The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-07-01
UNDER AN UMBRELLA.

It was about sunset OF q changeful,
April day, when young girl, lightly de-
scanding the steps of handsome resi-
dence, walked briskly down the street,
which presently merged into shaded
avenue, spr;nkled with modest villas and
neat cottages. She was enveloped in q
waterproof cloak, which revealed only the
graceful contour of her shoulders, over
which fell cluster Of golden brown
ringlets. Her little feet tripped lightly
and daintily along over the rough road,
until suddenly pausing, she lifted a fresh,
sweet face, with laughing brown eyes
and dlmpled mouth.
Raining agaln!' she said aloud; and
stepping under the shelter Of 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 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 go out; but
then everything looks so 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.
The girl walked on; but in a moment
the step was at her side, the UNI brella was
extended over her, and gloved hand
was eagerly held forth.
"Cousin Nellie, is it really you?'
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 me2 and after only one
years absence! Why, Nellie, am I so
much changed. And besides, did you
not receive my letter, saying that you
might expect me this week?''
II don't think did. replied Nellie,
.demurely; and atsthe same, instant she
thought to herself:
II wonder who it is that he takes me
fora"
ut is strange that you should have
missed the letter. But hope J am not
the less welcome for coming unexpected
ly."
well, it Is unexpectedly, confess
He was silent tor q moment; then said
in changed tone:
''You don't seem a bit glad to see me,
Nellie. And ,yet,lf you knew how l looked
forward for this meetingm
':That was very kind of you, and I am
sure ought to feel myself very much
battered"
Another OMNIBUS silence.
II don't care who he is, or for whom
he takes me-" thought the fun-lovlng
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 VASE Perhaps q little lesson will
!, do him no HARM
"Nellie," said her companion, slowly,
ssdo you remember the last night that we
were together-alone in the liprary?''
II can't say I do, exactly
'sImposslble! You cannot have forgot
ten it, and what you said to me in adieu.
You promised that you would welcome
ne back with those Words
''What words2''
''You said: "Dear Charlie, I do love
you'll" Nellie, dear, won't you say them
now, as you promiseds''
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 right had she to suffer him thus
to betray his secrets 10 here So she
said, gravely, yet srlll with spice Of
mischief:
81 think you are mistaken. am quite
sure never said those words to any
man.
he bent little forward and looked
earnestly under the hood and at the
brown veil
ssNellie, will you take off that veila
want to see your face, and to understand
what you mean by talking in this strange
ways''
s'Oh, you will understand it presently,
when we come to that green gate yonder
then Twill remove my vail. But how
came you to recognize me2" she asked
curiously.
GLOW could have failed to recognize
you, rather. You have grown slightly
taller, perhaps, but knew your step and
your beautiful hair, more beautiful than
ever, Nellie. was on my way to your
house, when at q distance I saw YOU
/. come down the steps, and I could not re-
sist trying to overtake you for just one
word and loOk.''
sob" sald Nellie, as light dawned
upon her; and then to put check upon
her companion sentimentally, she added !:
SHOW it ralnsl'' and quickened her pace.
vi "Let it rain !" he answered impatieutly,
cannon balls, If it will. I want to talk
20 you, Nellie"
aCannon-balls may suit your taste. per-