The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-03-11
N|NA'S LITTLE MISTAKE,

UIIn " IL Il UIlO nnLI
she twisted the pretty wild flowers in
Percy really cares anything for me?
No, it can't be. Still" and a soft light
stole into her merry brown eyes, che
certainly did pay me very marked at
tention at Lou Merritt's party the 9TH
er evening; everyone noticed it. He
is very handsome, so tall and stately,
and with such magnificent eyes. Oh,
dear! How silly L am! Quite likely
he has not given me a thought since"
What is silly, Miss Ross?"
Turning quickly, Nina discovered
pair of laughing blue eyes looking
down upon her from an altitude of six
feet. Coloring painfully, the girl arose
to standing posture, struggling hard
the while to regain her composure.
Pardon me if l came upon you too
suddenly; but seeing you sitting here
so composedly, was tempted TO come
and ask for a share in this rustic seat,
as well as in your meditations.
| How the bushes rose on Nina's
cheeks as she thought of her medita-
tions of moment before. But sum-
moning all her courage, she said:
Don't be alarmed, Mr.. Percy, and
deprecate yourself too much. / was
| just tritie startled, not having heard
you approach; but 1 have fully recov-
cred from the shock"
| And she gave vent to little silvery
| laugh as she made room for him on the
| seat beside her.
Now, queen of the flowers" glanc-
ing at her fower-crowned hat, tell
me what you thought was so silly when
disturbed you few moments siucep"
Again the hot blood rushed to
Nina's face, and she looked up at him
confusedly; but, seeing only look OF
expectancy, which gave place to one
of surprise, as he noticed her embar-
rassed manner, she quickly recovered
herself, and answered gayly: "Oh,
the whole of mankind in general, but
more particularly myself, for indulg-
ing in such idle fancies.''
Give me an outline of your dreams
this afternoon-allowing me to Judge
whether you should condemn yourself
so severely"
Positively they were of so little
consequence that couldn't bring half
of them to mind. How long do you
intend remaining in our little water
ing place, Mr.. Percy?"
Il had intended staying about two
weeks when first came; don't know
when l shall return now."
The accent on the chad" was so
marked that there was no mistaking
his meaning; and Nina's eyes fell be-
meath his searching glance Rising
hurriedly, she said: "Will you ac-
company me home. The sun seems
to be invading our dominions.
Certainly with pleasure. And
the least perceptible smile quivered
round his mouth as he rose to accom-
pauy her. Permit me-" and, taking
the hat from her arm, he hung it by
the ribbons on his own.
All! the walk through that lane they
never forgot, the sunbeams, shining
through the heavy foliage of trees,
sported among Nina's curls, trans
forming every brown tress into a
thread of gold; and, as she raised her
sparkling eyes and flushed face to his,
Edward Percy thought he had never
seen so fair picture.
For three years this man of the
world had travelled over the continent;
no place in its whole domains had
been unexplored by him; and now,
weary with the wealth and glitter of
fashionable life, he had taken refuge
in the quiet town of Glendale for
short sojourn. He, of course, soon
became the hero of the day; the ele-
giant Mr.. Percy was in constant de-
mand. AS Nina was the acknowledged
belle in her own circle, he soon made
her acquaintance, and Edward Percy
found his heart drawn toward this
girl with power hitherto unknown.
His visit was already heightened to
month; and, as he said, she knew not
when he should return"
Here we are at last" cried Nina;
land here is mamma waiting in the
parlor for US with some iced lemonade;
She must have seen us coming some
time ago and gotten it ready
Yes, you loiterers; it was, indeed.
some time ago when I first discovered
you coming through the lane. 1t has
taken you a good time to reach home"
said Mrs. Ross. mischievously.
s:Ah, Mrs. Ross, you would have
taken much longer than we did. Why,
it is perfect fairy-land! I never en-
ioyed myself so thoroughly in my life.
See what I have brought as a me-
mento." And Edward displayed a
bunch of flowers which he had gath
cred. Miss Nina, turning to where
she was standing, may have one of
these roses in your hat to put with my
memorials?"
They were alone now; she made no
answer, but quietly detached a rose,
and handed it to him.
Thank you; I shall keep it forever
as reminder of one of the happiest
periods in my existence" said he,
bending down until his lips almost
touched her brow.
Nina was the first to recover her
self-possession.
':Mr. Percy, we are neglecting our
lemonade"
'Is it so very important that we
should remember itp''
Eyes, indeed, just at present it is,
for am very thirsty" said she laugh
ingly seating herself.
Edward followed her example. For
long while they chatted merrily on
variety of subjects; at last he thought
of the time, and, glancing al his
watch, was surprised to find how
quickly it had flown.
'.Really, had no idea it was SC
late; it is after o'clock"
THE hours have passed very pleas.
antly," she answered.
II am glad" said he. in low tone,
as he took her hand. "Will you bt
disengaged tomorrow afternoon? /
so, 1 should be pleased to call on you.
II will be at home, Mr.. Percy, ano
very happy to receive your call"
':Adieu, then;" and pressing the lit
tie hand slightly, he gracefully raised
| hiS hat and WAS off
The days and weeks flew by. eaci
hour fraught with its own particula
pleasure. At the numerous little
parties given in honor of Edward Per
CIV, he and Nina were thrown mucl
together. Courteous to all, nom
imagined there existed in his heart
warmer feeling and regard toward on
of his numerous lady acquaintance
more than another, and Nina hid hel
true feelings skillfully. Both KEEP
their secret locked in their owl