Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-08-15
A Little Coward.

4uhL was nudI hISo mSii'~AS INV
called her that morning when she
trembled and turned pale because the
black mare reared with her. She beg
ged Sir Robert 10 take her off, and
stood in ignominlous safety, while
Agatha Merlvale mounted Stella and
rode Off triumphantly down the av-
enue.
She was a coward. She did not deny
lt,and was sometimes very much asham
ed of it. But no one had seemed to
mud it until Agatha Merlvale came,
with her bold, dark eyes and her dash
ing ways. her riding and hunting and
every body admired Agatha so much,
even Sir Robert.
She almost hated Agatha You see,
until Agatha came they had been go
happy at De Rossett. Little orphan
Madiline Leigh bad never been 30 hap
by IN her life as here at the hall with
sweet Lady De Rossett, who was her
guardian, and Ter son, Sir Robert.
They were so kind and good to her.
They petted her and loved her so.-
And now Agatha had come, and for
two weeks had monopolized Sir Robert,
and kept the house in turmoil ofgay-
ETY., and laughed at Lima and made her
feel wretched.
Lina's maid reported that everybo-
dy said Sir Robert was to marry Miss
Merivale. Lima made stern resolve
that she would run away from the hall
when that event took place. Run
away! She would run away now Not
far though-she was too much Of
coward 10 venture far into the world
a'one; but she would 60 away across
the fields TO Aunt Margareps,' as she
called Lady De Rossett's widowed sis.
ter-in-law, who lived in a quiet, com.
Portable house a mile away from the
hall.
Mrs. Harrington was an invalid,
pagalyzed end confined to her bed
She was rather a grim old lady, and
most were inclined to shun her. But
at the little gate that led from the park
into the fields, Lima was greatly discon'
certed by an unexpected encounter
with Sir Robert and Miss Merivale,
who came laughing and talking along
the path, both looking bright and hand
some In The golden rays of the setting
sun.
She brushed passed them with a has
ty good evening" but Sir Robert turn
ed back 10 speak 10 her.
Where are you going, Lima p he
a.ked.
To Aunt Margaret's,' che answered
not looking at him.
Alone Lina?' Are you not afraid ?
If you will wait little while l will 60
with J ou,' Sir Robert said, looking down
kindly at the girls fushed cheeks and
ayerted ewes.
No, thanks Lima answered hasti.
ly. Il will not trouble you. Leo will
take care of me. And you would be
late for your dinner if you went with
me-
May l come for you. then. after
dlnner9' Sir Robert asked.
Thanks am not coming back. /
shall stay all night was the hurried
answer and Lima turned to 60.
But Sir Robert detained her for
moment.
Lima he said in a low tone, what
makes you AVOID me 30 lately? What
have l done 10 offend you?'
Lima raised her blue eyes hastily 10
his for one moment and then dropped
them again.
Il have not avoided you,' she said
coldly. You have been much occu-
pied with-other people. There l will
not detain you.'
She waved her little hard hasghlly
and walked away from him. He
watched the pretty, white robed figure
for moment and then Leo came and
faw ned on him.
Leo, Leo ! called Lina's voice.
Go, Leo said his master AID the
obt dent dog trotted off down TIE path
after the girl.
1t was rather dreary st the Lodge
that evening. Miss Harrington was
out of bumOr because her agent had