Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-03-15

W. di' k'lliR' Ndlu AlloH dl tl-
sor-"Mr. Carroll and |. We has de-
picted tho delights of a nutting party
in such vivid colors that | really am
quite anxious to participate in one.
do hope it won't rain"
"Oh, 1t won't rain" said Mr.. Carroll.
81 don't think it will rain" said
Fanny, feeling she ought to say some
thing.
And" Harvey added, "If you are
not provided with an escort. am sure
Miss Van Vclsor will be very glad to
have you join our party"
Delighted" chmed in Oriana.
81 thank you," interposed Miss Dale,
before Fanny could reply. but Fanny
is to go with my brother Lemuel."
(Now Mr.. Lemucl Dale was an old
bachelor, regarded as the common
property of all the girls in town.
Yes said Fanny. clutching at the
straw Of escape; 81 am to go with Mr..
Lemuel Dale" And Harvey CAROLS
conscience did sting him little rs he
met the glance Of unconscious rcproach
in poor Fanny's eyes.
"She is a little jewel" he confessed
TO himself "But then she is only "A
pearl, and Oriana is diamond of the
first water and there can be no better
chance for me to propose than to-mor-
row"
And morning Came-one of those
brilliant, summer-like days that seem
to have been pluckcd out of the golden
diadem of August itself.
"IIow delightful" lisped Miss Oriana
as she sat gracefully on twisted tree
root and drank out of a silver cup.
"Ah, how indcscribably charming is
the country"
could you be contcnted TO live here
always - asked Harvey Carroll, A. he
lay stretched on the green turf At her
feet.
II could desire no happier fate"
said Oriana, lifting her eyes heaven
ward.
Then -" Harvey was beginning.
when honest Lcmucl Dale came stumb-
ling over the uneven ground toward
them.
Il say, Carroll. what are You dream
ing about" cried he. Don't YOU see
the thundcr-clouds piling up in the
west? Don't you feel the sudden chill
in the air? Everybody else is seeking
shelter from the storm, while YOU stay
here, apparently blind. deaf. and dumb!
Luckily for you that ! came back for
Miss Forrester's shawl, and reused YOU
from your dream" And Fanny. lean
ing on Dale's arm. scarcely looked up
while he spoke.
Miss Van Yelsor caught up her lace
pdrasol, with a shrek. is it going to
rain;" che cried. "Oh. have such
dislike Of thunder showers Oh. do let
us 60 to a place Of shelter. some nice
old farmhouse or dear old danes
honcysucklccoycrcd cottage"
"The nearest place is the rectory at
the foot Of the hill. half mile OFF,
said Carroll. doubtfully.
I'VE shall be happy to welcome you
there" spoke mp Fanny, unconsciously
hcaping Goals of Are on her rivals
head
"Oh. do let us hurry" cried Miss
Van Yclsor. catching at Carroll's arm.
as the thunder broke in low rumbling
tones and the first big drops began to
fall.
But Miss Forester and Mr.. Dale
reached the rectory by a short cut
across the meadows. and were at the
door to receive their dripping guests
when at last they reached the haven of
refuge.
carroll surrendered Miss Van NelsOT
at once into Fannys care. Take her
upstairs, please Miss Forester" said
he. in startled tone. Il think
there's something the matter with
her"
"Oh, am all right" said Miss Van
Velsor, with a simper. "Only a little
tired with the haste we have made.
But Fanny started back with dismay,
quite comprehending Mr.. Carfolls dis
comiiture when she caught glimpse
of her rivals face. II was striped like
a zebra, where the streams of rain had
run down her brow and cheeks. the
streaks of red and white paint blending
curiously together; the penciling was
washed entirely from one eyebrow. the
other shielded by fold Of the lace veil,
was totally unchanged. Fanny was