Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-06-25
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UNDER AN UMBRELLA.


descending the steps Of handsome
residence, walked briskly down tn,
street, which presently merged into n
shaded avenue, sprinkled with modest
villas and neat cottages. She was en-
veloped in waterproof cloak, which
revealed only the graceful contour Of
her shoulders, oyor which fell II cluster
of golden brown ringlcts. Her little
feet tripped daintily along the. rough
road, until suddenly pausing she lifted
fresh, sweet face, with laughing brown
eyes and dimplcd mouth.
Raining againl" she said aloud and
stepping under the shelter of II linden,
she pulled the hood of her cloak for.
ward over her little hat. And then, rs
the light April rain was driving directly
in her face, shc tied over IL thick
brown double veil Sunshine and
shower NIL day" she murmurcd, ""Thc
uncertain glory Of M April day Very
provoking weather, when one il com.
PEELED to 90 out; but then everything
looks so fresh and beautiful that il
would be really sin to complain.
The sound Of quick step approach
ing from behind caused her 10 glance
back. II WINS already growing dusk,
rendered deeper by tho lowering clouds,
yet she could discern very nice-look-
ing young gentleman approaching,
sheltered beneath II huge umbrella.
The girl walked on but in II moment
the step was by her side; the shadow Of
the umbrella extended over her, and II
gloved hand was eagerly held forth.
Cousin Nellie, il il really your"
The girl started, and pcercd curionsly
through her thick veil.
II nm Nellie" she snid, with some
embarrassment; "but, II don't rccog-
nizo you"
"Not recognize me? and after only
one years abscnce Why, Nellie, nm
80 much changed And besides, did
you not receive my letter, saying that
you might expect mo this week ?"
81 don't think did" replied Nellie,
demurcly; and Mt the same Instant she
thought to herself
II wonder who il il Tint he takes me
for2'
at is strange that you should have
missed the letter, But hope | am
not the lcss welcome for coming uncx-
pcctcdly."
"Wcllit il unexpectedly, | must con
fess"
He was silent for moment; then
said, in n changed tone:
"You don't seem II bit glad to So me
Nellie. And yet, if you knew how !
have looked forward to this meetingl"
"l'hat wns very kind Of you and |
nm sure ought to feel myself very
much battered"
Another ominous silence.
II don't care who he il, OF for whom
he takes me-" thought the hn-loving
girl, as she walked demurely along be-
meath the umbrella.
What right had he 10 address me md
cnll me his cousin, before making sure
who WASP Perhaps II little lesson will
do him no harm.
Nellie, snid her companion, slowly,
edo you remember the last night that
We were togcthcr--t was alone in the
lihrnry2'
II can't sny do, exactly"
Impossible You cannot have for
gotten it, and what You said to me IN
adicu You promised that You would
welcome me hnck with those words.
"What words?'
"You said. Doar Charlie, do love
you' Nellie dcnr, won't you say them
now NJ you promisodg'
The Young girl started. He spoke SO
earnestly that shc was fairly frightened,
and felt herself blushing ~ though tho
A.. III 10 h,panlT NnllIn
Caldwell. Who the other Nellie was--
the Nellie beloved by this handsome
young man she Ind no idea. Az any
rate, though, She began to think i wns
time 10 PIT m end to this adventure,
What right Ind SHE Ia suffer him thus
tn hctray his secrets tn hcr2 So she said,
grnvrly yet still with u spice OF mis-
chief
II think you are mistaken, am
quite sure that never said those words
To any man.
He bent little forward and looked
earnestly under the hood and NJ the
brown veil.
Nellie, will YOU take OIL TINT yolll
want To see your fnee and to understand
what you mean by talking III this
strange way.
"Oh, you willundm stand il presently
when We come to TINT green gate yon
der; then will remove my veil Blu
how came you to recognize me- sh,
asked curiously.
How could have failed to rocog
nize YOU, rather You have grown
slightly taller, perhaps, but | knew
your step and your beautiful hair, more
beautiful than ever, Nellie, | WAS ol
my way to your house, when ut II dis
ancc ! saw you come down the steps
and could not resist trying TO overtak,
YOU, for just one word and look.
OH suid Nellie, rs n light dawno'
upon her. and then to put n check npo'
her companions sentimcntality; sh
added How il rains" and qniekcnc,
her pace.
Let il rainl" he answered impatient
ly-"eannon balls, if il will. ! want I
talk TO you, Nellie
"Cannon-balls may suit Your tasl,
perhaps, but would scarcely he agrocl
bic to me; and MS 10 talking out here
Inc min and darkness. lam not ramanti