Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1888-02-04

health
Maude flushed up Indignantly. To
speak of the cruel blow which had been
dealt her as if it were a mere nothing!
THE young lady is looking so fresh
and charming that think she must be
ON the high road to recovery" This with
a stiff, old fashioned how to Maude. II
was about to say trusted might derive
as much benefit from the change only
fear that it is too much to expect. Age
cannot hope to compete with youth.
"With your permission" suggested
Mai. Henderson, my niece and will
accompany you to the falls. They are
within a quarter of an hours walk from
here; and l can then give you a few
hints about the neighborhood as we go
along"
Mr.. Browne would only be too pleased.
Maude walked on by her uncle's side,
experiencing mixture of joy and alarm.
She was so delighted to hear that dear
voice again; SO fearful lest her lovers
stratagem should be discovered!
Mr.. Browne noticed her agitation, and
was careful to divert Maj. Henderson's
attention from his niece, in case her con-
fusion should betray the secret. The
trio had to cross a stream by means of
stepping stones. The stranger offered to
assist Maude. Managing to keep his back
to Maj. Henderson, Mr.. Browne, alias
Lieut.. Mapleson, tenderly pressed
Maude's yielding hand, and with world
of expression in his blue eyes whispered:
"Be careful, my darling, and all will be
well with u.s.
The next morning Mr.. Browne called
upon Maj. Henderson. 81 have just
received these, and l thought you would
perhaps like to look at them," he said.
producing packet Of periodicals.
Maj. Henderson was glad to avail
himself Of the offer, as current literature
was rather difficult to procure in SO out
of-the-way place.
After q little further conversation Mr..
Browne was asked if he would care 10
join the uncle and niece in their morning
ramble. Again he would be only too
pleased.
When the trio had gone some distance
Mai. Henderson, wishing to enjoy quiet
half hour read, suggested that he should
sit down and rest little, while Maude
conducted Mr.. Browne to a spot close by
whence a good view of Snowdon could
be obtained.
81 would fam, like you, rest awhile"
replied Mr.. Browne; ''but as the day is
so unusually clear 1 feel I must make an
effort to take advantage Of it, especially
as this young lady has SO kindly consent
ed to act as my guide" And so Mr..
Browne hobbled off, with Maude walking
patiently beside him.
AS soon as the trees had hidden the
lovers from view Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, half laughing and half
crying, strolled his long gray beard.
'Oh, Jack, what ever made you come
like this? What do you intend to do?"
"This, my sweetest and the bold
lover drew from his pocket marriage
license and wedding ring. Half play
fully the gallant lieutenant removed
Maude's glove and slipped on the ring.
"What dear little hand it looks!" he
cried rapturously, 'and how happy /
shall be when can call its dear owner
my sweet little wife,
A slight sound fell on their ears, and,
looking up. they beheld Maj. Henderson
not hundred yards off.
Maude would have been grateful to the
earth had it opened at that moment to
receive her, but as it showed no signs Of
accommodating her, she disengaged her.
self from Mr.. Brownies embrace, and
hastily handed him back his ring.
Mr.. Browne was equal to the occasion,
although he had grave misgivings as he
hobbled toward Maj. Henderson. "Were
you fastening to join us? You see we
haven't got far. am a wretched walker
at the best of times; and in such scenery
as this one feels forced to pause fire.
quently to look around.'
81 expected to meet you coming back"
explained the major. ''But I was look
ing for you in that direction, indicating
another path more to the right 81 was
quite surprised when l saw you coming
toward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the
lovers listen to the majors innocent re-
marks!
At their carly dinner the major drew
from his pocket letter which he had re-
ceived by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. With a polite Eek
cuse me, my DEAR" to his niece, he
hastily glanced at the contents. II must
leave for London by the II o'clock train
tomorrow morning." he exclaimed.
This letter is of the utmost Importance.
How stupid Of me to have delayed read
ing it,
"Am 1 to accompany you, uncle?'
asked Maude family.
mo, no, my dear; there's no need for
you to do that l shall be b1ck here by
the evening of the following day."
The major was very preoccupied until
dinner was over, but as Maudc had also
much food for reflection, silence was
agreeable to both.
IL wonder if / could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while I am in town.
queried the major. MY dear" turning
to Maude. '.iust write a little note to him
asking him to step over for minute.
You know we half promised TO show him
the way to Fairy glen this afternoon.
/ don't feel inclined for any more walk
ing myself, but there is no reason why
you shouldn't accompany him. if you are
not tired and he is agreeable to the ar