Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-06-15

AS the major read her note brilliant
thought occurred to him. While talking
business Miss Nell certainly would not en-
deavor to tease him !; his bashfuIness never
troubled him while talking with ladies on
any subject requiring common sense, opin-
ION and executive ability; he should there
fore be able to feel at ease with Miss Nell.
ana while in that unusual condition he
would make confdant of her and ask
her advice and assistance.
80 the major went to the Wallerson home
on the evening appointed by mischievous
Miss Nell with a stouter heart than he
had felt. outside of business hours, since
the war ended. He arranged with tie
young lady to bring all his male friends
into the surprise party, and she, rather
confused by her new view of the majors
character, was most ELUSIVE in thsIaSs,
and being only twenty-three years OF age
and no older than her years signiied, was
completely astounded by the majors cool
ness. She could not help betraying her
curiosity; she looked at the major inqui-
riDgly, she dropped into reveries, and said
to her mother, who came to the door of
the parlor moment about some affair
strictly of family nature, that Mr.. Gln-
ton 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 end
ed he began to feel the old familiar cold
sweat that had been his torment in the
swamps of the Chickahominy fifteen years
before. Conversation had dropped to the
dead level OF the National Academy, the
last new novel and Browns last volume
or poems, all of which were very bad.
Miss Nell looked interested, pretty and
sentimental until the major half wished
she would be her natural self, for he had at
last reused himself to the combative
state and he wanted to talk with herln the
most serious manner about her sister,
at last he made desperate effort and
said
miss Wallerson, L called this evening
| only On business. and have for long
time wanted to say something to you about
NATTER
Excuse me, just for an Instant inter-
rupted Miss Nell, 1.-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 fastened 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 be
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 near
her, ''the blowing of gas is dreadfully ar
noying to the ear. By the way you were
saying that"
The major resisted temptation to say,
ooh, nothing of any consequence, and
said:
Il have been long the most reverent
adorer of certain young lady wlo-"
"Oh. MAORI" exclaimed Miss Nell );
''the idea Of you being in Lowell Did
you"
Excuse me, Miss Wallerson,' - said the
major, hastily, but no one is competent
to rass an opinion on my condition of
mind but myself. 1 fully know my own
feelings, and merely wish an opportuty to
explain them in such manner as NAV be
most respectful"
II 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.
IL have long been worshipping lady
whom would have been glad to make nv
wife," continued the major, IF 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.n
"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, I
was trained In my youthful days to such
unquestioning reverence for woman, that
I feel almost like thief when think of
asking any woman for her hand and
heart. :"
Again, majo~, I must say that your
thoughtfulnass and delicacy do you
honor" said Miss Nell. as demurely as if
she had never leased any one in her life.
"Thank you-thank you,'' said the
major again. II would like first to explain
myself. if I may trouble you for moment.
1 am. believe, an honorable man have
good business and good bank account.
| want to devote both. and my life be-
sides. to the service of the sweetest woman
that ever lived. L cannot expect her to
to love me as love her. for she is an an
gel and am only-well, only man,
"a true man, said Miss Nell. still as
demure as parson, sis as good as any,
thing else in the world-even as good as a
true woman
do you really think so ?' asked the
major. 81 must believe you against nv
will. but entirely according to my inclina
ton. Well, the woman whom 1 love Won
know very well; no one can know her
better; she is pure, good, sweet, noble.
tender-''
"Major-major ?" exclaimed Miss Nell
"Please don't con trad1ct me on this
particular point" said the major: 81
really think know-I am sure I do.n
"Tben," said Miss Nell, sit would be