The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-07-01

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her wont, she colored and her ewes filed
with tears.
Mr.. Gray she said, as Miss Archer
fell behind with Captain Llovd. 1T want
you to promise to forget that hateful
walk IN the rain, and never again allude
to it. b
Il am not sure that could keep such
q promise at least the first part. |"
THAT means that you haven 7 forgiven
me- So.
II really do not feel as though / had
anything to forgive or you to ask pardon
for: he said pleasantly.
| 81 was very silly and wrong, but YOU
see have grown older and wiser since, .
said Nellie, demurely. Il.
"If the increase Of wisdom is in pro-
portion to that Of ge-" he commenced,
but was interrupted by Miss Archer.
Nellie, are you and Charlie firting2
or what is that mysterious whispering
abouta'' 's nm D
| We are not firting,'' returned Mr..
Gray, coolly. 'sMiss Caldwell does not
firt, have observed and for myself you
know detest It, ;. #
II know you have some old fashioned
and absurd notions, J" retorted his cousin,
laughing Gone must be very prudish and
old-maidish to meet your ideal of perfect
Womanklnd, Charlie
And again Nellie Caldwell felt con
sclence-stricken, remembering that un-
fortunate walk, and the impression
! which her conduct must have produced
on this very particular young gentle
man.
Some time after this, there was pic
mic at the picturesque old mill few
| miles from town. Nellie Caldwell spent
rather a tireseme 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 along unusually well together,
she appearing radiant, and he serenely
happy. .
81 wonder if they are engaged9' she
thought, and did not feel nearly 30 elated
as she ought to have done at the proba-
bility Of such q contamination
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 wa
ter, 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 a
sudden stir among the company. It was
certainly going to rain, some weather
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 her in the family carriage
"Why, Nellie said one OF her young
companions, "you are surely not going
so soon. It would spell the party; and
besides, you will miss the plantation
songs, and your favorite Virginia reel. Z
Mr.. Gray stepped forward
| Would Miss Nellie accept seat in his
buggy? and would Mrs. Caldwell intrust
her daughter to his charge? IF so, Miss
Nellie could remain and enjoy the reel
and yet arrive home almost as. soon as, the
carriage with the fat 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 i'm
mediate rush was made to the convey
ances.
"Don't be alarmed z Mr.. Gray said, as
he assisted Nellie into his buggy. cit
will be but q passing shower, probably,
and we will take the path through the
woods, which will afford some shelter in
addition to that of my umbrella"
| A few other vehicles were going the
same road. Mr.. Gray's was the last in
the procession.
"You don t object to the umbrella" he
said, raising it and adjusting it to it's
socket in the back of the buggy.
| ~ hate umbrellas!'' Nellie returned.
''Do put that down-there is hardly any
rain.''
Nevertheless, I am responsible for
your safety snd good condition, so will
keep it up till we get to the woods
"a little rain never hurts mes
"But it may hurt your hat. Are you a
| woman, and never gave thought to that
important question? Why there was not
a young lady on the ground to-day who
did not make that TIE first consideration. :,
"Well' said Nellie laughing, perhaps
am not much like other 20 ung wemen.' ?
Perhaps so. In fact, that idea pre-
sented itself to me at our first meeting.
She colored and bit her lip but made
| no answer
| Nellie he said, bending forward a
little, and looking in her face, ssdoesn't
this remind you Of that evenings''
II thought" she answered, sharply,
s'that you were never again to allude to
that subject
~ can't help it; it is too often in my
thoughts. In fact, like to think of it,
Her heart beat little at his tone, but
she looked straight before her, without
reply.
"Nelie, do you remember the request
made of you that EVENING"
| ''That request was not for me.
| SIT is now
| Their eyes met tor an instant.
ssAre you sure, said Nellie half archly,
but with strange tremer in her voice
are you sure you are not still taking me
for some one else2''
.Quite sure, despite your golden hair,
and your voice, and yeur similarity Of