The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1890-02-14
SHE DID NOT MEAN IT.

''Iarry youl Not on any considera-
ton. Why, Mr. mean John, Of course
not"
Such was the disconnected reply,
which blue-eyed Nellie Loring gave to
john Hartwell's request that She would
be his wife. He, looking graveIy at her,
answered:
But I am very rich and can surround
you with every comfort. More than that.
can help your father out of his troubles
and can put your brothers in the way of
getting a good start in life. More than
that, and most of all, Itell you for the
hundredth time, Nellie, that I love
you
The girl grew pale, and, for moment,
seemed to falter. Then her lips became
set, and, returning his glance with one
no less steady than his own, she said:
"You tempt me sorely, John, but l
must not yield
"Ten me one thing" he pleaded.
'sDo you love me-"
Her cheeks grew painfully red, then
whittier than before With a nervous
grasp, she caught the gate by which
they stood, and trembled visibly as she
spoke in a tone scarcely above a whisper:
''No, do not )"
He regarded her for a moment in
amazed silence: then, lifting his hat,
turned away. He seemed as he did so to try
to say goodbye" and she herself made
an effort to speak word of farewell;
but the rising tears choked her utterance,
and sadly and silently size walked up the
garden path to the door Of her home.
Once within that friendly shelter, she
fastened to her chamber, and, throwing
herself across the bed, let the tears flow
freely.
Love him-leve him." she moaned.
"Oh, John, would die to make You Z
happy. Oh, why do things go so wrong'" /
And with weeping and self-reproaches (
she spent the long summer evening.
Meanwhile John had gone to his hotel,
paid his bill, and taken the first train to /
the city.
Thestory of the events which had led |
up to the scene just described, was not a
long one
Nellie Loring was farmers daughter
She was yet young, being scarcely twenty; /
was pretty, piquant, and although quite
lacking IN repose Of manner, was a Iowa
bic specimen Of country bred girl. Her
father was the owner of fine farm; but
recent losses had greatly embarrassed him,
and he was not a little troubled about
Nellie's future and that of her two younger
brothers, neither of whom were fitted,
for farrn life.
John Hartwsll was young man of
twenty-five, tall and fine looking, some
what grave and dignifed in manner, but
frank, manly and simple in his tastes and
habits. he was very wealthy, although
his style of living would not haye led a
casual observer to that conclusion. While
yet lad, he had been impressed with
he poverty and misery Of the great city
IN which WIS his home, and was full of
plans TO alleviate them. In pursuance of
.hese he had come to the pretty village
near which the Lorings lived, and having
met Nellie, had speedily lost his heart
In the hope of winning her, he had pro-
longed his stay to much greater length
than he had intended.
As for Nellie, she was at first awed by
he grave and handsome young stranger;
hen had grown to feel happy security
n his presence, and had ended by return
ing his affection with the whole strength
If her nature. Her native modesty
aught her TO keep a watch upon her
.ongue, and she had answered her lovers
of esteem sometimes with
pleasant bantering, but ofteDer only by
lappy glance.
~ viii wait until he asks me to be his
wife, - she would tell her heart, when
Is quick beating almost forced the
words; II love your from her lips;
and tell him then what he is TO me"
1t happened one day, as she sat in her /
avorite seat beside the river, that two
aides from the city, who were standing
rear, but not in sight, began to speak Of
Ter lover, and for the first time, she ]
earned of his great wealth, his high po- ,
ition in society, and his plans which s
fciS ahSaug tuC Aaih VI bnS SuSte III
which he moved. 4
''And to think he will mar his future" q
aid one of them, "by marrying COM /
lon farmers daughter; for l believe he {
J in love with the little mink" h
'sHow his. sisters will despise her, {
nth her country-bred airs, replied the :
ther, sand how ridiculous she will APP S
ear in the Hartwell parlors."
The first laughed as she answered: II t
eel half sorry for the little thing, for all 5
he people here seem to be in love with
er. Yet he is certain to tire of her if {
ie marries her." t
What q revelation il was to poor Mel
is, who, until this moment, had never !