Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1891-09-18
Irritation. Well, I'll play sweet and get

Pom honor, I've never seen Miss
Mountjoy. Heard considerably about
her, though"
81 thought you were stranger here.
You see, I'm always rambling about, and
I know everybody that comes to Mount
JOY, said the girl"
"Perhaps you know Mr.. Harry Mil
bank, thenl Heaven knows, he visits
mere often enough for the whole country
to know him."
al think 1 do" answered the girl, in
nocently. ga very tall, handsome young
man. with beautiful dark eyes, an i
black, curly hair"
Hupert Gedney WINGED. This praise
of Harry Milbank did not agree with
him, somehow. But, BAH he thought,
why sicken over it2 Twas only the
opinion of a country girl.
"Mr. Milbank answers somewhat to
your description" he answered, rathe
stiffiy; ''but l must confess that l do not
see what there is in him to attract lady
of Miss Mountjoy's standing"
"Indeedl do not see what there is
about Miss Mountjoy TO attract such a
handsome young man as Mr.. Milbank.
Has he been telling you that she was
bandsone| asked the girl, With au inno-
cent air.
"He tells me nothing; but I have
heard it from others. Milbank is of our
firm, and Colonel Mountjoy o'tea calls
at the office-every time he comes to
town, l believe. That is how | got an
invitation to come here. The Colonel
seems to have taken quite fancy to me-
So Miss Mountjoy is not the least bit
good-looking? Now, that is too bad.
The mud on his clothing was pretty
well dried by this time, and Gedney
drew nearer to the young girl.
"Not at all pretty, and awfuliy proud
wouldn't think Of speaking to you this
morning as have done"
''If Miss MountjOy were only half as
pretty and charming as yourself, l would
surely cut Milbauk out" said Gedney,
drawn on by the girls laughing eyes.
At this speech her frame convulsed
with laughter.
"Why do you laugh3' he said, his face
coloring. "Do you think l am only jest
ineG never was more in earnenest in
my life, assure YOU"
"The idea of you thinking me charm
ing made ne laugh" she answered, still
shaking with laughter. "I'm sure Miss
Mountjoy cannot fail to fall in love with
such sweet gentleman; but am also
sure that you will ne7er make love to her
when YOU see her. Good morning, sir,
as 1 caanot be of any service to you"
"Canaot prevail on you to remain
longer; it is not often one fiuds such
charming compan77' 1 think ] will en-
Joy this visit to Mouutjoy."
81 hope you WILL" answered the girl,
her eyes dancing.
"rm sure you will, if / can meet you
in my walk every day" he said, boldly.
"Yon shall meet me again, if that
gives you any pleasure, but now l must
bid you good lay aud her face dim
pling with merri nent, she turned away.
"I can meet her agair," said Gedney
to himself as he stood looking after the
plump little figure. "By Joye, what a
Irritation is in store for mel l made a
favorable impression in spite of my
shocking appearance. Now, then,
must walk back to the village hotel and
get myself up all over again"
1t was late that afternoon when Hu-
pert Gedney, looking as if he had stepped
forth from a handbook, presented him.
self at Colonel Mountjoys. The Colonel,
being lover of company, was always
delighted when new visitor appeared.
"Glad to sec you, glad to see you,
cried the Colonel, IN his jovial manner.
At this moment there was rustic o.
woman's garments at the door, and the
Colonel continued: "Ah here's Lottie.
Lottie, Mr.. Gedney-my daughter, Mr.
Gedney.'
"Great Heavensl" fell audibly from
Mr.. GedOey's lips, as the young lady be-
fore him bowed with the utmost dignity.
"What ails you, Mr.. GedneyI DE-
YOU not feel welIl" asked the Colonel.
"You look as il something had fright
ened you, said the young lady, demurely
He shonld say something had fright.
ened him. The young lady before him
was the little country girl Of the morn
ing.
"I-I don. feel very well, " stammered
be in answer to the Colonel.
"Oh, a little fatigued, suppose
That s nothing you'll feel better after yo'
have had your dinner; it will be served
in few minutes said the hospi,ablC
Colonel.
Swallow a mouthful, with those eyes
that were laughing at him now, upor
himl He would choke sure.
"No, l thank you, Colonel. Haven't
time-tostay-to dinner, he stanmered.
/ II was only passing--I must say good
bye, and be off," and Mr.. Gedney wa
off before the Colonel could reply; but
as he dew down the steps Miss Mountjoy''
laughter reached bis ears.
L