Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1882-12-20
Faint Heart.

John Everett had known Elinor ever
since he could remember they hat
gone TO school together; he had speii
ed above her and had refused to TAKE
the first place he had envied the more
daring boys who had walked home
with her through the green lanes, be-
meath empowering elms. as II it were
the most commonplace thing to do II
the world, while lie, with his heart II
his mouth, tried to find courage for the
effort. and found himself lett behind fol
his pains.
Later, when they first began 10 sc
olt into the world together, what tor
tues he endared when she danced with
some handsome stranger; if she rode
with his braver companions; if Carl
Hughes took her of in his wherry
down the silver length Of the river ano
lost his way among tie creeks OF the
silent marshes, only returning home
when the evening was far spent. and
the stars trembled in The heavens, anC
unwiltingly brushing past poor John,
waiting on the wharf i'll the shadow o1
some warehouse TO see them landed
safe
Life began early 10 seem like a
pleasant difficulty to him. lie was al
ways wondering what she was doing;
how she passed the locg days while be
was busy in tie counting-room what
were her everyday thoughts, her
dreams, aEd did he hold any share
therein Sunday, too, soon became the
first of holidays, for then he was sure
to see her. His fathers square. old
fashioned pew almost faced the con-
gregation, and not breath or a blush
the Autter Of an eyelld or the ghost OF q
dimple, was lost upon the young man.
In the meantime, 1t is probable that
Eliuor was not blind. Chances are
easily interpreted; actions speak louder
than words. There is little doubt.
when Carle Hughes or any of the other;
stepped out or concert or lecture-room
and offered an arm to her at the door,
but she understood that John bad been
waiting and wayering and longing foT
The favorable moment N which to
auticipafe this attention, which mo-
ment would have arrived, sooner OF
later, but that Carl, intent on his pur-
pose, and unhesltatng IN its perform
anee, had pushed TO her side. and Lac
gained the day before John had even
thought OF losing it.
But by insensible degrees one out
grows Ills sort offaint-heartedpess, anC
pushes out before Carl Hughes and The
lnduloent crowd, aud wins ,he prize tol
the ponce, but delays 10 take the mex
decided step 10 the right path. And 50
il was with John. One day he hear'
that Elnor had given away her hear t'
! Mr.. Donoimandy, now on his travels
However much pain this announce
ment gave John, his faint-heartednes'
which, perhaps, was only an eXagser
! a,ed appreciation o! the object OF desire
became a something superiiuous
aimee. if be had already lost her, why
should LIE fear? 1t is at this stage iha'
one ceases 10 doubt and. .begins to suffer
| So. now that he had nothing to lose
he went in and out OF her presence
with a fatal fascination, as bold rs
lion.
lie asked her hand in the dance With
t out a qualm; he took her out to suppe
or down TO dinner, as the case migh
be: he strolled with her on the moon
lighted terrace; be played melodies OF
his own composition upon the flute; ~
even yentured 10 take hcrm his or
whorry down the dazzling reach OF 'h
river: and though he failed to entauSl
himself among the ribbons OF tn
marshes, yet tie wheriy sprapg leak
and while he pulled home against The
tide-as il seemed to him he had al
ways been doing-Elinor bailed tn
boat with her slipper, which he begged
when they were safe ashore, as II WA
Of no further use.
sI should Ike 10 keep it myself, sA'
said. 'as a memento of the day II
. which we made shipwreck together; but
, you may have it.
One day he happened to say some
thing about the time when Mr.. Denor'
mandy should return and take He
away
Ellnor knlt her brows.
why should Mr.. Denormlnd' take
me away p she asked.
He las the right of possession. ha
he not?' demanded John.
81 don't understand he has -
right of ary sort in me-
But thought
That I was going to marry hi J.
Don't believe what you hear again
The truth is he never asked me. thous'
my friends declare that he wished II