Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1885-08-27

this pretty, raklSh Nanlty, ask Nhncy lor-
giveness, marry her, and live like respect
able man. '-
t H u. CHAPTER v. '."
IN WHICH WILLIE REFLECTS, REMoNsTRATE
AND VANITY wEEPs. .Hr
Heavy was Willie's heart that night. He was
ashamed of himself, and dreaded the thought
of meeting Nancy Steele, nor did the uncer-
tainty he felt as to how much she had over
seen diminish his disquiet Besides, he could
not extinguish certain misgiving about
Vanity. The honey of her kiss hid sting
which rankled now, when the sweetness had
passed off. Willie thought--as any steady, re-
spectacle young man might think-that, had
the kiss been of his taing, not of her giving, it
would have been honey indeed, and never a
sting behind. Had he stolen a kiss, and had
she, after little decent show of anger, al
lowed him to beg forgiveness, all would have
been well. Because, though we do not wish
to look too much behind the scenes, we all
know this is the way well-conducted young
people make love. So Willie thought over
matters, and was troubled with his thoughts.
He would not use the word about Vanity
himself, but the thought crossed his mind,
''May not Nancy think her boldP' Then
came a second question, "Would not Nancy
have some reason for thinking her boldT
which last query fixed itself in Master Wills
head and gave him an uneasy pillow.
Events hurried Willie forward. Next
morning, when on his way to his place of
business he saw Nancy at distance coming
toward him. "Now for it," said Will to
himself, making ready for a gale. But he
was wrong; Nancy came on smiling, and
held her hand out in a friendly way.
"Good-morning, Willie"
'Good-morning, Miss Nancy"
"That was your Cousin Alice l saw with
you last night, ! supposep' said Nancy, with
face of perfect gayety.
Willie's "Cousin Alice" lived in Norwich,
and was known in Hampton by name only.
Certainly not" Willie replied. "What
made you think Of herF' ,sst.t 4
The lad began to recover himself, hoping
that nothing material had been overseen.
II felt certain she must be near relation
when I saw her kissing you-her kissing
you!" Nancy said emphatically, hitting the
nail of Willies thought a most decisive blow
with the hammer of her clever tongue. Then
she went on: "How many such kissing ac-
udN6 yOu SOb, w hllCs a4.t....
Nancy laughed good-naturedly enough.
''WeI, you see, Nancy. Willie began.
II saw" said Nancy, laughing still. 81
had rather not have seen it, Willie" Now
she looked sad. "Never mind" she cried,
with a smile and sigh: 81 tell no tales"
She nodded to him and hurried on. here
observe, once for all, that Miss Nancy may
have been little sharp, but she was quite
right to stand up for propriety, quite right
to let Willie know that Vanity's behavior
had been forward; quite right to give Willie
assign of her good temper, and yet drop a
hint of wounded feelings / do not care who
hears me say it--for motherless girl Nancy
showed remarkable discretion.
That night Willie came to me and laid the
whole case before me.
''Tell me candidly, doctor" he said, ''what
ought to do" s
'You ought never to speak to Miss Vanity
Hardware again." replied, "nor see her, if
you can help it." .... ....,..,...
'tBut she may be good"
"And the moon may be green cheese, VIII
How many mays go to 'must'?' ,.
"You are hard-hearted, doctor.n
''Gray headed, you mean, Willie"
That silenced him for a whole minute.
II have suspicion that this Miss Vanity
Hardware has secret to keep" said /, re-
solved to tell him all knew sHave you
ever seen wedding-ring on her fnger?' !
'Whatg' cried Willie, leap.ng up as if O
bullet had gone through him.
"Have you ever seen wedding-ring on
her fingerg" repeated, looking at the lad
steadily, with the air Of one who knew O
A,,I To ba II
shan he did. H
"a wedding-rings" he gasped. Certainly
not. What do you mean" .r.l
II believe your sweetheart, Miss Vanity
Hardware, is married woman" went on
ssMrs. Vanity Somebody, as sure as my name
is John Book. DON'T hold up your hand, Will
nor lift your voice, nor speak one word.
have seen that woman's hushandT'
Willie never had much color in his cheeks
but he turned winter than l could have be
heved possible Poor boy! he was in low
indeed, and pitied him. Still, feeling it tt
be my duty, related to him the scene had
witnessed a few evenings before.
'It is surprising very surprising" sale
he, like man trying to disbelieve what h
knows must be true. "But this stranger may
not be her husband alter all, doctor" 4
'Quite true; he may not be husband; le
us hope he u.s." replied, determined to Civ,
him my whole mind. Oh, viii, Will, ther,
are none SO blind as those"
Anyway" cried Willie, snatching up hi
hat, II shall know who and what that maj
is before yonder clock strikes nine"
"You are going to see the young woman
are your fg 'Cn =t~ jspI
''Of course am" ssp yI5& - pjn
"She will make fool of you, Willie. Sh
was born to deceive hearts like yours"
But Willie was gone, and spoke to tn
air. .o,-E n,I IL it 4.. Hssri..s.
Uphill he hastensd with beating heart
Somehow, as he drew nearer to the spo
where he and Vanity used to meet on thei
evening rambles the girl seemed to renev
her enchantments. Over flne-strung nature
like his. those first timid beginnings Of court
Cure for croup.-Use Thomas Ele
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