Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1880-05-13

Nellie looked up quickly, and met the
halt-laughing glance bent upon her.
Instead of answering gayly back. as was
her wont, she colored, and her eyes filled
with tears.
"Mr. Gray" she said, as Miss Archer
fell behind with Captain Lloyd, 81 want
you to promise to forget that hateful
walk in the rain, and never again allude
to it."
81 am not sure that could keep such
a promise-at least. the first part
That means that you haven't for
given me-"
:" really do not feel as though 1 had
anything to forgive, or you to ask pardon
for" he said, pleasantly.
was very silly and wrong, but you
see have grown older and wiser since, ~
said Nellie, demurely.
| 1t 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 flirting?
or what is that mysterious whispering
aboutp"
"We are not fiirting,' returned Mr..
Gray, coolly. 'sMiss Caldwell does not
firt,, | have observed; and for myself,
you know I detest it."
| Olu-ldSllOQ6U
and absurd notions,n retorted his
cousin, laughing. Gone must be very
prudish and old-maidish to meet your
ideal of perfect womanhood, Charlie"
And again Nellie Caldwell felt con-
science stricken, rememb bering 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 a 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.
:" l wonder if they are engagedp" she
thought, and did not feel nearly SO elated
as she ought to have done at the prob
ability of such a consummation.
He sought her out occasionally, but
had little to say, seeming to prefer re-
cllning 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 unin-
terested at each other.
AS the evening waxed late, there was
sudden stir among the company. 1t
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 the 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. 1t would spoil the party; and,
besides, you will miss the plantation
songs, and your favorite Virginia reel"
Mr.. Gray stepped forward.
Would Miss Nellie accept a seat in
his buggyp and would Mrs, Caldwell
intrust her daughter in his charge? If
SO, Miss Nellie could remain to en-
joy the reel and yet arrive at home al
most 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" Mr.. Gray said,
as he assisted Nellie into his buggy. cit
will be but passing shower, probably,
and we will take the road through the
woods. which will afford some shelter
in additiC4 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.
g hate umbrellasp' Nellie returned.
" Do put that down-there is hardly
any rain"
Nevertheless, l am responsible for
your safety and good condition, so will
keep it up till we get to the woods"
"a little rain never hurts me''
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 the first con-
sideration."
"Well," said Nellie, laughing, sper-
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
no answer.
Nellie" he said, bending forward a
little, and looking in her face, doesn't
this remind you of-that EVENING""
=" | thought" she answered, sharply,
+" that YOU were never again to allude to
that subject"
81 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.
'Nellie, do you remember the request
made of you that EVENING""
'That request was not for me-"
cit is now"
Their eyes met for an instant.
''Are you sure" said Nellie, half
archly, but with a strange tremor in
her voice" are you sure you are not
still taking me for some one else?"
ssQuite sure, despite your golden
hair, and your voice. and your similar
ity of name. If is Nellie Caldwell that
j now ask toto say those wordsi" he
whispered. as he clasped one of her
hands in his.
How long," said Nellie, half mis-
chievously, half seriously" how long