Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-11-16
BELIEVING HIM FALSE.

BELIEVING HIM FALSE.
This is delightful I don't believe l
could have found a prettier place if had
searched the world 0ver.''
paused, and looked with approving
eyes at the retreat had chosen for the
summer. 1t was rambling, picturesque
house. standing quite distance back from
the road, and half hidden by the thick
foliage OF trees around it. There was a
gravelIed path leading up to The front en-
trance, on either side of which were beds
Of flowers in full bloom back in the dis
lance I caught gimpses of green fields and
orchards laden with half-ripe fruit, and a
line OF low blue hills bounding the hori-
Z0n.
l walked up the path and knocked a.
the door, at first moderately, then, as no
one answered, more impatiently. But my
summons brought no one, and after about
ten minutes of impatient waiting, I step
ped back and viewed the honse; the blinds
we're all clnsed-there seemed to be no
trace of life about it. Yet l had sent
word to Mrs. Morris, the lady who had
advertised, saying SHE had "homeliKe &C.
commodation for one or two summer
boarders." that was coming. What did
she mean by going away
l gave another laundering rap at the
door, that met with no more success than
the preceding ones then was turning
away in disgust, wondering what could
do with myself. when the sound of a
sweet, full voice, singing, broke on my
ear.
| listened eagerly, the sornd came from
the rear of the house. I fastened in that
direction, delighted to fad that there was
some one at home after all.
A wide portico extended across the back
of the house, a tangle Of honeysuck lie vines
growing over its columns and the lattice
work at each end.
Sitting in low chair just in front of the
open door was young girl, the finger
whose voice had guided me.
Such pretty girl I! The fresh blooming
face made me think Involuntary of
wild rose. The sleeves of her light calico
dress were rolled up, showing pair of
white dimpled arms and the pretty fingers
were stained red from the berries she was
picking.
could have stood for an indefinite Pc
Rod admiring the picture she made and
listening to her song. but the loud barking
of dog. that had been lying at her feet
blinking in the sunlight, made her raise
her eyes.
l stepped up on the portico as she look
ed at me. and raised my hat.
You must pardon me for intruding,"
I said. II knocked at the front door for
a long time, and no one answered so I
came round here, guided by your singing
I am the gentleman who engaged apart
ments here for the summer-Brian Hatha-
way"
''Are you Mr.. Hathaway Auntle did
not expect you until to morrow" she ex-
claimed, putting the dish of berries on
little table beside her, and rising to her
feet.
II wrote that was coming to-day" I
declare ed.
"Nhen it was her mistake. She has gone
to spend the day at friends house, but
will do my best to make you comfortable
until her return.'
smiled. secretly, very much pleased at
having to be entertained by such charm
ing little creature. Then she led the way
into the house and up stairs to large airy
room with three windows. overlooking the
green fields, orchards, and q narrow river
that looked like silver ribbon stretching
across the country.
Ny hostess left me, and going to my
trunks, that had arrived the day before,
proceeded 10 remove the traces Of my hot,
dusty journey.
Occasionally, during the task, could
hear the sound of feet crossing the hall be-
low, and sDatches of song floated up to me
smiled contentedIy IT, myself
After my toilet was completed went
hall was open, and entered cool shady
little parlor, the room was tenantless. but
after few minutes of anxious waiting,
light step sounded in the hall. and my lit
tie hostess entered.
She had changed the calico dress for
white muslin; and washed the pink stains
from her fingers, and now she sat down in
chair near me, and talking to me in the
dainty. gracious way that sat SO we'll upon
her.
In a little while we were the best of
friends; she Played for me on the piano
that stood in one corner, and sung to me
favorite songs in her clear, sweet suprano.
was an author of some little fame, i'll
search of change, yet I did not add
single sentence to my story that night
when l went to my room-ins- cad of writ
ing extinguislied the light and sat down
1t the open window to breathe the dewy
fragrant air and think of May.
l was twenty-eight years old. and had
been the hero of half-a-dozen tlirtations,
acne of which had made the very slight
est impression on my heart. But now, l
owned to myself frankly that was really
aud truly in 1--we with this girl whom
had Oulv kpnUn for IN a ftorpoOn