South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1883-01-12
LENA,s LESSON.


triously preparing for tea, and her
shy, brown eyes sought the bold hand.
some face OF Ralph Drury.
1t was only the odd, old story
city boarder, few whispered moth
ings ard careless compliments; an
hours amusement TO him, simply that
aud nothing more. Lena Fuller
flushed crimson under his steady gaze
as he went on:
lie is nothing to me, Mr.. Drury,'
she faltered, 'only kind friend. l
have known Will-Mr. Holland, for
years; he gives me booss aud music.
We sing together in the church choir
every Sunday, that's ALL
All s! Yet Will Holland was worth
u dozen such fops as this Drury. lie
had loved Lena for years, aud would
lay his life down to shield her from
harm.
You sec, Miss Lena Drury con-
tlnued, You are much too pretty to
be shut up in this little country place
Ii you were in the city now, YOU
would be belle; for there are not
many young ladies that can compare
with YOU
Lena listened to the fulsome fiat.
terry, and because she did not know
that it was fiattcry, it was very sweet
VIII Holland never talked To her
IN thar manner, he was too honest,
but Lena did not think of that. She
only realized that Mr.. Drury was the
very handsomest man that she had
yer met, and his manner was per.
fection
She made no reply, but went on
hulling Strawberries until at last, with
Il low how and look which spoke
Volumes. Drury lounged away to
stroll about the old fashioned garden
until the tea bell should ring.
Presently Il light springing step
came up the paved walk, and tail
form swcng slowly i'll sight. dark
eyed, dark haired, sUhburned VIII
Holland. He came directly to the
porch where Lena was sitting, and
with pleasant good evening threw
himself down at her her side and be.
gan ut once to hel . to hull straw
! berries.
Il saw that Top Drury, talking to
you he observed, after u pause, while
he worked away intently, Lena when
is he going back to the cily?'
Lena's checks grew as red as the
berries.
Il don't know she f;.ltered, Il be-
| lieve he intends 10 remain all sum
mer.'
Wills face clouded.
Then [ shall 90 awayl' he cried.
Lena! Lena! can't you see how
love you? | can not bear ito
; stand by idly while worthless fellow
like that wins you away from me-
Lena, | do not believe that Drury
cares a siXrence you. He is only a.
musing lIimselfn
'Alr. Holland i
Never, during all the years Of their
| acquaintance, had Lena called him
by that tile before, spoken in such IL
cold tone. or given him such look
OF scornfal astonishment. Will CLAM
ced into her face in unfeigncd sur
prise then lie went on
Il expect you will hate me for tell.
ing you, but Lena, have reason to
believe that he is nothing bat flirt !
You know my opinion of that class
Of bipcds alreadyp
Lena's face had grown very pale,
but she was n proud little woman.
and she controlled her emotion al :
mirably.
How do you know go much con-
corning Mr.. Drury?' she asked
You must have discovered some way
OF reading his inner nature, for con
iess / have never seen anything TO
justify such an opinion of him.
Will smiled, though there was a
tinge Of sadness in the smile.
Listen, Lena no said, 'and I will
tell you. Last night my cousin, Rose
Dalton, came 10 me and asked my ad.
vice in regard to a proposal of mar.
rage which she had received from
this very young man. | told her to
wait bit, until she had discovered
now many similar proposals he has
made this summer to different Young
ladies in this village. You know,
Lena, that besides being attentive to
you and Rose, Drury has been calling
great deal lately at the house of the
Widow Dexter. She has one or two
pretty daughters, and in short it is my
belief that Ralph Drury passes his
vacations ~ the country solely for the
purpose Of winning the foolish hearts
OF good and innocent girls, who are
daZzIcd by bis handsome face and q.
greeable manner. After asking them
ali to become his wife, he returns TO
the city never to hear from him again.
This summer he has chosen our viii
lage Us scene for his crusade against
women's hearts. Ipropose to expose
him and punish him as he deserves
Go with mo tornOrrovy uio,bt 20 NJ.