Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-05-26

years of age and no older than her years
signifed, was completely astounded by
the majors GOODNESS. She could not help
betraying her curiosity; she looked at the
major inquiringly, she dropped into rev.
cries, and said to her mother, who came
to the door of the psrlor moment about
some affair strictly Of family nature,
that Mr.. Clinton was entirely diffsrsnsto
what she had imagined him to be.
But the major did not know all this, and
after the business of the evening ended he
began to feel the old familiar cold sweat
that had been his torment in the swamps
of the Chckahominy fifteen years before.
Conversation had dropped to the dead
level of the National Academy, tho last
new novel and Browns last volume OF
poems, all of which were very bad. Miss
Nell looked interested, pretty and senti-
mental until the major half wished sho
would be her natural self, for he had at
last reused himself to the combatatiye
state, and he wanted to talk with her In
the most serious manner about her sister.
At last he made desperate effort and
saiG:
"Miss wallerson, called this evening
only OH business, but / have for a long
time wanted to say something to you
about matter"
Excuse me, just for an instant, Inter
rupted Miss Nell, "the gas is Kissing
dreadfully. Won't you be good enough
to see which burner it is. I'm just too
short to reach any Of them, I'm sorry to
| say"
The major hastened to the rescue. He
heard Kissing noise, as Of the escape Of
| too much gas, but could not be sure which
OF the six burners was at fault, SO ne
turned down one after another until the
noise stopped and the parlor was almost
dark.
"You are very kind" murmured Miss
Nell, as the major resumed his seat noar
her, "the blowing Of gas is dreadfully
annoying to the ear. BY the way, you
were saying that"
The major resisted temptation to say,
"Oh, nothing of any consequence" and
said:
"I have been long the most reverent
adoror of a certain young lady who"
"Oh, MAJOR" exclaimed Miss Nell;
"the idea of you being in love! Did
you"
"lExcuse me, Miss wallerson," said the
major, hastily, "but no one is competent
to pass an opinion on my condition Of
mind but myself. fully know my own
feelings, and merely wish an opportunity
to explain them in such manner as may
be most respectful"
"I beg your pardon, major" said Miss
Nell, now entirely on her guard. please
continue, and believe no one here can
doubt your sincerity"
The majors heart gave mighty bound !;
evidently this mischievous girl suspected
something and was willing to suppress
herself.
81 have long been worshiping lady
whom would have been glad to make my
wife," continued the major, "1f had not
feared that my love and what else had
to offer her would not seem compensation
for what she would be obliged to give up"
''Your thoughtfulness does you honor,
major" said Miss Nell. in the kindest way
in the world.
"Thank you-thank you," said the
major, hastily. "Perhaps, then, you will
understand why speak with more than
customary freedom. Miss Wallerson, 1
was trained in my youthful days to such
unquestioning reverence for woman rs
woman that feel almost like thief when
I think of asking any woman for her hand
and heart" aa"
"Agsin, major, must say that your
thoughtfulness and delicacy do you
honor,'' said Miss Nell, as demurely as II
she had never teased any one In her life.
"Thank you-thank you," said the
major again. 81 would like first to eI-
plain myself, If may trouble you for a
moment. l am, believe, an honorable
man; have good business and good
bank account. want to devote both, and
| nv life beside, to the service OF the sn eet-
est woman that ever lived. / cannot ex-
pect her to love mo as love her, for she
is an angel and am only-well, only
man."
ga true man." said Miss Nell, still as
demure as parson, "is az good as any
thing else in the world-even as good as
a true woman"
'Do you really think soY" asked the
major. 81 must believe you against my
will, but entirely according to my inclI-
nation. Well, the woman whom / love
you know very well; no one can know
her better she is pure, good, sweet, noble,
| tender"
"Major-major !" exclaimed Miss Nell.
"Please don t contradict me on this par
ticular point" said the major; IL really
think KNOW am sure do"
i'Thsn," said Miss Nell, cit would be
very impolite in me to contradict, but
really" d4
Really" said the major, 81 am weigh
| ing nv words most carefully and mean
all say. Iwant to offer her all am and
have, under any conditions she may iIn-
pose. Don't imagine me impulsive or
| rash in this matter, /" continued the major.
extending both his hands in his earnest
ness. 81 mean" as.
What the major meant was never ex-
planned, for Miss Nell, entirelyin accord
J ance with her own idea OF what the ex-