Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-10-20
"MY DEARIE.'

Marian Leslie was singing in Gear, low
tones as she hurried through the meadow.
wholly unconscious of the soft football
that followed her footsteps, the ears that
drank in her song and the pair of laugh
ing, restless blue eyes that were beaming
In admiration of her dark beauty
ooh, dearP' cried Marian, suddenly
changing her tune as she came to a
stream on the edge of the meadow, ''tl,e
stepping stones are out of sight, and here
I'll have to walk down good half. mile.
Well, declare | never saw the water
50 high" and she turned to walk down
the struggling path, but before she had
taken two steps strong arm encircled
her waist. She screamed with terror
and struggled desperately to release her.
self, but before she could realize it she
was raised from the ground and conveyed
over the streamlet.
sNow, little one, what are you making
so much noise abouts Didn't you want
to get overT' said voice, as clear and
musical as Marians own, and Marian
found herself deposited on terra firma.
She raised her frightened black eyes
now, and met pair of laughing blue
ones. 9t ~ tt
"Poor child l really didn't mean to Get
so abruptly, but / was enchanted with
your song, and, when / saw you wanted to
cross the brook. ! had you in my arms
before ! knew it, l had, really, and /
most humbly beg your pardon for the
same"
The blue eyes were laughing at her yet,
but the musical voice was very penitent.
Poor Marian! her pretty cherry lip
quivered; she, didn't know whether to
laugh or cry.
Who was this impudent stranger
Would she thank him for carrying her
over, or would she remain offended? The
strangers next question, in low, plead
Ing voice. settled Marian's doubts.
Then you won't forgive me, little one?'
II didn't say | wouldn't; only please
don't call me little one and Marian
looked up shyly. ss5e
But you are little one.'' said the
young stranger boldly.
I'm IS tomorrow, SIR" answered
Marian, with more spirit. W .f 81.
Tomorrow your birthday" said the
stranger, "And tomorrow is Gilderoy
Murray's."
Eyes, he is Just six years older than
l." said Marian, blushing, and walked on,
and her face frightened as she thought.
This young man Is visitor ut the hall.
I'll find out if Gilderoy has arrived yet
II suppose you will celebrate your
birthday by going up to the hall and hav
ing good time tomorrow" asked the
young man.
mo. / don't wish to go tomorrow;
there will be SO many there, you know;
and. anyway, don't suppose Gilderoy-1
mean Mr. Murray-will remember me"
said Marian, with sigh.
GdXNIt,v h,aCu
looking as If he was very much interested.
Because was only o years old when
he went away. What long time to be
away from ones home. Grandma says
be used to tease me awfully' | suppose
you are staying at the hall7" questioned
Marian.
yes" replied the stranger
"Well, then. you must know my grand
ma. She has always lived at the hall,
and when was tiny little thing / was
there nearly all the time. Has Gild-I
mean Mr.. Murray -arrived today7"
Eyes. he came up with me. Do you
think you would know Gilderoy Murray"
"Oh." thought Marian, ''this Is one Of
,he two young men that grandma told me
they expected Gilderoy to bring with
him." and looking the young man full in
.he face. she answered:
"0h, yes, / would know him in a thou
sand; he Is SO very handsome.
Yes, should say he was, If he an
swered to the description Of the song you
were singing But now, candidly, do you
think he is any handsomer than IT.
''oh. my, be Is ever so much handsomer
than you" said Marian, with emphasis.
Your skin is brown and your hair is
brown" sH
'.And his skin Is white and his hair is
white. interrupted the stranger.
What an impudent fellow be u.s."
thought Marian.
No, / didn't mean that" she said.
''Gilderoy has skin as fair and hair as
golden as any blonde beauty"
What pity We can't all be blonde
beauties" murmured the young man.
There. now. don't flare up, little one;
mean 1t, pom honor do"
Marian looked at him rather doubtfully.
Did he mean q word of what he was say
ingf How could she tell, with those mis-
chievous blue eyes fixed upon herr
$50 you have made up your mind not
to go to Murray Hall Tomorrow" said
the young man, as Marian stood at her
own gate
II cannot go tomorrow, she answered
Then / shall be very much disap-
pointed" and, however it got there, the
young man held Marian,s hand In his.
Marian, Marianl want you," called
voice from the house
"Oh, must 60" said Marian.
Then good-by. Marian" and, giving
her hand little squeeze, he was gone
How handsome he is" thought Ma
rian; land believe what he says, but