Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-11-07
Believing HimFa False.

This Is delightful! 1 don't believe
1 could have found prettier place If
had searched the world over.'
paused, and looked with approv-
ing eyes.at the reh eat had chosen for
the summer. 1t was rambling, pic
turesque house, standing quite a dis
tance back from the road, and half hid
den by the thick foliage Of trees around
it. There was a gravelled path leading
up to the front entrance, on either side
of which were beds Of flowers in full
bloom; back in the distance l caught
elmpses of green fields and orchards
laden with half.ripe fruit, and line Of
low blue hills bounding the horizon.
I walked up the path and knocked at
the door, at first moderately, then, as
no one answered, more impatently.
But my summons brought no one, and
after about ten minutes of impatient
waiting, l stepped back and viewed the
house; the blinds were all closed there
seemed to be no trace of life about it.
Yet had sent word TO Mrs. Morris, the
lady who had advertised, saying she
had 'homelike accommodation for one
or two summer boarders,' that was
coming. What did she mean by going
away?
gave another laundering rap at the
door, that met with no more success
than the preceding ones; then l was
turning away IN disgust, wondering
what l could do with myself, when the
sound of a sweet, full voice, singing,
broke on my ear.
| listened eagerly, the sound came
from the rear of the house. 1 FASTENED
IN that direction, delighted to find that
there was some one at home after all.
A wide portico extended across the
b ack Of the house, tangle OF honey
suckle 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
singer whose voice had guided me.
such pretty girl ! The fresh bloom
ing face made me think involun tarily Of
a wild rose. The sleeves Of her light
calico dress were rolled up, showing
a pair of white dimpled arms and the
pretty fingers we're stained red from
the berries she was picking.
1 could have stood for an indefinite
period admlriDg the picture she made
and listening 10 her song, but the loud
barking of dog, that had been lying
at her feet blinking in the sunlight,
made her raise her eyes.
stepped up on the portlco as she
looked at me, and raised my hat.
You must pardon me for intruding,
l said. Il knocked at tho front door
for long time, and no one answered ;
so came round here, guided by your
singing. am the gentleman who en-
gagged apartments here for the summer
Brian Hathaway
Are you Mr.. Hathaway Auntie
did not expect you until tomorrow,
she exclaimed, putting the dish of Der.
ries on a little table be side her, and ris-
ing TO her feet.
Il wrote that was coming to-day,
/ declared.
Then IT was Ler mistake. She has
gone to spend the day at a friends
house, but 1 will do my best to make
you comfortable until her return
Ismlled, secretly, very much pleased
at having 10 be entertained by such a
charming little creature. Then she led
the way into the house aud upstairs TO
large airy room with three windows,
overlooking the green fields, orchards,
and a narrow river that looked like q
| silver ribbon stretching across the
country.
My hostess left me, and going 10 my
trunks, that bod arrived the day before
proceeded TO remove the traces ofmy
hot dusty journey.
Occasionally, during the task, cou Id
hear the sonnd Of feet crossing the hall
below, and snatcbes of song foated up
to me. 1 smiled contentedly to N.Y.
self.
After my toilet was completed went
downstairs. A door on one side OF
the hall was open, aud entered cool
shady little parlor, the room was ten
antless, but after few minutes Of anx-
ious waiting, light step sounded in
the hall, and mv little hostess enter
ed.
She had changed the calico dress for
a while muslin; and washed the pink
stains from her fingers. and now .she
sat down 10 a chair near me, and talk
ed TO me in the dainty, gracious way
that eat so we'll upon her.
In q little while we were the best of
friends; she PLAYED for me on the piano
that stood in Que corner, and sung
90 me iavorite songs in her clear, sweet
soprano.