The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-09-06
A MODERN LOVE STORY
BY MARIE HAZEN.

They were standing under the old
trees in the orchard-Paul Wood.
ward and Mamie Rivers. They had
stood thus many a time before
listening to the babble of the brook
that flowed merrily along; but to-
day the brook rippled in vain, and
the sun stole in and out, making
tricksy shadows of the leaves; kiss
ing Mans dainty cheek, and even
peeping iiupcrtinerltfy under the
gypsey hat in search of the laugh
ing brown eyes, without reproof, for
the brown eyes were Just now filled
with tears, and were, moreover, bent
persistently upon the grass at her
feet, taking no note of the saucy
liberty.
so it's good-by is it Nan?"
Yes. Paul"
A long silence Paul placed an
arm around the girls 1.-THE waist, and
took possession OF the little brown,
dimpled hand.
NAM
No onswer.
"Nanniel Mamie, my darlingl'
do go away, Paul. There is no
use in teasing me"
The brown eyes quite overfiowed,
the rosy mouth was set, and an OBJ
stinate frown disfigured the sweet
young face.
Il will go, certainly, if you wish
lit, Man." said the young man, fall
ing back a step or two. and lifting
his head a little proudly. Il will
go-but if | do, remember it is for
good. | will not be played fast and
loose with; ! am not the man to
spend half lifetime sighing at any
woman's feet"
Then softening again.
Are you sure-9uite sure-that
you wish this separation? Are you
quite determined 10 leave this quiet,
peaceful life, exchange this calm in
dependence for such a life as you
will surely lead in your uncle's
house in town."
The girl lifted her head and toss
ed back the waving brown hair from
the defiant little face.
Il am determined to leave this
hum-drn,n life alii woik .,ut some
path for myself, Paul, she said 81
know | shall miss vou-l know |
shall be home-sick and weary
know it all: but am determined to
trv."
The n there Is NJ more 10 be said "
And the young man picked up his
somewhat battered straw hat, placed
it firmly on his sunny head, and
without another word marched
proudly awav.
Poor Nan. In spite of the valor of
resolution Of her seventeen years,
her heart failed her as she watched
him rapidly disappear among the
trees of the orchard. OF all the
people who lived in the world he
loved her the best. Nan knew this;
knew. too, that what he had said
was true. No woman could play
with his heart; break it she might;
but .rample it under foot-never
If Paul had been just little less
proud, he might have won her then.
Had he but turned back through the
waving corn and taken command of
the little rebel with the strong mas
terry of bis deep love, she would have
surrendered gladly. The parting
was harder than she thought, and
already in her secret soul she was
wishing he would not let her 60,
even while she vowed she would not
remain. But he did not return. The
sun dipped behind the western hills,
the late birds flew home to their
cosy nests and downy little ones, and
Nan, with cold. numb dread upon
her, crept back to the old farm house
and the old grandparents she was SO
soon to leave.
There was nothing new In her
story; only tale that is told again
and again. A pretty country girl,
with an active brain and restless
spirit, struggling against the barri-
ers that hedged in her life. A fool
ish, unwise little head, confused and
dazzled by the far-away glitter of
town life. A faithful lover, mis-
prized-all blessings, all comforts,
dwarfed in contrast with the mag
nifed excellence of an unknown ex-
,cfoupo