Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1895-01-18
BROTHER AND SISTER.
Why Dora Tired of Her Own Ar
rangement.

laughter, out suddenly checklnB her-
self said:
"There Al, do not mean to hurt
your feelings, but you draw such long
faces! / like you very well as a friend,
but cannot love you. Please don't
think me flirt, for l don't mean to
be. and had no notion you cared for
me. Can't we be friends?"
Here the young girl offered her
hand, which AL took, and then hastily
picking up his hat left the room.
80, dear!" Dora sighed, looking out
of the window after the Tetreating
form. Now he is angry with me.
Whv can't have friend without his
falling in love with me? That is the
third or fourth offer I've had within
few weeks, and all from boys that I've
known ever since was baby. Seems
to me since / returned from school
every one seems possessed. II they
would only treat me like a sister
should like it much better. How nice
il would be to have a brother! But
here comes Cousin VIII. He is dear
rood soul, and the only one l take
any comfort with. I'll go and see II
his friend came"
In the next room, there is but one
occupant, u young man who seems con-
vulsed with laughter.
"Well." says Harry Percival, for
that is his name, "she made quicK
work of it. Proposals made and re-
iected in five minutes. Wants a
brother. does she? I've good mind
to apply for the vacancy. Wonder
what she would say. BY Jove, I'll try
it. There comes viii, now"
"Hi. Harry said Will, bursting
rather unceremoniously into the room.
"All ready? Supper is, so we'll go
right down. Here, Dora" he contin-
ued, as they met that young lady at
the head of the stairs, "-llow me to
make you acquainted with my friend
Mr.. Percival Harry, my cousin Miss
Dora Andrews"
Supper is over, and Dora sltting on
the piazza in the hammock, when MT
Percival and viii appear at tn door
You look too comfortable to be dis
turbed. Dora" VIII says. "Neverthe-
less. see some friends of yours COM
inc down the road, bent on dragging
YOU on some moonlight excursion or
other.
II shall play martyr with a very
good grace, Will 1t is a lovely even
ING. and nothing would suit me. better
than boat ride. OF course, you and
Mr.. Percival will goP'
Il see I'm booked" Will laughingly
answered. for there's Perry Hunter
and his sister Frank Willis and sister,
Ellis Munro and two sisters. Now, as
each of those fellows is escorting an
other fellows sister, / suppose the
extra Miss Munro is for my benefit.
Then hope" says Mr.. Percival,
''vou will allow me the pleasure OF be-
ing your escort, Miss Andrews. l
never had a sister We shall be under
the same roof all summer, and as
sure you l will prove an exemplary
brother. May l call you sister, Dora?
Certainly" Dora answered. But
somehow the arrangement did not
please her much.
IF you will excuse me for moment
will 20 upstairs and get my shawl
and be ready by the time they reach
the house"
The merry party enjoyed pleasant
sail. and before parting agreed to have
n nicuic the following week at a grove
five miles distant.
Before the week had ended Dora and
Harry had become better acquainted
and he had taken on himself the office
of mentor as well as brother The
evening before the picnic Frank VIII
lis called to take Dot to ride. She
went upstairs to get her wrap. Com
ing down she met Harry Percival on
! the stairs.
where are you bound, sister mine?
he asked.
"Out to ride" she answered. at is
ouch an elegant evening
Don't you think your adjective
misappled?" he rejoined, coolly. "Ele-
giant refers to polished or polite"
Haven't you mistaken your voca-
ton? Instead of gentleman you
should have been a critic"
The two can be combined he
answered, quietly. 81 don't think
you ought to go to ride this evening
sister. You will be too tired to enjoy
the picnic tomorrow, besides the air
is damp"
ALLOW me to pass, please; l am
keeping Mr.. Willis waiting.
Sister, indeed" she muttered when
she reached the piazza. Anyone
would think was in leading strings.
I'd go if caught my death"
Dora did not enjoy her ride as much
as she expected, and the air was damp;
nevertheless she kept up such a chatter
of small talk that Mr.. Willis, who had
long been one of her admirers, thought
her one of the liveliest girls he had
ever met.
Good night" she said, when they
bad reached her home. 81 will keep
that promised seat at the table for
you"
lust then Dora heard one of the
upper windows shut
Upstairs Mr.. Percival was mutter.
ing to himself: Not if know it shall
he have the seat next to her at the
| table"
The next morning dawned bright
! and clear. The picnic party was all
in good spirits, the baskets well filled
and everything promised well. Harry
found pleasant seats for himself and
Dora, and then went TO help one of the
ladies to carve some refractory fowl.
On his return he found his place oc-
cupied by Mr.. Willis
you won't mind sitting over there, u
Dora said sweetly, pointing to vacant
place opposite. IL promised this seat
to Mr.. Willis last night, and. OF
course, you don't care to sit here, as
we are brother and sister, and see each
other every day"
Certainly not, sister NINE" Harry
answered. biting his lin Then he
muttered to himself as he moved
away: Caught in my own trap, but
I'll pay her off"
After dinner a party was formed to
go further into the wood in search OF
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