Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-06-06

deayor TO tease him; his bashfulness
never troubled him while talking with
ladies on any subject requiring CON-
mon sense. opinion and executive
ability; he should therefore be able TO
feel at ease with Miss Nell, and while
ia that unusual condition he would
make a con6daat OF her and ask her
advice aud assistance.
so the major went 10 the Wallerson
home on the evening appointed by
mischievous Mis-, Nell with a stouter
heart than he had felt, outside OF busi-
ness hours, since the war ended. He
arranged with the young lady to bring
all bis male friend. into the surprise |
party, and she, rather confused by her
new view of the majors character, was
most elusive in thanks, and being only |
tweuty-three years of age aud no older
than her year, signifed, was completely
astounded by the majors coolness.-l
She could not help betraylng her curl
osity; she looked at The major inquir-
ingiy, she dropped into reveries, and
said to her mother, who came to the
door of the parlor moment about
some affair strictly of a family nature,
that MI. Clinton was entirely different
to what she had imagined him to be.
But the major did not know all this.
and after the business Of the evening
ended be began to feel the old familiar
cold sweat that had been his torment
in the swampS Of the Chlckahominy
fifteen wears before. Conversation had
dropped to the dead level of the Nation
al Academy, the last new novel and
Browns last volume Of poems, all OF
which were very bad. Miss Nell look
ed interested, pretty and sentimental
until the major half wished she would
be her natural self, for be had at last
reused himself to the combatative state
and he wanted 10 talk With her in the
most serious manner about her sister.
at last be made a desperate effort and
said {:
Miss Wallerson, called this even
ing only on business, and have for a
long time wanted to say something to
you about a matter
Excuse me, just for anlinstant,' inter-
rupted Miss Nell, the gas IL Kissing
dreadiully. Won't you be good enough
10 see which burner 1t is. I'm just too
short to reach any Of them, Pm sorry
to say
The major FASTENED to the rescue.
He heard Kissing noise ,as OF the es-
cape Of TOO much. gas, but could not
be sure which Of the six burners was at
fault, so he turned down one alter an
other until the noise stopped and the
parlor was almost dark.
You are very kind murmured Miss
Nell, as tie major resumed his seat
near her, the blowing Of gas is dread
fully annoying to the ear. By the way
you were saying that
The major resisted temptation to
say, 'Oh, nothing of any consequence
and said:
Il have been long the most reverent
adorer of a certain young lady who
oh, majOrp exclaimed Miss Nell {;
'the idea OF you being in love ! p'd
you
Excuse me, Miss Wallerson,' said
the major, hastily, but no one is COM
petent to pass an opinion on my condi-
ton Of mind but myself. fully know
my own feelings, and merely wish an
opportunity to explain them in such a
manner as may be most respectful
4 beg your pardon, maj5r,' said Miss
Nell, now entirely on her guard. Please
continue, aud believe no one here can
doubt your sincerity
The majors heart gave a mighty
bound evidently this mischcivous girl
suspected something aud vas willing to
suppress herself.
Il have long been worshiping lady
whom would haYe been glad 10 make
my wife, conliaued the major. 1T l
had not feared that my love and what
else bad to offer her would not seem
compensation FOR what she would be
obliged 10 give up
Your thoughtiuness does yol hon.
or, major, said Miss Nell, in the kind
est way in the world.
Thank you-thank YOU said the
major, hastily. Perhaps, then, you
will understand Why speak with more
I than customary freedom. Miss Waller
sou, was trained in my youthful days
to such unquestioning reverence Tor
woman, that feel almost like a thiel
when | think Of asking any woman for
her hand and heart
Again, major, ] must say that Your
lhoughtfulness and delicacy do you
honor said Miss Nell, as demurely as
if she had never teased any one in her
life.
Thank you-thank YOU said the
major again. L would like first 10 ex'
plain myself, if | may trouble you tor
a moment. l ANIL believe, an honor
able man have a good business ant
a good bank account. l want to de-
vote both, and my lifclbesides. TO th'
service Of the sweetest woman that evel
lived. / cannot expect her 10 love me
as love her, for she is an angel and
Am only-well, only a man.
"A true man. said Miss Nell, still a;
demure as a parsou. is as good as any
thing else iq the world-eycn as goo'
M n trua Nomani