The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-05-27

he whom she had set upon pedestal Of
dignity and learning was only man,
pleading for her love, seemed impossible
TO face. She could not lift her eyes to
his, and when he tried to draw her
nearer she felt sudden, loving fear Of
him. Habit and girlish modesty were
barriers too great to be overcome at once.
She gave him one swift glance, and then
broke away and fled toward home
He stood there, gazing after the flying
figure. Disappointed love, wounded
pride and amazement struggled within
him. He tried to think how he had Of.
Tended her. He searched his memory to
see il he had ever heard OF any girl who
had received declaration Of love in like
manner Alas! he had not. He sadly
concluded that some other man must
have been before him, and that she
dreaded to tell him 80.
Even though she does not love me,
she would have given me q chance il
there were no one else, :" lie said.
The next few days were wretched ones
to both. Lucy knew that she had
wounded Mr.. Ransome, and was in de.
spair because she had apparently rejected
the love she really desired. She longed
to tell him she was sorry, but felt that to
do so would be to surrender entirely, and
that she found as hard to do as ever.
She hoped he would seek her again, and
so force upon her the opportunity she
was not brave enough to seek.
And then, alas! he camc on the very
afternoon on which she went for walk
down the secluded path where he had
made his proposal. to live over again the
scene " hich Was over in her thoughts.
Mr.. Ransome approached the house
with wavering courage. and on being in
formed that she was not at home. imme.
diately concluded that she refused to see
him; and he departed from the town
forthwith.
He returned to his work and found
some comfort in the old routine OF his
profession yet he was a more restless
man than he had ever been in all his
busy life
One afternoon, feeling the need of
cheerful companionship, he started out,
umbrella in hand, to call upon lively
friend who had been former resident Of
the town where lived the Deans. Per.
haps he secretly hoped to hear mention
Of his ungrateful lady love. lie reached
the place, and learning that his friend
was at home, turned TO place his um.
brella in the rack, when. behold.
there rested another exactly like his
own. lie felt sure that Lucy was within
and stood moment, debating on what
was best to do. Finally desire to SEQ
her again overcame all other feelings,
and he entered the parlor. His hostess
rose to greet him, and presented him to
her friend Miss Dean
Lucy received Mr.. Ransome with com.
posure. She may have recognized the
possibility Of meeting him as con.
tingency OF her trip.
He made his call short one and as
Lucy returned home early that evening
he did not see her again.
1t was not until afterward that he
discovered he was in possession Of Miss
Deans umbrella instead Of his own.
He was vexed beyond measure. Tho
fact that he had committed such a blum
der betrayed the state Of his mind at their
last meeting.
"She will think made the exchange
because Of some silly, sentimental no.
tion. will return it to her and then
throw mine away. I'll make it q purely
business errand, and let her understand
that I'm not in for any nonsense, he
fumed.
Accordingly he went down to the village
one bright evening lie walked from the
station and wandered toward the spot
where he had made his unlucky proposal.
Ill just go aud look at the place
where she flouted me. 1t may serve to
help me forget this worry over her that /
can't get rid Of" he muttered.
He reached the spot, and there he saw
q little figure leaning against a young
tree and weeping forlornly. His heart
jumped AMI then stood still. He dropped
the umbrella and sprang forward.
Lucy he cried
She turned toward him and held out
her hands and then
They understood each other,