The Wilmingtonian., 1885-02-21


years of age and no older than her years
signiied, was completely astounded by the
majors coolness.
She could not help betraying her curios.
ity; she looked at the major inquirngly
she dropped into Ieveries, and she said tc
her mother, who came to the door of the
parlor moment about some affair strictly
in family nature, that Mr.. Clinton was en-.
tirely different to what she had imagined
him to be.
But the major did not know all this, and
after the business of the evening ended 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
to the National Academy, the last new nov-
el and Browns last volume of poems, all of
which are very bad Miss Nell looked In
terested, pretty and sentimental until the
major half wished she would be her natural
self, or he had at last aroused himself to the
comparative state, and he wanted to talk
with her in the most serious way about her
sister. AT last he made desperate effort
and said:
"Miss Wallerson, | called this evening
only on business, but | have for long time
wanted to say something to you about
natter
excuse me just for an instant, major"
interrupted Miss. Nell ''the gas is kissing
dreadfully Won't you be good enough to
see which burner it is? Pm just too short
to reach any of them, am sorry to say"
The major hastened to the rescue. He
heard kissing noise, as il of the escape of
too much gas; he could not be sure which of
the six burners was at fault, so he turned
dow one after another until the noise stop
ped 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 an
noying to the ear. By the way, you were
saying that
The major resisted the temptation to say,
"oh, nothing of any consequence, and
said:
81 have been long the most reverent
adorer of a certain young lady who
"oh, majorr' exclaimed Miss Nell;
"the idea of you being in love- Did
you''-
Excuse me, Miss Wallerson,' said the
major hastily, "but no one is competent to
pass an opinion on my condition of mind
but myself. 1 fully know my own feelings,
and merely wish an opportunity to explain
them in such manner as may be most re-
spectful."
81 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 mschievous girl suspected
something and was willing to suppress
herself.
81 have long been worshipping lady
whom | would have been glad to make my
wife" continued the major, 'ff 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
"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, under
stand why speak with more than my Gus
tomary freedom. Miss Walersou, | was
trained in my youthful days to such un-
questioning reverence for woman as woman
that feel almost like thief when l think
of asking. any woman for her hand and
heart
"Again, major, must say that your
thoughtfulness and delieacy do you honor"
said Miss Nell as demurely as if she had
never teased anyone in her life.
''Thank you-thauk you, =" said the major
again. 81 would like to explain myself, if
/ may trouble you for moment 1 am,
/ believe, an honorable man; have a good
business and good bank account. l want
to devote both, and my life beside, to the
service of the sweetest woman that ever
livei. | cannot expect her to love me as l
love her, for she is an angel, and am only
well, only man."
"a trne man." said Nell, still as demure
as parson, Sis as good as anything else in
the world--even as good as a true wo-
man.
"Do you really think SOP" asked the
major. II must believe you against my
will, but entirely according to my inclina-
tion. Well, the woman l love you know
very we'll; no one can know her better; she
is pure, good, sweet, noble, tender
"Major maior!'' exclaimed Miss
Nell.
''Please don't contradict me on this par
ticular point" said the major; 81 really
think know-I am sure do"