Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1896-03-11
STON JEFFERSON COUNTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH H. 1896

an hope yer ter de house. Never mind,
EbeD, 90 to bed and 90 to sleep. I'll
call you when come and | rode off,
The horse now rode was gentle and an
easy goer, and l reached the Watsons' in
about an hour, without having suffered
much pain.
The dance was in full swing. Hitch
ing my horse limped up to the house.
Mr.. Watson was the first to greet me-
why, hello Clanston, thought you were
laid up Heard about that accident of
yours; overheard your cousin talking to
Miss Jessie about it, Il wonder how he
came to speak of it to her. said; for 1t
was very unlike my cousin to say any
thing about me which might, by any pos
slbiiiy, interest or excite the sympathy
of anyone. well, they were talking in
the hall, and, as / passed, | overheard
her say, Mr.. Crauston, is your cousin
coming this evening? am quite anxious
to meet him; | have heard so much
about him =, and he answered, in a deci-
dedly sury tone, No dance for him He
is laid up IN bed with spraiued ankle,
and the doctor says it will be good
month before he's on his feet again. -
oh said she, and how did it happen? p?
I'm so very sorry Horse fell with him;
he never did know how TO ride anyway.
And then it made me sick to see the fuss
they made over him; his mother bathing
his face aud kissing him. and calling him
poor boy. and he whimperug about II
like girl OF fourteen Il could stand
this sort Of thing no longer, said good
Mr. Watson You know, Edgar, you've
always been iavoriie of mine ever since
yon was little shaver aud used to come
out here at cider pressing time and so
| broke out, before | knew what | was
saying, with Look here, Crauston, none
of that Don't run your cousin down be
hind his back you wouldn't do it to bis
face. And as Tor his whimpering you
know that's Just as false as your saying
that he don't know how TO ride, for he
has ridden ever since he wore skirts, and
there amt fellow in the state who can
handle his horse better | gave Wat
son my hand Thank you, sir, it was
just like YOU [ said Then we entered
the house together.
"They were dancing in the large old
fashioned parlor and in the wide front
hall. | went over and spoke to Mrs.
Watson, and then stood between the two
doors watching the dancers. 1t was not
long before discovered my cousin dane
ing with the prettiest girl ever saw
Instinct told me that this was Jessie Mar
ston. | caught her eye several times as
she whirled past me. She was dressed in
some flmy white stuff, with her bare neck
and arms. Her cheeks were dimpled,
and her head covered with q rich mass Of
wavy brown hair. But imagined there
YVES a rather bored look in her blue eyes
whenever their long lashes lifted enough
for me to look under them. What's that,
Roberts, love at first sight? Well, !
guess you're right. Presently the dance
ended, and Arthur passed me leading his
partner out to the porch. We'll, I'm sur
prised to see you here he said in passing;
left you IN bed, l think, a few hours ago
He passed on, but not before had caught
another glance from those eyes in which
| saw both interest and sympathy very
plainly expressed.
81 now walked around as best / could
and chatted with the people there. | was
soon introduced to the two older Marston
girls; they were both pretty, but far out
cassed, thought, by the youngest sis
ter.
Just as the music struck up for the next
dance, Mrs. Watson approached me with
Jessie Mar.ton. Arthur was following sui
lenly in their wake. Mr.. Cransion, she
said. let nae introduce you to Miss Jessie
Marston. She extended her hand with
frank cordiaity; Mr.. Cranston. she said,
I am glad 20 meet you. had heard OF
that unfortunate accident, and am glad II
was no worse. Just then Arthur came up
and claimed the dance. Really she said,
T am very tired, and must ask you to ex-
cuse me this time. / have been dancing all
the evening But, be said, I think you
promised me this dance, did you not?
Really l don't know, but if did / am sure
you will release me, when I ask you to- she
replied lie turned without speaking, and
strobe cut on the porch, where we soon saw
him walking up and down putting away al
his cigar.
I'VE stood there in the doorway chatting
for some moments. Presently | said, It's
very warm in here, think, Miss Marston
suppose ! get your shawl, and We will
walk out on the lawn With pleasure, bu
yon are lame, 80 wait here second She
trimmed of and was back in a minute with