Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-06-06


man, and have no more to say to
him ~
"Sir / cried Rose, with a flush of
indignation, Il think that you for
get that you are talking to the
daughter OF Col. Walton. I will al
low no one to question me as to
whom / like or dishkel If my
manners are displeasing to you, you
certainly have the privilege of re-
naming away
sBut / can't remain away, Rose,
you know that.
aThen take me as you find me,
Simon, and be contented. Do not
forget that / am something older
than you-that / have spirit which
will not be dictated 70 by any one
and, least OF all, by one younger than
myself
For some ten minutes longer the
conversation was continued in much
the same strain-the girl, with the
cunning and skill of an accomplish
ed coquette-the quick perceptions
of one master of the human heart
alternately exciting and tranquiliz-
ing the spirit of her rough, impetu-
Gus, but ardent Misunderstanding
upon his feelings as one plays upon
the strings of an instrument of mu-
sic; now with soft Establishments
tanning down his rough, fiery jeal-
ousies to gentle words; now rousirg
him from too tender strain to ex-
pressions harsh, wild, threatening
and fearful.
At length the interview closed,
and the youth retired from the un-
equal combat scarcely wiser than he
came. He was not satisfied, but he
scarcely knew with what he had to
find fault. That the girl was intel
lectually his superior, he secretly adj
mitted, and the conviction was not
pleasing one that she was CO.
quette, he was convinced that she
had been playing upon his feelings,
he half believed that she was wor-
thy of true and honest affection,
he seriously doubted but that he
loved her-ardently, wildly, madly
he was too certain for his own
peace of mind.
With q thousand strange fancies
crowding upon his brain, not one of
which he then felt himself compe-
tent to analyze, he fastened his
steps down winding walk, and soon
entered a rough, narrow road, which
at that day ran through thinly
populated country from one settle
ment to another. Mechanically be
turned to the right, and in thought
full, distracted mood, for about
quarter of an hour, pursued his way
through thick, dark wood, barely
able to see his course by the light OF
the moon, which here and there SEEM
ed to, struggle through the interlac-
ing branches of the gigantic trees
that lined his pathway on either
side.
At length he entered hollow,
where an opening, made by a broad
but shallow stream, let in the light
of the moon more clearly, and there,
seated upon stone, he espied hui
man figure. A single glance assur-
ed him that it was his rival, and the
sight reused into activity all his
jealous and indicative passions.
The same wicked intentions which
he had experienced when first set
ting out to follow Leitchman, after
his interview with Rose, now came
over the youth with redoubled force
and he felt that the earth was too
small to contain them both.
Henry seemed not to hear the APP
proach of Simon, but sat buried in
a reverie, evidently induced by the
soothing murmurs of the purling
stream, and the sentiment awakened
by the fascinating witchery of the
fair girl with whom he had so re-
Gently parted.
For q few moments the youth
seemed to hesitate, and then, adj
yancing straight to the other, lie
said, in grun, surly tone:
"What are you doing here
The young man started, looked
around, and ascertaining who bis in
terrogetor was, replied:
"What is that to you, Simon?
You are not my keeper"
ats a good deal to me, Leitch-
man, as I'm able to make you IN
derstand, keeper or no keeper"
"Why, how now, Simonl You APP
pear to be getting rather insolent
for boyl,
Henry was two years the senior
Of Simon, and, though not SO tall,
was more gracefully built, and more
comely in person.
aDon't call me boy, Henry
Leitchman!" cried Simon in furi-
GUS tone. striding up to the other
with clinched hands, his whole sin
ewy frame fairly trembling with pas
sion. "Don't call me boy ag'in, or,
by heavens I'll strike you as you
still"
Nay said Henry, rising. "if that
is your game, you'll find there are
two that pon rlav 81 ify