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

Nellie Caldwell was correct in her an
ticipation Of again. meeting with Mr..
Charles Gray The society of the little
town was very gay; and what with church
fairs, and parties, anil other social amuse-
ments, it was impossible that these two
should not be thrown together.
Nellie blushed, despi to her uttermost en-
deavors to look unconscious when Mr..
Gray was first presented to her; but the
gentleman was so cool and composed that
she actually doubted whether he had rec
ognized her.
He conversed with her a little, danced
wi9h her once, and, as she observed, was
chiefly interested in watching Nellie Arch
er and Captain Lloyd. And Miss Archer,
proud to show off her handsome cousin.
and her own influence over him. treated
him very sweetly in the intervals Of her
flirting with other adnnirers.
Some weeks glided by, in which the ac-
quaintance between Miss, Nellie Caldwsll'
and Mr.. Gray impercept nqaed
more agreeable character. ~
His cold politeness, and her equally cool
Indifference gradually thawed, and each
vaguely felt that, despite their mutual eff
forts to keep apart. there was something
which mysteriously drew them together
Nellie attributed this to her sympathy
with his disappointment in regard to his
cousin. and often expressed the wish that
the latter would love him, as she was sure
he deserved, and make him happy by mar
rying him. It was inexplicable to her
that any girl could prefer Captain Lloyd
to Mr.. Charlie Gray.
Neither had ever but once alluded to
their first meeting.
Coming out of church one evening, M ISIS
Archer said:
Nellie, what have you been doing with
yourself this last terribly rainy week?
Isn't such weather enough to give one the
blues?'
"Oh, no" she answered, cheerfully. 81
like rainy days at home, and can always
find something to amusc me.''
''Even the rain itself,'' said Mr.. Gray,
on her other side. sWhat enviable dispo-
sition is YOURS, Miss Caldwell, TO be able
to find .fu1,' in such situationl"
Nellie looked up quickly, and met the
half-laughing glace bent upon her. In
stead of answering gaily back. as was her
won't. she colored, and her eyes filed with
tears
"Mr. Gray" she said, as Miss Archer
fell behind with Captain Lloyd, II want
you to promise to forget that hateful walk
in the rain, and never again allude to. it. !"
Il am not sure that could keep such a
promise-at least the first part
"That means that you haven't forgiven
me-"
Il really do not feel as though I had
anything to forgive, or you to ask pardon
for" he said, pleasantly.
81 was very silly and wrong, but you see
l have grown older and wiser since,' said
Nellie, demurely.
elf the increase of wisdom is in proper
tion to that of age he commenced, but
was interrupted by Miss Archer:
"Nellie. are you and Charlie flirting? or
what is that mysterious whispering
about?'
"We are not flirting" returned Mr..
Gray, coolly. "Mlss Caldwell does not
firt, have observed; and for myself, you
know detest IT'D
-"You know you have some old-fashion-
ed and absurd notions,'' retOrted his cou-
SIN, laughing. Zone must be very pru-
dish aud old-maidish to meet your ideal of
perfect womanhood, Charlie"
And again Nellie Caldwell felt con-
science-stricken, remembering that I'M
fortunate walk, and the impression which
her conduct must have produced on this
very particular young gentleman.
| Some time after this, there was picnic
at picturesque old mill a few miles from
town. Nellie Caldwell spent rather tire
some day, wondering why it was that she
she could not enjoy herself as usual, and
envying Nellie Archer her high spirits.
To-day, at least. she observed, she and
Mr.. Gray seemed to be getting along I'M
usually we'll together, she appearing radl-
ent, and he serenely happy.
| WOuucI IL 1uoy 0Ao OhsNSoo' oAi0
thought, and did not feel nearly so elated
as she ought to have done at the probabili-
ty of such contamination.
He sought her out occasionally, but had
little to say, seeming to prefer reclining at
her feet on the turf beneath the willows,
looking dreamily ON the water, or up into
her face, as she talked.
Several young ladies observed that they
both looked very stupid and unlnterested
in each other.
AS the evening waxed late, there was a
sudden stir among the company. 1t was
certainly going to rain, some weather
wise prophet had declared, and the elder
portion of the company, at least, were anx-
ious to get safely under shelter before tile
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. 1t would spoil the party; and, be-
| sides. you will miss the plantation songs,
and your favorite Virginia reel"
Mr. Gray stepped forward.
| Would Miss Nellie accept seat in his
buggy? and would Mrs. Caldwell intrust
her daughter in his charge? If so Miss
Nellie could remain to enjoy the reel and
the plantation melodies, which were really
worth hearing, and yet arrive at home
almost as soon as the carriage with the fat
lazy horses.
So Nellie stayed, and her spirits rose
unaccountably.
The plantation songs were scarcely SURF
and the favorite reel commenced, whel s
fom GO nftared drons Of ain sta rtled thu e.o.