Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-11-03

was for tnat moment the center Of at
traction, and a source OF wonder TO the
group Of loungers which usually fire..
guent village depots at the incoming
Of a train, he leisurely walked up to the
bar of the neat little hotel and called
for a glass of wine, which he drank with
a certain off-hand carelessness that
proved lie was not stranger at the
business. He then drew from his cigar
case a real Havana-he always carried
them with him, for fear be could not
sometimes meet with the genuine artir
clc-and lighting 1t walked out upon
the piazza for q smoke.
A man in a ragged coat, and with a
nose shining forth like beacon light
of warning, nudged his neighbor with
his elbow. and whispered, shrilly,-
Say, do you know that chap?'
No, l don't. Something better'n
common-leastws in his own opln
ion, was grufly answered in no very
low tone of voice, as he scowled at the
stranger.
Paul Ridgeway must have heard but
his face did not betray the fact by the
least charge iiom lis former careless,
Indifferent expression. He threw him.
self down upon the broad, wooden
settee by one OF The open windows Of
the bar room, and, leaning his bead
back, appeared entirely absorbed in
watching the pale blue wreathes OF
smoke cnrling upward from his cigar.
so Miss Leslie's going to take
boaIders this summer remarked he Of
the beacon nose.
Il believe so, replied his companion,
Though l don't see the need Of it.
They have advertised, and Miss Leslie
has engaged my Becky Jaue to help
her when the boarders cOme.'
Well said the first speaker, Miss
Leslie's a mighty fine woman, my way
of thinking, and good looking one,
TOO. It's strange she's been overlook
ed so long; what with one Of the finest
farms iu the country, and snug bank
account, she's a prize. Though Miss
Leslie's not old by any means, there's
many a gal has married younger; but
l 'spose some fortune huntin' city chap
will gobble her up yet. She's a rich
prize
1 hope not replied the o.her.-
Miss Leslie is deserving OF a good
husband, and l think the right one will
come along yet.'
Ifanyone had watched Paul Ridge
way during this conversation he wonld
have thought he had not heard at all,
so little interest did his Indifferent face
portray; but be heard every word, and
the gossip had interested him just this
much: it had entirely changed his
plans. When be FIRST got of the train
at the little village, he only intended
remaining few days to sketch some
wild, beautiful scenery which had at
tracted him; for Paul Ridgeway called
himself an artist; but during the last
few moments he had decided to remain
there for the summer.
He arose lazily from his seat, threw
away the remainder of his cigar, and
taking his portmanteau, left the hotel,
To the first boy he met be said,-
Say, my fine little fellow, will you
show me the way to Miss Leslie's
house' will pay you we'll for your
trouble
The lads eyes fairly sparkled with
eargerness as he answered.
Yes, sir, will
Some twenty minutes after, Paul
Ridgeway was ringing the bell at the
door of one Of the most quaint, PIC
turesque farmhouses he had ever seen,
nestled in lovely valley, almost coy-
cred with honeysuckle and creeping
rose vines which clambered from ve-
randa to gable in the widest luxury
imaginable.
The door was Immediately opened,
and our hero stood face TO face with a
laly!of about thirty-five, OF medium
height, slightly inclined to pollteuesS'
with fair skin, blue eyes, and a sweet
smile which displayed set Of well pre-
served teeth, and kept the dimples
dancing III her cheeks.
sIwould like 10 see Miss Leslie, II
you please
That is my name replied the lady,
'Will you walk in, sir?'
She 10 at least good looking; that is
a comfort thought Paul. Thank
you,' he said, aloud. 1 haye been in
formed that you intend keeping board
ers, and called to see if 1 could obtain
board here this summer. lam an ar
tlst, and the scenery about here is very
ine.'
Walk in, and we will talk the mat
ter over,' said Miss Leslie, throwing
wide the door Of the elegant little par
lor.
The dining room also opened into
the ball, and as Paul passed the door
he caught glimpse of graceful little
figure in a neat print dress, with q
snowy collar at The throat, fastened
with tiny gold pin : mass OF brown
curls tied back with blue ribbon, anc
for a second his eyes met the glance ol
pair OF laughing brown ones.
Il wonder who she can 81? though
Paul, as he and Miss Leslie satin th'