The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-11-28
-1u'ehyv
A LITTLE COWARD.

That was what Miss Merlvaie naC
called her that morning when she trem.
bled and turned psle because the black
mare reared with her. She begged Sil
Robert 20 take her uff, and stood in ig.
nominious safety while Agatha Merivale
rounted Stella and rO lie off triumphant.
ly down the avenne.
She was coward. She did not deny
it, and was sometimes very much asham
ed of it. But no one had seemed to
mind it until Agatha Merivale came, with
her bold, dark eyes and her dashing
ways, her riding and;hunting; and every
body admired Agatha 80 much, even SiT
Robert!
She almost hated Agatha! You see,
until Agatha came they had been so hap.
py at De Rossett Little orphan Made.
laine Leigh had never been so happy in
her life as here at the hall, with sweet
Lady de Rossett, who was her guardian
and her son. Sir Robert. They were So
kind and good to her; they petted her
and loved her so; and now Agatha had
c,me and for two weeks had monopo
ed Sir Robert and kept the house in 6
turmoil OF gsyety, aud laughed at Lins
8 nd made her life wretched.
Lina's maid reported that everybody
said Sir Robert was 10 marry Miss Mer
Ivale. Lima made a stern resolve thai
she would run away from the house
when that event took place. Run away
She would run away now! Not fal
was too much of a coward
to venture far into the world alone; bu'
she would 60 awav across the fields to
Aunt Margarets," as she called Lady
de Rossett's widowed sister-in-law, who
lived in a quite comfortable house mile
away from the hall.
Mrs. Harrington was an invalid, par.
slvzed and confined to her bed She va:
rather a grim old lady and most were
inclined to shnn her; but sweet, brigh
little Lima had won her way into the ole
lady's heart and was always welcome a
the lodge. nffn
Yes, s.e would run away to Aun
Margaret's, and perhaps, when she was
missed, Sir Robert might feel moments
uneasiness about her. Selling her ha
ami light shawl she flew off across th'
park, calling Leo, Sir Roberts prett,
coolie to 60 with her. Lima did not lik'
to cross the fields alone, being possessed
by a great terror of bulls, but with Let
she would not mind it rnuch.
Leo was calmly taking nap on th
front portico, hut he started up and racet
after her with joyous bark: but at tn
little gate that led from the park int
the fields Lima was greatly disconcerte'
Ivy an unexpected encounter with 81
Robert and Miss Merivale who cam
laughing and talking along the path
both looking bright and handsome i
the golden rays of the setting sun.
She brushed past them with hast
"good evening"" hut Sir Robert turne
back to speak to her.
"Where are you going, Lima" h
asked.
"To Aunt Margaret's," she answered
not looking q, him
"Alone, Lina2 Are you not afraid
If you will wait little while will 9
with you," Sir Robert said looking dow
kindly at The girls flushed cheeks an
averted eyes. IN
"No, thanks" Lima answered hastily
Il will not trouble vou; Leo will tax
care of me, and you would he late fc
dinner il you went with me-"
"May I come Tor you, then, after dir
ner ?" Sir Robert asked.
"Thanks, / am not coming back ;
shall stay all night" was the hurried al
~er, and Lima turned to GO.
But Sir Robert detained her for me
ment.
Lima" he said in low tone, "wh
makes you avoid ma so lately3 VIII
have done to offend your"
Lima raised her blue eyes hastily
his for one moment and then dropp,
them again.
%ss:"I have not avoided you," she sa
coldly. "You have been very much o,
cupied with other people. There, | "
not .detain you u
| She waved her little hand haughti
and walked away from him. He walc
ed the pretty, white.robed figure for
moment and then Leo came and faHn,
on him.
! "Leo, Leo!" called Lina's voice.