Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-08-31


in bis life forgot 10 relisht his cigar.
The day came at last when, from the
stufry city hsuse, the Rayners moved
10 the pretty, roomy, raftsred cottage,
where boneysuckle and wild roses strag-
oled at their ewn sweet will over roof
and porch.
And Viva, coming home from tile
dusty city three evenings in the week.
pale and tired, frightened and laughed
her own low, happy laugh at the sight
of her mothers face-grown young
sgain-at the window, at the sound OF
Dick and Jessie's bolstereus laughter.
1t was curious all the repairing that
cottage needed after they moved in. 1t
was more curious that their quiet, hand
some landlord should Insist on super
vlslng it all himself,
He grew lnto their simple lives In
those days. Mrs. Raypsr came to
think the CHEEKY veice better than any
me dicine, the children to shout Justify
at sight of him, and Viva to listen for
the sound Of his frm fOOtstep on the
garden path,
One evening. when the soft May
wind was swaying the 'lady-fngers,'
as the children call lhem, over the door,
Viva suatched up her hat and strolled
down to the pretty rustic gate.
Just little mere tired than usual
after a desperate struggle to teach an
irrltably obtuss pupil the mysteries OF
crotchets and quaVers and dsmi-semi-
qusvers.
She stood there, fair, girlish figure
in her soft white dress, q great bunch O'
blue meadow-violets at her slender
throat aad waist. The scented wind
gently loosened the dark-breun hair
and blew fLful DRIFT OF rose-bloom in"
to tho pure, pale face.
Very pretty?
Well, Clifford Chahdos thought 40,
at all events, as he came along the un-
even country road With his light, firm
football.
Good evening, Miss Rayner"
She turned suddenly, the faint finih
dee0emns TO carnatien.
Good evening, Mr.. Chandos {!
| think person can give one a very
tolerable shake hands without holding
ones firgers quite a minute. But ap
parently Mr.. Chaudoi thought differ
emily.
Miss Rayner, will you come Tor a
walk-just a little way down the road
There l. show place there should
like to have you see.'
He asked pleadingly, hurriedly, az
though fearful Of refusal.
'Is it far p
No eagerly; quite near. Resides
Miss Viva, l have something to tell
you-or, rather, ask you.'
They were already strolling slowly
on. She paused and looked up in vague
alarm.
To ask me. Mr.. Chandes p
Yes. Viva, l want to ask you to
leave Rose cottage
Was be mad?
TO leave Rose cottage! she re-
p.ated, b!ankly.
Sic stopped short, and looked up at
him with brown. beuildcred eyes.
Are you not satisfied with us as tsn-
ants? What will mamma say"
L did not ask your mother to leave
Rose cottage'-and his voice was trem
blins and low-'I asked YOU J.!
ale? Whg, Nr. Chaudos-'
She broke of abruptly as she saw the
look in the eyes of the man regarding
her. Such look as wodld make more
successful wocer. in the world to-day
a look OF passionate love and rssoluts
determination 10 have her in spite OF
herself.
Viva, my darling-my darling be
cried all the mischief in his voice swept
away in bis fiery earnsstnesS, won't
you understands 1 love you very dear
". Viva, and l want you for my wife /!
'Yas-I understand, she said, simply,
4 am not a rich man, dear, but L
would give my life to make you happy!
She looked up at him with bright,
outshining eyes, and though her cheeks
famed hotly. she said, in her gentle
straightior ward. grlish way;
Il would be henored 10 be your vile
were you penniless, Mr.. ChandOs'
Mr.. Chandos = sternlJ Little wife
say Clifford -
And, her hand in his. she said II
simply:
Clifford y
Ina short time they paused before q
massive entrance gate and pretty gothic
lodge.
This Is the great place Of the neigh
borhocd. Viva. Shall we 90 up and
look at it?
They paused at the great stone steps
Of an ideal country seat, stretching,
yerandahed, porlicoed, with huge stone
lions ou guard at the door.
Come in, dear = holding out hi
hand. with a curious smile.
But the owner! p
Il 90 with his psrmls.lon.'
Then, passing tho servant at th'
door be led her through rooms where
the mighty touch Of Mida: was csftsned