Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-06-03

you to promise TO forget that hateful
walk in the rain, and never again allude
to it."
"I am not sure that could keep such
n promise-at least the first part"
THAT means that you haven't for
given me-"
Il really do not feel as though had
anything to forgive, or you to ask pardon
for" he said, pleasantly.
"I 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 of age" he commenced,
| but was interrupted by Miss Archer.
"Nellie, are you and Charlie flirtingp
or what is that mysterious whispering
aboutP"
"We are not flirting" returned Mr..
Gray, coolly. miss Caldwell does not
fiirt,. I have observed; and for myself,
you know detest it,"
81 know you have some d-fashioned
and absurd netions," retorted his
cousin, laughing. Zone must be very
prudish and old-maidish to meet your
ideal of perfect womanhood, Charlie"
And again Nellie Caldwell felt con-
science-stricken, remembering that un-
fortunate walk, and the impression
which her conduct must have pro-
duced on this very particular young
gentleman.
Some time after this, there was pic
mic at a picturesque old mill few miles
from town. Nellie Caldwell spent
rather tiresome 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.
thought, and did not feel nearly so elated
as she ought to have done Mt the prob
ability of such 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
water, or up into her face, rs she talked
Several young ladies observed that
they both looked very stupid and unin-
terested ut each other.
AS the evening waxed late, there was
a sudden stir among the company. II
was certainly going to rain, some wealth
er-wise prophet had declared, and the
elder portion of the company, at least,
were anxious to get safely under shelter
before tne shower came.
Mrs. Caldwell collected her dessert
spoons and her daughters, who had come
with ner in the family carriage.
Why, Nellie" said one of her young
companions, you are surely not going
so soon. II would spoil the party; and,
besides, you will miss the plantation
songs, and your favorite Virginia reel"
MIR. Gray stepped forward.
Would Miss Nellie accept n seat in
his buggy9 and would Mrs. Caldwell
intrust her daughter in his charge? II
so, Miss Nellie could remain to en-
JOY the reel and yet arrive at home al
most rs soon MS 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" Mr.. Gray said,
rs he assisted Nellie into his buggy. "It
will be but a passing shower, probably,
and we will take the road 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.. Gray's was the last in
the procession.
You don't object to the umbrellaP"
he said, raising it, and adjusting It to its
socket in the back of the buggy.
q hate umbrellasm Nellie returned.
"Do put that down-there is hardly
any rain"
Nevertheless, / am responsible for
your safety and good condition, so will
keep 1t up till we get to the woods"
"A little rain never hurts me-"
But il may hurt your hat. Are YOU
n woman, and never gave a thought to
that important question: Why, there
was not n young lady on the ground to-
day who did not make that the first con-
sideration."
"WelI," said Nellie, laughing. "per-
haps | am not much like other young
women"
Perhaps so. In fact, that idea pre-
sented itself TO me on my first meeting
with you"
She colored and bit her lip but made
Nellie" he said, bending forward n
little, and looking in her face, doesn't
this remind you of-that eveningP"
thought" she answered, sharply,
that you were never again to allude to
that subject"
II can't help it; it is too often in my
thoughts. In fact, I like TO think OF
it."
Her heart beat little mt his tone. but
she looked straight before her, without
reply.
Nellie, do you remember the request
made of you that eveningP"
THAT request was not for me-"
"It IL now"
Their eyes met for m instant.
Are you sure" said Nellie, half
archly, but with n strange trcmor in
her voice-"are you sure you arc not
still taking me for some one elsep"
hair. and your voice. and your similar
ity of name. II is Nellie Caldwell that
| now ask toto say those words I" he
whispered. as he clasDed one of her
| hands In his