Little Falls transcript., 1880-07-02
UNDER AN UMBRELLA.

graceful contour of her shoulders, over
which fell q cluster of golden brown
ringlets. Her little feet trippel lightly
and daintily along over the rough road;
until suddenly pausing, she lifted a fresh,
sweet face, with laughing brown eyes
and dimpled mouth.
"Raining again" she said aloud; and
stepping under the shelter Of a. linden,
she pulled the hood of her cloak forward
over her little hat. And then. as the
light, April rain was driving directly, in
her face, she tied over it a thick brown
veil. "Sunshine and shower all day."
she murmured. "'The uncertain glory
of an April day Very provoking wealth
er, when one Is compelled to 20 out; but
then everything looks 80 fresh and beau.
titul that it would be really sin to COM
plain"
The sound Of quick step approaching
from behind caused her to look back. It
was already growing dusk, rendered
deeper by the lowering clouds, yet she
could discern very nice looking young
gentleman approaching, sheltered BE-
meath huge umbrella. :-4,
The girl walked on; but in a moment
the step was at her side, the umbrella was
extended over her, and gloved hand
was eagerly held forth. yer 49,
"Cousin Nellie, is it really You2''l
The girl started, and peered curlously
through her thick veil.
I'll am Nellie" she said, with some
embarrassment; but REALLY, I don't re-
cognize you -;
"Not recognize met and after only one
years absencel Why, Nellie, am I 50
much changed. And besides, did you
not receive my letter, saying that you
might expect me this week7"
II don't think I did, replied Nellie,
demurely; and at the same instant she
thought to herself:
81 wonder who it is that he takes me
.tor2''
ut is strange that you should have
missed the letter. But hope ! am not
the less welcome for coming unexpected
ly."
swell, it Is unexpectedly, 1 confess" ."
He was silent for moment; then said
in changed tone:
"You don't seem bit glad to see me,
Nellie. And .yet,lf you knew how looked
forward for this meetingp'
"That was very kind Of you, and am
sure ought to feel myself very much
iiattered."
Another omnlous silence.
IT don't care who he is,, or for whom
he takes me-" thought the fun-lovlpg
girl, as she walked demurely along be-
meath the umbrella held over her.
What right had he to address me and
call me his cousin, before making sure
who was9 Perhaps little lesson will
10 him no HARM" .. e..
"Nellie," said her companion, slowly,
''do you remember the last night that we
were together-alone in the librarys'
II can't say do, exactly"
"Imposslblel You cannot have forgot
ten it, and what you said to me In adieu.
You promised that yeu would welcome
ne back with those words.'
"What words9"
"You said: "Dear Charlie, / do love
your' Nellie, dear, won't you say them
now, as you promised2'
The young girl started. He spoke so
earnestly that she was fairly frightened,
and felt herself blushing as though the
words were addressed to herself, Nellie
Caldwell. Who the other Nellie was
the Nellie beloved by this handsome
young man-she had no idea. At any
rate, though, she began to think it was
time to put an end to this adventure.
What ri ight had she to suffer him thus
to betray his secrets TO her2 80 she
said, gravely, yet sull with a spice o
mischief:
~ think you are mistaken. am quite
sure I never said those words to any
man."
He bent little forward and looked
earnestly under the hood and at the
brown veil.
"Nellie, will you take of that veil2 I
want to see your face, and to understand
what you mean by talking in this strange
wsy9''
"Ob, you will understand it presently,
when we come to that green gate Yonder;
then will remove my vail. But how
came you to recognize mes' she asked
curiously. =
"How could have failed to recognize
you, rather. You have grown slightly
taller, perhaps, bat knew your step and
your beautiful hair, more beautiful than
ever, Nellie. I was on my way to- your
house, when at a distance. I saw you
come down the steps, and I could not re-
sist trying to overtake you for just one
word and look"
"Ohl' sala Nellie, as = light -dawned
upon her; and then to put q check upon
her companions sentimentally she added
"How it rams r. and ,quickened her pace.
"Let it rain" he answered impat,eutly,
cannon balls, If it will. want to talk
80 you, Nellie"
"Cannon-balls may suit your taste: per.
haps, but would scarcely be agreeable to
me; and as to talking out here in the
rain and darkness I am not romantic
enough for that. ....-E.s. =. = - =:
He was forced to keep by her side as
she walked brlskly on. g.. o.
"Where are you goings" he inquired,
presently. . E.: =
"Home." ...,.-'s ~. ,..' ..--.
'Home9 Why you are taking contra
direction from home" ~ ..''. ,'I.' ..-
II think not; I believe / know where
live" 49,. - 80 =. -. =. 80, = ~
: II did not know you had removcd."J >
"Did you nota All, here we are, at the
gate, Please open it, it you can, on the
inside.n ,.7 -: =. *. s.l,a. :.
He reluctantly obeyed. but raised the
latch 30 slowly as to oetain her while he
whispered: $ - -
"Nellie, you have not given me the
welcome you promised. You have not
said those words: r =
81 don't believe you rcally want me to
say them,' che answered very much in.
clined to laugh, yet aimost frightened a
her own audaclty. s =. . e. &
"Not want itf When you know how
1 love you!n :
II don't believe It. ;s me that you
love- abe returnei. pushing open the
gate. sss i...
aGood heavens, Nellie, how strangely
you talkl Who, then, do you imagine
lovea" ST s ss
81 am sure Idon't know, y, said Nellie
slowly raising her vail and pushinRs basl
4 the hood. ST don't know, but Lam cor.
+ tain It can't be me r
And she looked up il his face With !
demure pursed-up little mouth ard hs,
brown eyes shining With sappreeeed
ninth thfouoh tI lona, blerk l1Ghe8
Hs st6os = ~ - III =
Aed wit6 . g ses s N N