Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-04-21

him out on the lake in your sail-boat oeca-
sioually," said Mrs. Morton, whose kindly
heart was instantly filed with plans fos
the comfort and pleasure Of the expected
guest.
"What pity that the depot isn't near
er!" said Nell refectively. II guess I'l
lake the horses instead of the carriage when
I 60 to meet him. The little fellow will be
delighted with horseback ride. Who ever
saw boy that wasn't ?"
"Of course he will, the poor little dear.
expect he's had rather sorry time Of it with
only Thankful for company. He shall make
all the noise he likes for the next two
weeks
Mrs. Merton instantly answered Miss
Moore's letter setting an early day for Har-
rie's visit.
The day arrived and Nell with enc of the
carrige ponies and his own handsome horse
started for the depot. In few moments the
train came laundering in, and the usual
hustle and hurry ensued.
Nell vainly searched among the new
oil ltdIc XII Lis IlVUlC CIldlSCs 4aVlO woo O
little boy with his nurse, and big boy
with his father, but no hey answering the
description of the one Nell was in search
of.
"Dear me ~ he said in perplexity, I
hope he hasn't been taken On with the
train"
At that moment he espied young lady,
whose wide, blue eyes wore very anxious
expression, as she searched the faces of
those about her in vain attempt to find
Ping up to her side, Mel lifted his hat po-
litely, and asked if he could assist her in
any way.
II expected young lady to meet me at
this train, but fear that something has
occurred to detain her. she sal, with tears
of vexation in her eyes.
''And I came to escort littl8 boy, who
has failed to put in an appearance, to go
to my home," he said smiling. ''If yeu will
tell me the young lady's name, perhaps
I may assist you in finding her resi-
dence."
"Her name is Miss Nell Norton" she
answered.
sand the little boy was to meet at this
train was Harrie Moore ~ exclaimed Mel,
while his features went through series of
comical csntortions in vain attempt to
conceal the merriment which this ludi-
crous mistake stirred up within him.
"Are-you-Nell 20
Harrie looked up at the tall, handsome,
broad-shouldered young man in bewil-
dsred surprise, scarcely kno wing whether
to laugh or to cry at the mistake.
"My name is Nelson. but mother always
calls me Nell" he explained, plying her
evident embarrassment. ''And you must
be Harrie, whom mother sent me to meet.
1 shall have to take you into the ladies'
waiting room while I make some changes
in my arrangements for conveying you
home"
Procuring a hack, he placed her in it,
and after giving the directions to the dri-
yer, he mounted his horse, and, taking the
pony's bride, rode by the side of the hack.
so that he might reach home in time to in
troduce Harrie to his mother and relieve
her from further embarrassment.
s'lt's all on account of the Names" said
Mrs. Morton, laughing heartily as she
kissed Harrie's flushed cheeks; ''but 1 ana
ever SO glad that you are not little boy,
dear shall enjoy your society so much
better"
II shall not break my heart over the dis
appointment" thought Mel, as he east
admiring glances at the bright, animated
face opposite.
ooh, what aoould Aunt Handful say, if
she knew ?'' said Harrie, as she stood be-
fore the mirror, letting down her long gold
brown hair, in the lovely guest-chamber,
where Mrs. Morton left her, with a good
night kiss still warm upon her lips.
The room fitted up for the little boys
comfort, stood unoccupied, and Harrie
knew nothing of it, or the chest OF tools
with which Mel had planned to purchase
her affections.
''Such a lovely tie and 1 brought it to
Nel," she said, viewing the dainty article
of lace and embroidery admiringly. ''Just
Imagine this ornamenting has shirt front
Oh, dear, it is toe funny!'' She laughed
merrily. 81 wanted it myself when
bought it, only could not afford Two and
now caa have it," she added. tying it
about her white throat. and smiling at the
pleasing effect. 81 shall not write one
word to Aunt Thankful about the mis-
take. mean for once to enjoy myself
Mrs Morton is such darling old lady,
and Mel is just splendid, if he is man."
The next two weeks were the brightest,
happisst weeks of all Hairless experience.