife, iEsSs ~ 80. = 90 90 sss>s,
M.sThcn good-by, little Nellie, sYor
were ever spoiled, wilful child, but j