Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-08-27
SHEPHERDsTOWN, ". VA, FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 1885,

| the mouse was nlled with company.
Vane devoted himself almost entirely
to her, leaving Lottie to amuse herself.
At the frequent pienics Alice shone as
the chief star Of the occasion. She
might be gone all day, but returned with
her elegant costumes as perfect as when
she started, while Lottie would lose her
parasol and fan, and tear great holes in
her dresses, and come home with her
face aud hands as black as Gypsy's.
When Vane and Alice went riding,
Lottie would show off Floss ard jump
hedges, thus provoking earnest remon-
strace from Ware. Then the brown
eyed witch rode faster than ever, send
ing back gay peals of laughter to the
dignified couple whom she left to bring
up the rear.
OF late Vane thought he detected a
certain recklessnes. in Lottie's freaks.
When going up the mountain, where it
was so steep that he dismountsd 10 lead
Alice's horse, she galloped on, putting
whip to Floss, who rushed up the rocky
ascent, tearing up pebbles and turf, over
wide chasms, and along narrow ledges,
where single misstep would have
hurled pony and girl down to instant
destruction.
Vane trembled; but to hide his fears
he gave Alice his full attention.
One day e went into the library, and
found Lottie seated on the window
sill. She was unusually quiet. She
had been watching Alice, who, with
book in hand, was promenading Oh the
lawn below, under the shady trees.
"She is very beautiful" said Vane,
looking towards the graceful figure.
81 wonder if she would marry me?"
"vane Winton, haven't you asked
her yet?"
Not yet. Perhaps l shall to-day.
Do you think | had better do SOP"
"Most certainly" And she ran of
singing merrily.
In short time she was tearing down
the road OH Floss at breakneck speed.
After she had gone, Vane went out
to Alice.
''What ails Lottie? %. that lady inquired.
"Lottie? do not understand"
GAS she passed ne just few mo-
ments ago to mount her pony, spoke
to her, Let me go Alice May she
snapped, and noticed tears in her
eyes. And then she rode off so reck-
lessly that / am fearful she will put
Floss in bad temper"
Alice spoke lightly, but Vane's face
paled as he walked back to the house,
and waited anxiously for LottIe's return.
Presently he caught sight Of Floss
being led slowly back ty strange
man. Then followed ,arriage, with
two men, one Of whom acid girlish
figure in his arms.
at took place down on the river
road" explained one of the men to
Vane. "The girl was riding like the
wind when all at once the pony made II
plunge, and the girl landed among the
rocks"
Mr.. and Mrs. Winton came hurrying
out, and the greatest excitement pre-
vailed. .hey took Lottie into the house,
where it was ascertained that one arm
was broken, and several ugly cuts and
bruises had been received.
When Lottie opened her eyes, Vane
was at her side.
$50 away :" she cried.
Never, darling, for love you!"
GLOW can you love me and marry
Alce!" she pouted.
81 am not going to marry Alice"
"Why, Lottie, can it be that you are
jealous?" said Alico, taking her hand.
"Vane and | do not want each other"
81 was very jealous," confessed Lot
tie, "but please don't go away" And
he did not. "When you spoke Of mar
rying Alice, did not care what hap
pened to me-"
"But you refused me-"
81 know it, but only to tease you.
Just rs soon as Lottie recovered there
was quiet wedding, and Alice was
bridesmaid.