The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-05-26
UNDER AN UMBRELLA.

1t was about sunset OF a changeful,
April day, when n young girl, lightly
descending the steps Of handsome
residence, walked briskly down the
street, which presently merged into a
shaded avenue, sprinslCd with modest
villas ard neat cottages. She was en-
velopcd i'll II waterproof clak, which
Ayealed only the gr ceful contour OF
Mr. shoulders, over which iel cluster
Of golden brown ringlets. Her little
feet tripped daintily along the rough
road. unVs~eu ldenly pausing she lifted
n fresh, sweet face, with laughing
brown eyes and dimpled mouth.
Raining again" she said. aloud;
and stepping under the shelter of IA lin
den. 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 tiFNWbver it a
thick, brown double veil. Sunshine
and shower all day." she murr,ured
"'The uncertain glory of an April day.'
Very pro1oking weather, when one is
compelled 10 go out; but then every
thing looks so fresh and beautiful that
IL would be really sin TO complain
The sound OF quick step approach
irg from behind caused her to glance
rendered deeper by the lowering clouds,
yet she could discern very nice look
ing young gentleman approaching,
sheltered beneath huge umbrella.
The girl walked on but in moment
the step was by her side, the shadow OF
the umbrella extended over her, and a
gloved hand was eagerly held forth.
cousin Nellie, is it really youp"
The girl started, and peered curiously
theough her thick veil.
81 am Nellie" she said, with some
embarrassment; "but II don't re-
oosnise you"
Not recognize mep and after only
one years absencel Why, Nellie, am /
30 much changed And besides, did
you not receive my letter, saying that
you'might expect me this weekp"
II don't think did, replied Nellie,
demurely; and at the same instant she
thought to herself:
Il wonder who it is that he takes me
forP"
alt is strange that you should have
missed the letter. But hope | ami not
the less welcome for coming unexpect-
edly."
"Well, it is unexpected, 1 confess"
He was silent for a moment; then
said. in a changed tone:
"You don't seem bit glad to see
me, Nelli, And yet, if you knew how
/ have &6ked forward to this meeting"
, THAT was very kind of you, and l
am sure / ought to feel myself very
mach flatteTed."
Another ominous silence.
Il don't care who he is, or for whom
he takes me-" thought the fun-loving
girl, as she walked demurely along be-
meath the umbrella held over her.
What fright had he to address me and
call me his cousin, before making sure
who WASP Perhaps little lesson will
do him no harm.n
Nellie" said her companion,
slowly, "do you remember the last
night that we were together alone in
the libraryP"
"I can't say do, exactly"
Impossible! You cannot have for
gotten it. and what you said to me in
adieu. You promised that you would
welcome me back with those words"
What wordsg"
"You said; Dear Charlie, do love
your Nellie, dear, won't you say them
now, as you promisedP"
The young girl started. He spoke 50
earnestly that she was fairly frig hteued
and felt herself blushing as though the
words were addressed to herself, Mel
lie Caldwell. Who the other Nellie
was-the Nellie beloved by this hand
some young man she had no idea. Al
any rate, though, she began to thinl
it was time to put an end to this adven
ture. What right had she to suffer hin
thus to betray his secrets to herP 81
she said, gravely, yet still with spic'
of mischief:
q think you are mistaken. l an
quite sure / never said those words U
any man"
He bent a little forward and looke'
earnestly under tie hood and at tn
brown veil.