Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1880-05-21

J
the steps, and could not resist trying to
overtake you. for just one word and look. p"
'.Oh!" said Nellie, as light dawned
upon her, and then to put a check upon
her companion IS sentlmentality, she add
ed: s'How it rains!'' and quickened her
pace.
LET it rain,' he answered impatiently
-"cannon balls if it will. I want to talk
to you, Nellie"
ssCannon balls may suit your taste, per-
haps, but would scarcely be agreeable to
me; and as to talking out here in the rain
and darkness, am not romantic enough
for that"
He was forced to keep by her side as she
walked briskly on.
"Where are you going?" he inquired,
presently.
Home"
"Home? Why you are taking contra
~ direction from home"
Il think not; I believe l know where /
live.',
II did not know you had removed"
"Did you not? All, here we are, at the
gate. Please open 1t if you can. On the
inside"
| He reluctantly obeyed, but raised the
latch so slowly as to dotain her while he
whispered:
''Nellie, you have not given me the well
come you promised. You have not said
those words"
II don't believe you really want me to
say Them" she answered, very much IN
clined to laugh, vet almost frightened at
her own audacity.
mot want it? when you know how
love you'll
81 don't believe it is me that you love. y
she returned, pushing open the gate.
s'Good heavens, Nellie, how strangely
you talk! Who, then, do you imagine l
love?"
Il am sure don't know" said Nellie,
slowly raising her veil and pushing back
the hood. 81 don't know, but I'm certain
it can't be me!'
Ard She looked up in his face with a
demure, pursed up little mouth. and brown
eyes shining with suppressed mirth through
their long, black lashes.
He stood gazing upon her as if petritieo
with establishment. Then deep flusf
crimsoned his handsome face, and hi
eyes flashed with an indignant light.
81 beg your pardon!'' he said, with cere
monious politeness. 'Of course it is
mistake Oh my part"
II suppose it was," said Nellie, demure
ly.
I'll mistook you for another" he sale
both embarrassed and angry.
''Was that my fault?" she returned.
s'But you-you certainly allowed me tt
rest under the delusion."
'That was for fun"
s'Fun?"
sPerhaps was wrong. Indeed 1 now
rather think that was,'' said Nellie, col
oring beneath his gaze. ''But as nelthe
of us shall ever mention this adventure,
suppose no harm is done' she added cool
ly.
He regarded her an instant with
; strange undecided expression.
81 beg your pardon! am keeping yo'
in the rain,'' he said. ''Good-evening!'
And lifting his hat with icy politeness
he walked away.
Nellie. as she entered the house, was me
by her elder sisters with shower OF ques
lions as to who was that elegant-lookins
man. how she had met him. and what h
had said.
Unlike herself in general she returne'
brief replies; and, escaping to her owl
room, threw aside her water proof. chang
ed her dress, and seating herself befor
the fire, gazed absently into the glowin
embers. Presently she laughed, then bi
her lips with vexed expression, and final
lY began to cry.
81 wonder what makes me do such silly
unlady-like things?" she thought. II an
always getting into some ridiculous scrap'
or other. What an opinion he must hav
of me? I'shall be really ashamed to nee
him again, as suppose must, ii he
Mr.. Gray"
Then her mood changed.
81 don't care. He may be as dignife
as he rleases. but he shall never see tina
trouble myself even. to remember thi
ridiculous walk, and that horrid umbrel
la!''
Presently another change came over hel
''Poor fellow! 1 can't help plying him
for fear this has been merely a rehearsa
of the real act. Why, Nellie Archer wa
in the parlor with Captain Lloyd nearl
two hours this afternoon, when she mus
have known from that letter, of Charlie
coming. wonder If she ever said to tn
captain or to young DR.. Bliss-what.s SD
said to her cousinp Poor fellow! AN
Nellie has been showing his letters to a.
the girls! She could not have done so ha
: she loved him.