Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1893-10-06
COURAGE.

tha.'
"Oh because -
Agatha - pursued Ruth Ellen
wood, stopping for a moment in her
occupation OF braiding aud arranging
Agathas waves of auburn gold hair,
I'm sure have heard you say, again
and again, he was such a pleasant
partner and-oh, Agatha don't jerk
your head so, or | shall have to braid
all these strands over again
Nonsense that's no test at all -
said Agatha, pettishly, the peach-like
crimson mounting to her cheek;
what can you tell about young
man from mere ballroom acquaint-
ance? Any one can be agreeable
enough TO hold your bouquet, or
bring you an ice; that is, if he knows
enough not to tread on your toes in
the polka, nor to step on yourhounces
in promenade y
Il know it, said Ruth, but the
question is
But the question is, >" interrupted
the imperious young beauty, how
do | know that Mr. Fitz Aubyn, sill
vsr-tongued as he is to me, with his
homage and his compliments, doesn t
20 home and swear at his mother and
sisters How do | know that Mr..
Jennings, who has the whole dictiOn-
airy at his fnEer-ends. doesn't cheat
his landady? What means have |
Of ascertaiuiug that young St Simons,
who is such graceful walter and
agreeable small-talker, does not finish
his evenings in a drinking saloon
Oh, Ruth, We have tests for ascer-
tanning spurious dollars aud counter
felt bank notes, but how on earth are
We to know a counterfeit husband,
until he is tied to our Gprou-strings
for life :"
She laughed as she sprang up to
look for her bonnet, but the long eye
lashes dropped low with q worry sus-
picious moisture.
well, " said Ruth, caressimgIy pat
ting Agatha tiny hand, " | am very,
very thankful that Providence didn't
make me IL beauty and an heiresS.
since it has such a tendency to awake
suspicion aud distrust. But, Agatha,
in spite OF all you have said, | feel
firmly convinced that Charles Stanton
is Il noble fellow" -
VERY likely" said Agatha, lightly.
but there is Fitz Aubyn, with those
splendid white horses Of his, 80 give
me- my shawl
And whittier are your footsteps to
be directed to-day o.
"Oh, we are going to that private
view of pictures in -- street, you
know"
And Agatha swept out OF the room
with the imperial port OF young
queen.
The white luster of moonlight pour
ing down through the circular doms
of frosted glass gave life-like glow
to the superb paintings whose gilded
frames covered the walls Of the apart
ments. Here and there groups moved
with subdusd whispers and brand
ished opera glasses, as ifit were II FOR
hidden thing to speak above ones
breath in the presence OF these fair
landscapes and classic scenes from
history's page.
Directly in front of one Of the finest
works of art stood pair who had un
consciously been the objects Of many
a curious glance and whispered obser-
yation of the other sightseers-a tall,
young man, with an
old lady leaning on his arm, whose
antique dress OF snuff colored bonba-
zine and oddly-shaped beaver bonnet
occasioned a good many covert smiles
and half,concealed filters from the
various observers.
"Oh, by the way, Miss Milne, said
Fitz Aubyn, as in their progress
around the room this couple came in
view, you haven't seen the greatest
curiosity Of all yet
Where ?" said Agatha, raising her
opera glass.
You are mistaken-it doesn't hang
on the walls" returned Fitz Aubyn.
laughing. Look little nearer earth
if YOU want to see Stanton and his
fossil aunt
Agatha turned her head according
". without remark-she smiled lit
tie. however, which was all that Fitz
Aubvn wanted.
Should you suppose any mortal
youth would have the courage to
bring such a last century specimen to
q place like this, where he might
know he would meet all his fashion
able acquaintances. Upon my word
| believe he'll take her 10 the opera
next. See him carrying her morocco
bag aud cotton umbrella. Don't he
remind you Of Don QuiEote in his
youthful days.
Probably shs has money to leave
one of these days" said Agatha, the
distrustful element uppermost IN her
mind for the moment
Not a red cent. know for We
incurred. She is III reduced circum-
stancss'-that' the term, l believe
but Stanton is very fond Of her, never
theless. She has come up TO town
f-,,,, +ba woods for a few days,