The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-08-12

she shouted, at the loudest her lungs were
capable of:
"Uncle John Uncle John Do, some
body, come here.
But 10 answer came to the pathetic aP-
peal.
S0ne more effort, said Eleanor, des-
pairingly; and then, 'Oh, Uncle John
Somebody Help !"
After second or two of expectation
there came a response.
'Who calls 2" was shouted, in man S
stentorian voice.
"I-Nellie!" !" exclaimed Eleanor, think
ing it was Uncle John. "0ver here by the
oak Do hurry, for I'm nearly soaked.
There was no reply; but in a moment
or two Eleanor's strained vision beheld a
umbrella looming not far away, under
which two long legs were making gigantic
strides in her direction The face and up
per part Of the body were entirely hidden
from view by the umbrella, but in mo-
ment ii flashed on Eleanor that those, lower
limbs could never be Uncle Johns
His could never spring along in such an
elastic fashion as did these; besides. he
was not coming from the farm-side, and,
at the thought, Eleanor nearly tainted, as
she looked down al her dripping figure and
realized what sight she was to meet a
strangers eyes.
Meanwhile the knight of the umbrella
had reached the blushing girl and was Of
fering his arm.
Allow me, he said, in low, courteous
tones, not seeming to notice the condition
Of the petite figure
Eleanor placed her hand within his arm,
and, not daring to raise her eyes. murmur-
ed a soft Thank YOU.
~0h. not at ALL exclaimed a cheery
voice. a. its owner safely piloted his charge
10 the roadside. II was passing along the
read which leads to Dateville, when |
thought | heard cries. ] stopped mo
meut, heard them repeated. aud then went
to Your assistance. Now, which way shall
we gog"
Eleanor directed him. and explained how
It was she had been caught in the RAIN;
then, as her wet garments swisbed around,
she could not restrain a laugh al her eoIni-
cal. though decidedly uncomfortable, situa-
ton.
Her companion was certainly as agreea-
bic and entertaining as any one could wish,
and had it been under different circnm-
stances. Elcauor would have really enjoyed
her walk
The rain. pouring ssill was rapidly sata-
rating the gentleman's light clothing, and
Il was with heartfelt ejaculation Of thank
fuiness that Eieanor entered the little front
perch &c her aunt house.
Mrs Ware came 70 thedoor a she heard
The little gate shut, and her cxelamaiieas
were many and varied as she precesved her
niecc's saturated appearance. She ~ oncs
hurried her away 70 change her attire.
issaving t'ncle John 10 Do the hon0rs toward
the gentleman.
Elesnor. Is yet, did not knox his name
nor bad she ssen his face. and in her heart
she was anxious Cor bosh a. she Descended
she stairs ha9-hoar lsier Her ain-
drenohed lawn was changed for biSck
grenadine. sweet hlRsh-rsc vas at her
throat, another nestled amid the ehining
braitIs &c her suiden hair. aud the soft foid-
Of her dress trAilesh noisolssiy zfls.r her, A.,
entering the sitting nom. she mzde her
way 30 the figure Standing BY the mantle
his hAek 70 the door hy which she had en-
tered She knew that pepper and salt coat
only to vel, and she vas jus; a trife dis
appointed thar Il was her uncle, and nos
the stranger whom she saw there Any
way. shaagh. she would find ont his name;
70. sostly placing her hand On one pepper
and salt shoulder. she asked, with little
laugh
@Who j. he, uncle
Uncle tarRe,l. aud BY the aickeriag light
Of the Gre, Cor the evening had grown chill
IL, E1eanogs araaxcd eyes cen on-flugh
fsaSsicfnon aftired in Mr.. Wars dFy
garments
She recognized him the moment her
eyes rested on his handsome face She
saw Al oBee the Likeness 70 his photograph
and he. with wonder oa his fare resslgnirsd
her.
Mr.. Cas,lemon =
Miss Vance y
Both started hack. Elcanors fair faes
crimsonesi; and then Hugh exclaimed IN
iRerednloas tones
@why, Mrs Vanee, | thought you wesc
with Flossie.
Il Thought god were there T exclaimed
Eleanor, With proud lifting Of her golden
crowned head.
Hugh Al once understood the significant
gesture. and his heart beat the quicker II
the thought that she was not what he bad
half suspected her, but vas the sweet, NO
manly being that her pure, lovely ooants-
nance betokenesi.
He could have taken her in his arms then,
a. she stood there. her fair checks abloom.
her proud head erect; but instead Of that
he only said, with quizzieal glance into
the blue eyes
And that Is why you are aof there
Eleanor gazed straight into his face, and
while the hot bushes covered face andneek
she replied
III IS
@And ana not there because Thought
gos were said Hugh
Further explanations We're rendered I'M
possible by the advent Of Aunt Sallie, who
called both young people TO supper, at
which coy meal Hugh proved himself a
most agreeable acquisition.
The rain continued until late hour 80
Mr., Castlemon remained over night. In
the morning, as he was taking his leave, he
requested permission to call again-a per
mission which was readily granted. and as
readily acted upon.
Nearly every day after this found Hugh
at the Ware homestead, until Eleanor be
gan to watch for his coming with strange,
new futter at her heart. There had been
no spoken explanation, but between them
was a tacit understanding of the feelings
which had prompted each to avoid the
other.
One evening when May had decked the
earth in robes Of loveliness, Hugh and
Eleanor took walk along the road where
! they first met. The calm Of evening lay
| like a spell over all the beauteous scene; the
sweet scents Of wild-fowers, the low music
of birds, were all about them, and Hugh
gazing into the pensive face beside him,
! felt how dear-how very dear--it was to
him, and, ere he could restrain it, the story
of his love burst forth in words deep with
the passion of his heart, and then, looking
down into the sweet, blushing face he asked