Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-06-23
VRE UNChE's CHOICE.
"Do YOU know you are distractingly

full height and dashed indignant eyes
upon the gentleman opposite.
"And so," said Roger Window, his
manner assuming sudden warmth, "you
consider NE impcrtinent because, to my
ewes. vou are the loveliest woman in the
world, and, therefore, have asked you
to marry me, whether my uncle likes 1t
| or not"
The young man was thoroughly In ear
nest now, and poured out his words with
out reference 10 rhetoric or effect.
SIT Is precisely that to which 1 object, "
interrupted Miss Lynde, imperiousiy'
"Listen to me. You come here where
am employed as geverness, ostensibly to
visit the lady Of the house-in reality to
see me. You waylay me on the street
when 60 out to walk; you annoy me,
and astonish Mrs. Burdotte by asking for
q private interview; anG when you tell
me, with your usual assurance, that you
would like TO marry nue., although yeur
uncle, upon whom you arc entirely de-
pendent, has emphatically refused his
consent, you leave my possible feelings
altogether out of your consideration. Mr.
Window, you should remember that L
have my own dignity to uphold, and that
I am not scheming adventures, trying
to thrust myself upon al unwilling fam
ily."
Miss Lynde stopped, breathloss, though
in her excitement her gray eyes still
flashed dangerously.
"At least you have been very plain
spoken" said Roger Window, bitterly,
standing as he had listened, with his
black brows contracted and crms folded
upon his breast, "Ar0 now, perhaps,
Hiss Lynde, you will permit mo to answer
you. have very little TO offer in defence,
except that I have been foolish enough to
love you madly from the momont that /
first saw you smilo and heard you speak.
have no excuse ready for my reprehen-
sible conduct in wayiaying you on the
street-none for asking you to accept tho
devotion of my life. Pardon me that in
dwelling upon my own selfish hopes l
have failed to consider the delicacy OF
your position. But will not trouble you
farther, Miss Lynde; will bid you good
day"
"Stay momont, interrupted the lady,
with OBTAINING gesture. "Mr. Window,
you have shamod mo into an apology for
my ungracious words" with o smile void
Of all coquetry in its perfect frankness.
"You DO not know what my life has
been," she added, gently. Given as a
child 1 know what unhappiness meant,
for my poor mother married, even as you
have wished me to do, against the wishes
of her husbands family. In year he
was tired of her-accused her Of having
spoiled his career; finally, he deserted
her. BEFORE my poor mother died she
told me the sad story. l promised her
then that would never N AIRY as she had
done; and, so help me Heaven, l never
Wilt" The beautiful eyes were full Of
unshed tears as they were raised to Roger
Windom's face, and the girls voice trem-
bled slightly as she went on. 81 thank
you indeed for the honor you have dsne
me; l will even acknowledge that under
different circumstances might have
learned to love you. But, as it is, it is
better that VIC should never meet. Do not
come here any more-do not see me
again, and you will soon forget that such
an insignificant person exists as Janet
Lyndc."
As she ceased speaking Miss Lynde's
pale face was lit up with an April smile,
and the hand she had extended in token
of farewell was firmly clasped between
two larger pains.
81 shall never forgot you," said tho
young man passionsteIy, his brown eyes
looking with triumphant gladness into
hers. "And / shsll love you until the
hour of my death. This I shall tell my
uncle, and if he still persists in refusing
to give his consent, without knowing
you, or even so much as hearing your
name, then henceforth he and l arc
strangers. For, Janet, what you arc not
allowed to share, neither will l possess
nor enjoy; and 80. darling, for long
time, good bye"
Before Miss Lynde had quite recovered
herself, Roger Window mad kissed the
little hand so closely imprisoned il his
own, and was gone.
For long time she stood as he had left
her, with arms hanging helplessly at her
side. and with her head downcast. 80
She was not beautiful woman, scarcely
. noticeable one among number, and yet
there was something noble in the pose Of
tie proud head, in the resolute curves OF
lip and chin. 1F
II was face whose beauty and intelli-
gence grew upon you as you gazed-a face
that inspired involuntary confidence ahd
belief in truth and goodness.
"Pray, Mrs. Burdett, who is the young
lady across the way from usf'
Mr. Samuel Window was addressing
himself to his hostess, Iell-pressrEed
matron intent upon being agreeable to
her rich guest.
"Thst is Miss Lynde, my govsrness,
really a superior young person, and the
children are devoted to her." explained
the lady, with much graciousness. -
Janet, in blue lawn dress and broad
brimmsd garden hat, Was seated upon