Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-12-12

He turned his back on us uncere-
moniously and seated himself at his
table to read his correspondence.
Ny mother made me a little sign
which | interpreted to mean that
was not TO risk annoying him by any
protestations; then she kissed my
uncle's forehead and went softly away.
Knowing that he might want he to
answer some OF his letters, / sat still,
gazing dreamily out OF the window,
wishing-wishing that Nellie Curtis
had not written HE the gossip OF
Grovetown.
l must confess that the prospect
Uncle Johns words unfolded, Of an
abundance OF that filthy lucre which
We all so despise yet love, was not un
pleasing to my rather worldly
mind.
We had been in Sanborn two
weeks when again heard from
Nellie Curtis.
Miss Lillian Marks is still here,
she wrote, and is likely to remain,
as it is plain 10 be seen that she
agrees with Kate in thinking she
would be a good match for Ned. 1t
is now currently reported that they
are engaged / met Ned yesterday
and told him OF the rumor. He
answered in his usual cool humorous
way, then turned the conversation by
asking when / had heard from you,
when would you return, and so on.
He is like all other men, |
thought. NO, no-there is no one
like him; but / was a fool to think
anything OF Of
Then | cried heartily and wished
that ! need never go back to Grove
town and see Ned, my old friend,
again.
But soon the time came for us TO
leave Sandorn. Ny mother, tired OF
gayety. Was anxious to return home
and settle down TO the quiet life
which best suited her taste and
health
The day before we were to start |
received letter which cheered my
spirits wonderfully. 1t was from
Ned, and very characteristic epis-
tie.
Dear old girl" he wrote, "how
long do you propose to remain away
from yours truly2 Haste thee home,
or abide the consequences.
The good people OF Grovetown, in
league with my sister Kate, are
determined to we'd me 10 Miss
Marks, Notwithstanding the fact that
both the lady and object to the
sacrifice. Shes brick-e1cuse slang
and we are good friends. She is en-
gagged to a fellow in Boston, and
shows her bad taste by thinking him
much more desirable than myself for
a life companion.
Gregg is pining away and refuses
to be comforted. You have much TO
answer for in thus destroying that
youths peace OF mind. Oh, blythe
by, have you forgotten our engage
ment3 The 25th OF October will be
here in about two months, and posi-
lively there can be no postponement.
Give love to our mother, and hasten
home TO
yours forever, Md
smiled happily as read this epis-
tie, and my heart beat gladly as
thought Of going home to Ned-the
same old Ned | had known all my
life.
| strayed out OF the house into n
quaint old orchard and sat down in a
garden chair to read my letter again
and give free rein to my faDcies and
hopes.
Ned loved me-he loved me!
could give him now not only my love
in return, but | should bring for
tune so ample. that even his naughty
sister Kate would receive with en-
thusiasm the news that she was to
have me for a sister-in law.
Oh, il was a beautiful day, beauti'
ful world, and the happiest girl un'
der the sun!
Four days later we reached Grove
town. wearied by our journey, but
oh! so glad to see the dear old place
again.
The train was behind time, and we
did not arrive until late in the even
ing. Immediately after supper my
mother and uncle retired to their
rooms for repose they so sOrely need
ed. felt restless with the excite
ment OF being once more at home,
and had no wish to sleep.
went out into the veranda TO look
at the stars and TO think how near
was to
All, there came some one up the
gravel walk-a tall form ! knew we'll
In a moment he was by my side, had
taken me in his arms and kissed NE
once-twice-maD times.
Really, Ned" / gasped, but could
yet no further.
No more humbug, Vivian, IL yoU
please" he said, coolly. we are Ell
gagged, you know. OF course yor
love me. or you would not be engaged
to me; and OF course AIN rather fonC
OF you, or would not be engaged 4
you. So it follows that We are gIaC
to see each other after our long sep
aration. Really, it has seemed
tremendous while"
We went in doors and sat down II
the dear little parlor, side by side.