Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1881-11-16
NELLY'S MISTAKE.

w. Mhiihefs, lhroW'hB ho''o" '"'' Wv
depths of a large armchair, shop
ping Is so exhausting on hot after
noon like this
so are some other things, though
her sister Marian, calling to mind will
q little justidable indignation the pile o
cuffs and collars and laces now airinl
before the kitchen fire, and how oilel
the initials N. Il. NJ. had started VI
under her iron that hot aitcrnoon,-
She wondered whether Nelly ever gay'
q thought to the how and when OF tn
gctting-up of the delicate nick-nacks o.
lace that 10 charmingly became her,
But it was only u passing vexation
banished the next moment.
Now, ! declare, here's Jack com
ing up the PATH cried Nelly, will
oomical annoyance, as she poised O
cup of tea on one hand, under hel
nose, and contcntcdly inhaled the
grateful perfume 'and I'll venture
any thing he wants us to go for a row.
and then what'll become OF the hat !
wanted to trim this evening for to-
morrow? Well, l cant 60, that's
certain. What nuisance he is !
Here's q lovely evening for II row.
exclaimed the voice Of the newcomer,
even before his bodily form appeared.
BE quick, girls, and let US get Oft. 1t
will be lovely on the river.
Now Marian was as ardent lover
of the river as Jack himself, and il
seemed to her, after her long after
Moons warm work, that the sweet,
fresh breazes were the very thing she
needed. Nelly, however, was quite
decided.
Il am tired, Jack, she said, prompt
ly, besides, I want to trim a hat
We really can't CO.
Il hate muddling about by myself
said Jack, disconsolately; and / felt
so sure you'd be delighted to come this
evening"
1T will do you good, Marian,' said
her mother. There is no reason why
you should stay because Nelly does not
care to go.
i will come with you if you like,
Jack Marian said, obviously She
was sorry that Jack should lose the
evenings recreation to which he had
doubtless been looking forward all day.
THANK yon, Marian he replied,
grasping the idea that it was possible
to 20 with one companion-which, un-
til Mrs. Manners suggestion, they had
all lost sight of. 1t was so natural to
make bright, pleasure-loving Nelly the
centre of every thing.
I'VE will get back early, Marian
said to Nelly, noticing an anxious
shade on her sisters face, which she
quickly interpreted, 'and l shall have
time then to help you on your hat
You see, Jack, you would be as
vexed as any one if / were to look a
shabby fright at the picnic tomorrow
now wouldn't you?' Nelly asked,
when Marian was up stairs.
You see I am really pleasing you
most by staying at home tonight
Jack looked up repentantly. 1t
yratifed him to think that Nelly cared
or his opinion, although he knew full
we'll that she could not wear any thing
hat would render her less bewitching-
y fair in his eyes. He had known and
,een as brother to these twos girls
,ver since he had been little fellow in
,etticoats, and Nelly an infant in her
arms. Lately he had watch
ID, with feeling almost Of awe, how
he child he had played with so many
'ears was developing q beauty of form
md feature that seemed to him to have
10 equal. Marion was dear girl, al
ways ready for anything he wished
perfect treasure of a sister, but Mel
y, with her bright, sparkling beauty
md vivacious manner, was COM
,ani6n to be proud of indeed.
Now, if that isq't exasperatlng
Nelly exclaimed, irately, when, about
wenty minutes after Jack and Marian
lad started, there came an ominously
,isitor-like knock at the door.
1t was indeed visitor and strang-
n, SO Nelly must perforce put down
Ter work and DO entertaining. Mr..
Edward Archer was name that
'eemed familiar, yet Nelly was quite
,ure she had no recollection of the tall,
lristocratic- looking man whom Susan
PRESENTLY ushered in.
sYou will hardly remember me- he
explained to Mrs. Manners, for l was
but lad when 1 stayed in Bloxham
with my Cousin Jack, but l have very