The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-05-25

Aunt Sallie, in the.dooorway, watch
ed the retreating steps OF her pei
until it disappeared from the view
of her kind gray eyes.
The errands at postoliice and
store were soon completed, and
Einor, turning homeward. noticed
that the sky was rapidly becoming
overcast with dark clouds, which
threatened a heavy shower.
She had brought no umbrella
and the fear of being caught in the
rain lent speed to her steps. Nearly
half the distance was passed, and
Elnor was just beginning to con-
gratulate herself on being almost
safe, when patter, patteri she heard
the big drops falling on the leaves
above her.
Faster went the flying feet, and
faster came the falling drops. Out
Of breath, Elnor stopped beneath a
wide-spreading oak, and trembling
with exhaustation, stood beneath
It's protecting shelter.
The rain was now pouring in tor
rents, ard in few minutes a little
stream came oozing through the
leaves, splashing OH her dress and
trickling down her back, sending
cold shivers all over her body.
Elnor was now thoroughly fright
ened, as well as almost saturated.
for it was nearly sunset, and almost
dark. Suppose the rain should
continue, for an hour or two more :?
The house couldn't be very far
now. ii only she could make Tn
Gle John, or somebody at the farm
hearl Anyway, she would try, and
summoning all her strength, she
shouted, at the loudest her lungs
were capable of:
Uncle Johnl Uncle JohnI Do
somebody, come heren
But no answer came.
"One more effort said Elnor,
and then: "Oh, I'm
Gle Johnl Somebody Helpp
After q second or two there came
a response.
Who calls ?p was shouted.
Nellie exclaimed Elnor.
thinking it was Uncle John. "Oyer
here by the big oak. Do hurry, for
I'm nearly soaked !"
there was no answer; bat. in
moment or two Elnor's strained Wis
ion beheld q huge umbrella looming
not far away, under which two gi-
gantie legs were making strides to-
ward her. The face and upper
part OF the body were hidden from
view by the umbrella; but, in a
moment, it flashed on Elnor that
hose limbs could never be Uncle
Johns.
Meanwhile the knight OF the um-
orella had reached the blushing girl
and was Offering his arm.
ALLOW me-" "he said, in low, cour-
eous tones, not seeming to notice
he petite figure.
Elnor placed her hand within his
lrm, and, not daring 70 raise her
yes. mrrmured soft, Thank
loum
Oh, not at allm exclaimed a
,heery voice, "Now which way shall
ne go?"
"Elnor directed him, and explain
d how it was she had been caught
a The rain; then, as her wet gar
ncnts swished around, she could
lot restrain a laugh at her comical
hough decidedly uncomfortable,
situation.
The rain, still pouring, was sat
lrating the gentleman's light cloth
ng, and it was with heartfelt
ejaculation of thankfulness that El-
Tor entered the little front porch of
ler aunt's house.
Mrs. Ware came to the door as
he heard the little gate shut, and
Ter exelamations were many and
'aried as she perceived her niece's
aturated appearance. She at once |
lurried her away to change her at
ire, leaving Uncle John to do hon
RS to the gentleman.
Elnor, as yet, did not know his
lame, nor had she seen his face, |
nd in her heart she was anxious
or both as she descended the steps |
half-hour later. Her drcnched |
avn was changed for black grena-
line; a sweet rose was at her throat, |
mother nestled amid the shining
raids of her gcl1en hair, entering |
he sitting room, she made her way
. the figure standine by the man
el, his back to the door which she
!ad entered. She knew that pepper
coat only too well, and she
RS just trille disappointed that
was her uncle, and not the strang-
r whom she saw there. Anyway, |
hough, she would find out his name,
0, softly placing her hand on one
,cpper-and-salt shoulder she asked,
vita n little laugh.
who is he, uncle" ?"
Uncle turned, and by the flicker
ng light of the fire, for the evening
lad grown chilly, Elnor's amazed
yes fell on-Hugh Castlemon-on-
Y attired in Mr.. Wares dry gar
nents.
She recognized him the moment |
,er eyes rested on his handsome |
ce. She saw at once the likeness
o his photograph and he, with |
onder on his face recognized her.
Mr.. Castlemonl"
Miss Vance," |
Both started back. Einor's fair |
see erimsoned and then Hugh ex-
laimed, in incredulous tones:
"Why, Miss Vance, / thought you |
gere with FlossieW
II though you were there," ex-
laimed Elnor, with proud lift
ng Of the gold-crowned head.
Hugh at once understood the sig
iificant gesture, and his heart beat |
he quicker at the thought that she
vas not what he had half suspected |
ler, but was the sweet, womanly |
,eing that her pure, lovely counte-
lance betokened.
He could have taken her in his
rms then, as she stood there, her