Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-04-04
WILLFUL NELLIE.
BY ELSIE LEIGH wHITTLEsEY.

We were sitting together that bright
June afternoon. Brown-haired Nellie
Wilton lazily turning over the leaves of a
book; her betrothed husband, Tom
Chandros, enjoying his cigar out on the
veranda, half hidden from view by the
climbing roses, and my sad-eyed cousin,
Mary Seafor:h, sewing by the low open
window.
Nellie looked so pretty, nestled down
in the great crimson chair, her lovely
face as sweet and dimpled as a child's
that one could not help loving her, though
the most selt-willed, obstinate, provoking
little bundle OF feminine contrariety that
ever lived. Shutting the book with OBJ
servable energy. she remarked in a tone
OF the deepest solemnity:
mo never couldn
Never would what, Nellie?" asked
Cousin Mary. "Remember, dear, we are
ignorant OF your thoughts"
"Why, replied Nellie, "I'd never marry
a Mason, that 1 wouldn't, if 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. l detest
the whole brotherhood, and all their
signs and mysteries
A faint wave of color iushel for an in
slant over Mrs. Seatorth's pale cheek.
"Did you net know, Nellie, that Harry
was q Mason2'
"No, I. Pardon me, I did not mean
to say anything to wound your feelings, y
stammered Miss Nellie, glancing com,
.passionately at poor Harry's young widow
II knew that Capt. oeaforth was brave
soldier, but never until this moment that
he was Mason"
Yes, he was member Of the 'detested
Brotherhood and 1 learned to love the
order for his sake. When 1 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
er doubt or jealousy that he had kept one
secret from me.
A sigh that was hat sob welled UP
from the young widows broken heart
and with bent head and tremulous lips
she silently left the room.
Tears were sparkling in Nellie's eyes
but she would not acknowledge herself
to be in the wrong.
Tom left his comfortable seat on the
veranda, and smilingly approached the
chair of his pertinaclous lady love.
"What is that you were saying, Nellie
about the mystic fraternity?'
81 said would notjjmarry Mason; so
if you have any thoughts of becoming
one, please remember my unalterable re-
solve," she answered saucily.
eff such indeed be your unal cradle de-
termination, then, dear Nell, you viii
never become my wife; for don't look
as if you were ready to annih1late me-
am Mason!"
eff you are Mason, Mr.. Chandos, you
have shamefully deceived me: and
here and now give you back yosr prom
Use, and with it the pledge of our bet1oth-
al" She proudly drew from her finger
superb diamond ring, and calmly hand.
ed it to Mr.. Chandos. "Take back your
gift, sir, for I do assure you 1 mean tc
keep my word. Will not marry Ma
son."
"Think again, DEAR" said Tom, gently
"You are wee bit angry, just now, and
it would be ungenerous OF me 10 take
you at your word. By tomorrow you
will have gotten over your pet, and"
"Never!'' interrupted Nellie, turning
away her disturbed features. After what
you have told me 1 will not-cannot be
your wife,"
"Then good-by, little Nellie. You
we're ever spoiled, wilful child, but l
had not thought you quite so perverse.'
Tom cody put the ring in his pocket,
took his hat, and in moment he was
gone.
For the first time in all our acquaint-
ance I was really angry with Nellie
Winton.
''What goose you are, Nellie, to dis
card a man who loves you so truly, and
SO patiently puts up with all your vex1ng
tempers, for such a ridiculous reason. |
am heartily ashamed of you, that 1 am.
Take nv advice, and recall him before
you sleep this night. Tomorrow it may
be too late, for patience, like everything
else, has its limits, and fancy you have
now tried Tom to the utmost
"Neverl' she cried, bursting into tears.
"And it is cruel of you, Ruth, to take
sides against me; won't beg him to
return! L won't, even If 1t break my
hea-r-rtr'
"You could not have loved Mr.. Chan
dos very deeply, that's certain, and SO
perhaps it's just as well that yoa should
be free of him." 1 said, with assumed in
difference.
"But l did!' she flashed out, hotly,
trying in vain to stihe her sobs. II did
love him dearly, and l don't care who
knows it! And you are crnel, heart
less creature that you are, Ruth Forrest,
to suppose that didn'tl''
Then why in the name of common
sense, Nell, did you send him to the
right-about so summarily."
''Oh, dear, how stupid you are, Ruth
Don't you see 1 had to, after what I'd