Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-08-15
ANNAPOLIS MD, SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST IS, 1891.
A LESSON FOR EWC.


which he had ridden from the neighhor-
ing railway station and hastened up the
walk to greet the sweet faced, middle
aged woman who sat on the piazza busy
with embroidery silks.
Where is Nan?" he eagerly asked
looking behind the vines, through the
wide hall, then TO the summer house, hut
was not rewarded by the vision his eyes
sought.
She went down the lane an hour ago !;
you know we hardly expected you until
the evening train. fancy You will find
her in the tree" and Mrs. Richarls
smiled little.
A shade OF annoyance swept over the
young mans face, and he started swiftly
down the path TO the lane that led to the
fields beyond. He was soon in sight of
the old elm, and there in its large crotch,
with her back 10 him, sat q maiden as
fair as Dryad. Her book lay in her lap,
her hands clasped idly upon it; her cheek
rested against the brown bark of the tree I;
her golden hair was lightly blown about
by the soft wind. Harold could see the
delicate rose tint of her cheek, the oval
Of her face.
"My darlingl" he murmured to HIM
self, then spoke aloud;
"Nannie!"
She started from her reverie and with
graceful movement stepped to the stone
wall, then sprang into his outstretched
arms.
"Oh, Halt" she cried, burying her face
in his neck, then lifting her lips to his.
Dear, dear boyl / was not expecting
you until this evening, so came out here
TO dream away the afternoon. She
looked little apologetically at the tree,
knowing that Harry did not putty APP
prove of some of her undignified habits
that she had not put by with childish
years.
He glanced down smilingly upon her.
feeling that he could forgive so beautiful
a creature anything, yet he did wish that
his bethrothed wife would not climb
trees. OF course twas all right in Brook
vile, yet if his sisters should happen to
visit there he was little afraid that
! Nannie's ways would seem a little outre
to people so fastidious. He almost wished
that Mamie did not love the country as
she did, but he had no doubt that once
in town she would be as fond of society
rs all girls were-yet she was little
queer about some things.
"Shall you miss your freedom, Nan
nie, he asked, "when take you" but
she smothered his question with kiss.
You know shall be happy with you
anywhere; then we are to come back to
Brookville each summer.
YES, but Mrs. Hartranft can hardly
run about and climb trees as Miss Richards
| does.
"Oh, shall not want to then!" she de-
clared, smiling brightly into his eyes.
"Now confess, she continued, "that you
have enjoyed Brookville-"
"Of course l have, he interrupted; !;
"but-n
@More than Newport" she persisted.
"Yes, but"
isn't Brookville paradise for lovers p"
she saucily questioned. "How could |
have begun to see you at Newport, or
any gay place, as have here?"
Harold began to think the freedom of
That simple spot had been delicious; away
from the crowds and gossip, away from
chaperones and match making mammas !;
but her conversation had led directly to
the subject uppermost in his mind, and
he must not let the opportunity pass.
He started, with his arm yet about her
waist. toward the summer house.
"Let us sit here and talk little--first,
here is loves betrothal ring, =" and he took
red leather case from his pocket and
openedit
@Ohl" she cried, show beautiful! how
beautiful / do love diamonds, they
sparkle so brightly"
"Not so beautiful as your eyes, and he
kissed her tenderly and put the ring on
her finger.
Now our engagement viii be an
nounced 2" she asked.
"Yes; and what I want to tell you is
this: My sister Lena, Mrs. Mark Herbert,
has a house at Newport, and she wishes
me to invite you there for August. Oh,
mol" cried Mamie, but suddenly stopmd
as she saw Harry frown little.
"Whyf" he asked abruptly.
oh, nothing; that is; can go next
year with you; this will be my last sum-
mer at home, at Brookville, and / love
the place, you know" she said a little
tremulously.
Mamie, said Harry, looking her full
In the face, Il can't be with you this
summer; you know must go to Eng
land on business for my father; but
shall be home in September, just a little
before the time they leave for Lenox /;
then can take you home and spend my
vacation with you"
Mamie sat quietly, with downcast
eyes.
Ny sister is q thoroughbred society
woman; she is the very one for you to be
with a season before you are married. "
Nannies lashes drooped still more and
the color burned brightly in her cheeks.
Harry went on braveIy, now that he
was fairly launched: You know it win
be better for you to have some expert
ence in entertaining in society before
you are suddenly made to assume the
duties Of hostess" It began to be a
little hard for him to make himself quite
clear.
But the bother with the dressmakers.~ .
walled Mamie. Il like to be comfort
ably clothed in hot weather.
-Oh, my sister win arrange every
thing, he said cheerfully. You win
like Paris gowns as well as any girl, my
u n II