Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-08-01


she would rather John Masters-old
poke-went with me. 1t was because
she did not know Guy; 10 one could
help admiring him.
is this why you have been SO
gloomyY
Richard kept bis face straight with
great effort, and wondered how thi>
sbrewd, practical little friend, so SEN
sible and bright heretofore, could have
taken so wide a departure from her
natural self. lie thought fast. All his
lie he had Teen first to her. lie sa"
her swayed by her earliest youthful
fancy, and in imagining bearing the in-
Justice of an unkind world for the man
she loved like a true woman that she
was. He perceived insiincllvely the
romantic bent OF her presen. inclna'
tion, and make up his mind.
She was The sweetest girl OF bis ac-
ouainiance, the most generous, lovable
and tender, despite her heetin1 Stiffness.
He would meet her upon her own
ground and save her from one who
instinctvely he felt undeservlng.
Guy promised TO come up and to
wrile.' went on Mamie conideniially.
and l have not heard word. l am
afraid he Is sick, or something has hap
pened TO bis letters. Would any one
dare 10 delain them, DO you think?'
Her lofty expression would have up
set Dicks's gravity but for her plead
ing, tear.wet eyes.
These impelled him to set his teeth
hard, and abuse Guy Faunestock men,
tally as a rascal, designing william, and q
scoundrel.
Finally, he said:
Mamie, this will all come right, II
You'll take my advice and wait; enjoy
yourself all you can until Guv does
come-if eyer lie does was his men,
tai reservation.
'But-Oh Dick, 1t is foolish
but il was so sweet TO be loved was
her reply.
'Wen,' cousoled Dick, no one
knows of Guy. Take me tor your
lover; III be your play sweetheart, II
that will make you happy, and resign
You anytime you say. Come, little
one, what do you say? 1 don't want
you TO NOPE here alone any more-'
Dick. you're splendid-you won't
think me silly of course I'll take you;
and then no one will know why | had
been so blue. Aud so we play Lovers
| came in to ask you TO 60 down to the
Corners 10 an oyster party-you'll
go?'
Yes; III be ready. Seven did you
say!' She made low bow, aud would
have run away; but, with the briei
announcement. The play has begun,
'Dick bent down, and kissed her white
forehead, saying low, Little love y
For FIVE minutes after be was gone
Mamie stood and tried to quiet her
hearts throbbings, to be melancholy
and think of Guy; it was an egregious
failure.
The shy pleasure ia her face was not
in the play
'My own little darling, had the
sweetest girl there; and l was, oh! so
proud!
With these words, and lingering
pressure Of her hand in lis, Dick SET
down at her own Preside that night,
raised his hat and left her, and Mamie
went straight up 10 her own room and
looked at the bright vision of rose vel
vet, dancing gray plumes and snow
white furs; then with a long sigh oi
satisfaction hung them away.
Three weeks ! it can't be pcssible J
Yes, it's. Are you gong back TO
Aunt Lue ?-and how soon?'
Tie questions we're light, bat they
had deep undtrcdrrent of anxious
love and longing IN their depths,
Richard Hahslcad dared not let his
eyes tell their story.
They bad just come in from sleigh
ride and sat recalling Man,ie's intend
ed departure at The glowing crate.
l don't know; lis ever so much nicer
there, butt can't dccide-would you
60, Dick. ..5,t9 4. .rJ
'Dou'i ask me; l shall be selfish
enough TO say-no.'
Dicks face was white TO his lips.
Our play is over said Mamie, care
lessly. 1T was such fun, am almost