Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-01-20
LENA'S LESSON

She raised her golden head from
the strawberries that she was indus
triously preparing for tea, and her
shy, brown eyes sought the hand
some, bold face of Ralph Drury.
1t was only the ''old, old story" a
city boarder, few whispered moth
ings and careless compliments; an
hours amusement to him-simply
that and nothing more. Lena Full
Ter flushed crimson under his steady
gaze as he went on.
''He is nothing to me, Mr.. Drury,"
she faltered, "only kind friend.
have known Will-Mr. Holland for
years; he gives me books and music.
We sing together in the choir every
Sunday, that is all.''
ALL! Yet Will Holland was worth
a dozen such fops as this Drury. He
had loved Lena for years, and would
lay his life down to shield her from
harm.
'You see, Miss Lena" Drury con.
tinued, "you are much too pref ty to
be shut up in this little country
place. If you were in the city now,
you would be belle; for there are
not many young ladies that can CON-
pare with you"
Lena listened to the fulsome fiat
terry, and because she did not know
it was flattery, it was very sweet.
Will Holland never talked to her
in that manner-he was too honest,
but Lena did not think of that. She
only knew that Mr.. Drury was the
handsomest man that she had ever
met, and his manner was perfection.
She made no reply, but went on
hulling strawberries, until at last,
with a low bow and look which
spoke volumes, Drury lounged away
to stroll about the old fashioned gar
den, until the tea bell should ring.
Presently light, springing step
came up the paved walk, and tall
form swung slowly into sight, dark
eyed dark-haired, sunburnt Will
Holland. He came directly to the
porch where Lena was sitting, and
with a pleasant good evening sat
himself down at her side and began
at once to help to hull strawberries.
81 saw that fop, Drury, talking to
YOU" he observed, after a pause,
while he worked away patiently,
Elena, when is he going back to the
city ?"
Lena's cheeks grew as red as the
berries.
II don't know" she faltered, Il
believe he intends to remain all sum-
mer."
Wills face clouded.
"Then | shall 60 away !" he cried.
LENA, Lena, can't you see how l
love you? l can not bear ito sit
by idly while worthless fellow like
that wins you away from me. Lena,
| do not believe that Drury cares a
sixpence for you. He is only anus
ing himselfl ~
"Mr. Holland !"
Never, during all the years of their
acquaintance, had Lena called him
by that title before, spoken in such
o cold tone or given him such a look
of scornful establishment. He look
ed into her face in unfeigned sur
prise; then he went on:
81 expect you will hate me for tell
ing you, but Lena, / have reasons
to believe that he is nothing but a
flirt. You know my opinion of that
class of bipeds already.
Lena's face had grown pale, but
she was a proud little woman and
she controlled her emotion admira-
bly,.
"How do you know so much con-
corning Mr.. Drury ?" she asked.
"You must have discovered some
way of reading his inner nature, for
lcoAfess have never seen anything
to justify such an opinion of him."
Will smiled, though there was a
tinge of sadness in the smile.