The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-07-01
l mysteriously drew

something which mysterio,lsly drew
them together. T., !
Nellie attributed this to her sympathy
with his disappointment in regard to his
cousin, and often expressed the wish
that the latter would love him as
he deserved, and make him happy by
marrying him. It was inexplicable to
her that any girl could prefer Captain
Lloyd to Mr.. Charlie Gray.
Neither had ever but once alluded to
their first meeting.
Coming out of church one evening
Miss Archer said:
"Nellie, what have you been doing
with yourself this last terrible rainy
week? Isn't such weather enough to
give one the blues?"
"Oh, no." she answered, cheerfully.
II like rainy days at home, and can al
ways find something to amuse me?'
Gwen in the rain ITSELF" said MIR.
Gray, on the other side. "What an en-
viable disposition is yours, Miss Cald-
we'll, to he able to find fun in such
situation %
Nellie looked up quickly, and met
the half-l:1ughing glance bent upon her.
Instead Of answering gayly back, as was
her won't she colored, and her eyes
filled with tears.
"Mr. Gray" she said, as Miss Archer
foil behind with Captain Lloyd. II want
you to promise to forget that hateful
walk in the rain and never again allude
to it,"
Il am not sure that I could keep
such promise-at least the first part"
''That means that you havn't forgiven
me-"
II really do not feel as though had
anything to forgive, or you to ask par
don for," he said pleasantly.
II was very silly and wrong, but you
see | have grown older and wiser
since" said Nellie, demurely.
eff 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
about?"
ave are not f1irting,Y returned Mr..
Gray, coolly. Miss Caldwell does not
f1irt, [ have observed; and for myself,
you knowI detest it,"
II know you have some old-fashioned
and absurd notions" retorted his cous-
in, laughing Zone must be very pru-
dish and ol-dfashioned to meet your
ideal of perfect womanhood, Charie.,'
And again Nellie Caldwell felt con-
science-stricken, rem embering that un-
fortunate walk, and the impression
which her conduct must have produced
on this very particular young gentle
man.
Some time after this, there was pic
mic at picturesque old mill a few
miles from town. Nellie Caldwell spent
rather a 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 we'll together.
she appearing radiant, and he serenely
happy.
II wonder if they are engaged" she
thought, and did not feel nearly so elat-
ed as she ought to have done at the
probability Of such contamination.
He sought her out occasionally, but
had little to say, seeming to prefer re-
clining 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-
teresting at each other.
AS the evening waxed late, there was
a sudden stir among the company. It
was certainly going to rain, some wealth
erwise 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 her 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 seat in his
buggy ? and would Mrs. Caldwell in
trust her daughter in his charge? If
SO, Miss Nellie could remain to enjoy
the reel and yet arrive at home almost
as soon as the carriage with the fat and
lazy horses.
So Nellie staid, and her spirits rose
unaccountably:
The final favorite reel was scarcely
commenced, when few scattered drops
of rain startled the gay throng. An
immediate rush was made to the con-
veyances.
Don't be alarmed" Mr.. Gray said,
as he assisted Nellie into his buggy. 1T
will be but a passing shower, probably,
and we will take the road through the
woods, which will afford some shelter
in addition to that of my umbrella"
A few other vehicles were going the
same way. MIR, Gray's was the last in
the procession.
IIXou do,,,t okioot To Tho I'm, hrollo2N