Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1890-05-23

chair with sigh of content, think
ing how good it was to be at nome
again, and enjoying the genial
warmth as only man or cat can.
Suddenlya now thought seemed
TO strike him, and he bounded to
his feet, exclaiDing, 81 wonder all
this rumpus has not wakened
Charley! Surely it was enough to
rouse the sleepers.'
Crossing the room to a door
which stood ajnr, he pushed 1t
wide open and stepped within.
By the dim light be dlscerned a
a form upon the bed, one arm
carelessly above the head. "He
sleeps we'll as of old !" he thought
then advancing to the side of the
bed, with a cry of "Charley, old
man. wake upw he seized the
pjtcber from the stand, and dash
ed the contents full into the mp
turned face.
A smothered sound, and then a.
shriek that never came from Char
ley's lips resounded through the
house, causing Eugene to beat a.
hasty retreat, and bringing the
old people from the Kitchen both
crying, "what's the matter" in
one breath, his mother being fully
convinced that it was "burglars."
"Matter enough, to be sure "
cried Eugene Impatiently. ''Why
did, you not tell me that Charley
was, not there? And now I've
half killed somebody just like my
confounded luCk!" he grumbled'
His another vent to the aid OF
the half drowned occupant of the
bed room feeling very uncomfort
able indeed. "Just as a fellow
gets home and thinks to enjoy
himself, to make such a noodle of
himself! But how was l to know
Charley had gone away, or that
mother was entertaining a guest
wonder who she is! I've a mind
| to 90 back to the city by the first
train !" These and other equally
disturbing thoughts ran through
his mind until he fell asleep.
Eugene decended to breakfast
next morning half hoping the lady
was to Ill, or too put out, to appear
at the table. he was doomed to
disappointment, however, for when
he plunged into the dining'rOom
much as one plunges into cold
bath, he beheld a beautiful glrl
seated beside his mother.
"Myrtie, allow me to present
nv son Eugene. My trend, Miss
Bell, Eugene, and thank youl
stars she was not killed outright
by your rudeness!'
| Eugene blushed, stammered
and only acknowledged the intro
duction by a very stiff bow.
"Not quite so anxious to make
| her acquaintance as you we're las
night, ell 7" laughed his father
| This remark tended in no wise t
allay his embarrassment, and
Heeting glimpse of a pair OF be
seeching eyes, brmming over wit
tears, completed his discontinue.
Words of apology rose to Er
genes lips, but his tongue refuse
TO utter them. "What a perteC
heatben she must think me y b
Kept saying to himself, but to he
b e addressed not even a common
pl ace remark.
Ordinarily he would have give
little thought to his mothers CUES
but his anlucky blunder kept h'
In his miad constantly. His mOth'
> chided hin for his coldness t
ward the yO0ng lady, to which
replied impadently that he bate
girls.
The th,id day of his retul
, Mr.. and Mrs. Hector received
basty summons to the sick bed
a brother. Their departure le
Eugeue Hector and Miss Myrt
q Bell sole occupants of The house.
o "l'll stay ir my room and Ia
h my meals in the pantry )" declar'
Eugene when hIs mother begg
=. bin to be c1viI to Miss Bell.
"She has kindly offered to ke
O mouse in my absence. SO do be st
sible and not give her furtii
n trouble,' begged his mother.
o "I'Il try" promised he inward
resolving to make all poss''
- baste back to the city. There "
no train till hext morning, so
9 young man vas forced to spe
10 the evening Ia solitude, as M
IN Bell did not appear.
"a Somehow the breakfast la
= looked very cosy aud inviting, Il
o for two, and presided over by t
lovely girl. Myrtle had donT
I'd one of his mothers blg aprons, a
er fitted from kltchea to dining.rO
Ell. in so natural aud home.like a m