Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-07-11
cheek, but her eyes demure and down

out Tito path leading through the orch
ard to pretty rustic bridge spanning tn
river.
The day was dying, but dying in rega
splendor over land radiant with summe
! beauty. May leaned on the railing of th
bridge and gazed with rapt eyes down tn
river. that reflected the sunsets hues
until at the horz)n, 1t seemed to be los
in the crimson glory.
And I-well, there's time in ever.
mans life when he appreciates one fail
face more than all the loneliness of nature
so contented myself with the delicate
profile beside me.
At last, as the clouds lost their vivit
tint, she turned towards me with a little
sigh.
cit is over" she said softly. "Let us
go bacl. to the house."
"Not yet'' exclaimed, catching hel
hand. my voice trembling. II brought
you here to tell you something. May
darling, | love you! Do you think you
could ever care for met"
For one brief instant her eyes met mine
and my heart thrilled, for thought The
light In them was love. Then the lashes
dropped on her cheeks and she turned shy
ly away. | was waiting breathlessly for
her answer, when figure emerged from
the orchard path, and Matt, the hired boy
came hurrying towards US. dropped
Mays hand and impatisntly demanded
his errand.
please, Mr.. Hathaway, you're to come
to the house right away. There's tele.
gram there for you.'
With an expression of disgust at this
inopportune intrusion. drew Mays hand
within my arm and followed the boy tt
the honse. Upon reading the telegram, l
found that my immediate presence was re
CURED in the city to attend to some i'm
portant business affairs.
The next train left Overton in half an
hours time, and had only time to make
some hurried preparations. I did not get
chance to say word to May in private.
and so left for the city with my question
unanswered; but this did not trouble me,
for thought that 1 knew what that
answer might be.
After a week later, returned. 1t was
dusk as I walked up the road, and by the
dim light l could descry a white figure al
the garden gate. I hurried gladly towards
it for it was May.
took her two little hands eagerly in my
own, and scanned her features as well as
could by the faint light.
1t seemed to me that she looked very
pale, and there we're heavy shadows under
her eyes.
"Have you been i'll, dear 2" asked
anxiously.
mo, am quite we'll, Mr.. Hathaway. "
''Mr. Hathaway ~ 1 exclaimed re-
proachfully. Then I bent forward and
tried to put my arm about her waist. "Are
you ready to answer me now 2" 1 said.
''Do you love me, May? Will you be my
wife
Eyes, am quite ready to answer you.
I do not love you never dreamed o
such thing. will not be your wife,"
1 staggered back and stared at her in
-credulously. 1t was cruel shock, fer ]
had been confident that her answer would
be ny es.'' All this summer had been spent
trying to win her, and she had certainly
encouraged me-for this! A sudden furious
anger filled me, and accused her of de.
ceit-heartless eoquetry. She answered
my hot words with little taanting
laugh.
cit is the old story reversed" she said,
Instead of a handsome gentleman from
the city spending the summer in the
country, and amusing himself with a
country girl, country girl has amused
herself for whole summer with a city
gentleman"
Then she turned and went into the
house.
And the next day went back to the
city changed man. The thought that
May whom I had deemed so sweet and
WON anly could be capable of the part she
had played, ranked in my mind, and re-
solved to forget her. So time passed on.
s'Brian, have engaged governess for
Nellie. Such pretty, dainty little crea-
ture-I like her immensely. She has q
delicious voice. and am going to send
for her and ask her to sing for you."
was laying back lazily on comforta-
BILE lounge in my sister-in-law' pretty
parlor, putting away at cigar. l had
come that afternoon to pay my brother a
long promised visit, but l found to my
ehagrin that be was away attending to
some business and things promised to be
rather dull for me.
In answer to her words, 1 said, care
lessly:
"All right, sis. A little music would
not go badly just now. think it would
suit my mood admirably
She souched bell, and directed the
servant who answered it to tell the COVER
ness to come to the parlor.
In few minutes light tap sounded
on the door, and in answer to my sister g
words the governess entered the room.
For brief instant everything seemed
whirling around me-l saw only that lit
tie figure, clad in sombre. crape-trimmed
garments.
The pale face. with big grey eyes, was
that of May, the girl whom parted with
Il thought for ever, two years ago.
Then the sound of Dots voice recalled
me to myself.
s.NTiea Morris fbia ia nv hrothar.in 10 M