Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-11-07

of writing I extinguished the light and
sat down at The open window to breath
the dewy fragrant air and think OF
May.
1 was twenty eight years old, and
had been the hero of halt-a.dozed flIr-
tations, none of which had made the
very slightest impression on my heart.
But now, 1 owned - myself frankly
that was really and truly in love with
this girl whom | had Only known TOR
an afternoon.
Her face, with its luminous grey eyes
wild rose color, and the deep dimple
that came 10 the left cheek whenever
she was pleased or amused, seemed TO
me the sweetest 1 had eyer seen, and
1 determined that, II it were posslble,l
would WIN her for my wife.
Come, May,let US take walk, here
is your hat
1 held up a broad white hat, all lace
and dainty plumes, and as May turned
towards me put it on her head ana
insisted on tying the ribbon-strlngs 10
a bow under her chin. she stood quite
still during this performance. the DIM
pie appearing in her ckeek. but her
ewes demure and downcast.
Then I opened the gate and we
passed out into a path leading through
the orchard 10 a pretty rustic bridge
spanning the river.
The day was dying, but dvlng in re
gal splendor over land radiant with
summer beauty. May leaned on the
ratings of the bridge and gazed with
rapt eyes down the river, that reflected
faithfully the sunsets hues, until, at
the horizon, it seemed 10 be lost in the
crimson glory. And I-well, there Is
a Tine IN every mans life wheD he ap-
preciates one fair face mole than all the
loveliness of Nature, so l contented
myself with studying the delicate pro-
file beside me.
At last, as the clouds .ost their vivid
tint, she turned toward NE with a little
sigh.
It's over she SAID softly. Let Us
60 back 10 the house.
Not yet = | exclaimed, catching her
hard, my voice trembling. i brought
YOU here 10 tell you something. May
darlng-I love you. Do you think you
could ever care for me:'
For one brief instant her eyes met
mine. and my heart thrilled, Tor l
thought tie light in them was love.
Then the lashes dropped on her cheeks
and she turned her head shyly away.
I was waiting breathlessly tor her
answer. when figure emerged from
the orchard path, and Mat, the hired
boy. ran towards US. l dropped, Nays
hand, and impatiently demanded bis
rraDd.
please, Mr.. Hathaway, yon'er to
come TO the house right away. There's
telegram there for you.
With an expression of disgust at this
lnopportune intrusion, drew Nays
hand within my arm. and followed the
boy to the house. Upon reading the
telegram. found that my immediate
presence was required in the city to at
tend to some important business al
fairs.
The next train left Overton in half
an hours time, and | had Unly time to
make some hurried preparations. L
did not get chance TO say a word to
May in private, and so left for the city
with my question unanswered; but this
did not trouble me, for l thought that
| knew what the answer might be.
After a week latter ] returned. 1t
was dusk as l walked up the road, and
by the dim light could descry a white
figure at the garden gate. | hurried
gladly towards 1t, for it was May.
[ caught her two little hands eagerly
in nv own, and scanned her features as
we'll as could by the faint light.
It seemed to me that she looked
very pale, and there were heavy
shadows under her eyes.
Have you been i'll, dear?' l asked
anxisuslY.
she struggled TO get her hands away
and her voice sounded strangely cold.
Mo-; 1 am quite well, Mr.. Haiha'
way
Mr.. Hathaway! l exclaimed re-
proachfully. Then bent toward her,
and tired to put an arm around heT
waist. Are you ready to answer me
now?' I said. DO you love me, May'
Will you be my wlfe?'
She shook herself free aud faced me
with low scornful laugh.
'Yes;l am quite ready to answer
YOU, | do not love you; | never
dreamed of such thing. will not be
your wife,
1 staggered buck and stared at her
lincredulously. 1t was cruel shock
for | had been confident that her an
swer would be Yes All this sum
mer had been trying to win her, aud
she had certainly encouraged me-for
this A sudden furious anger filled me,
and l accused her Of decelt-heartless
coquetry. She answered my hot word
with a little taunting laugh.
1T is the old story reversed she
sad. 'Iustead of a handsome gentle
man from The city spending a summer
in the country, and amusing himself
with country girl, a country girl has
i ,.,ood horealf for a whole summer