Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-05-30

"Vefy candid, dear sister, indeed,
exceedingly candid you are p
So said Ned Van Omer to his sis.
ter Minnie, in a tone and with a
mien that left her in doubt whether
to regard the expression as earnest
or playful, in approval or disapprov-
a Of remark she had made on the
subject of bis courtship.
"What do you mean, brother ?
You seem to me both mysterious
and out Of humor on your mornings
ride What las occurred to dis
turb your equanimity? 1t must be
somethipg serious, indeed.'
eyes! yesl If you women were
as retlcent on important matters in
the same degree that you are inquis-
tive and loquacious, you would de.
serve less censure. But you pry in
to every matter, trifing or import
ant, with great eagerness In spite Of
the injunction to maintain secresy.
Woman is like seive which holds
no water. How can we trust you p"
Minnie now comprehended the
meaning of the foregoing remark.
Ned Van Omer had arrived at
that age when it becomes natural
to feel the necessity of choosing a
companion in the journey Of life.
Hisinclinations centered upon lady
in neighboring town, who seemed
to him to excel all his other female
acquaintance in intelligence, purity
of heart, amiability of disposition
and beauty of form. All these quail
tiles attracted young Omer, aud he
secretly adored and loved her. But
her position in society and her fnan-
cial expectations being superior to
his, he was fearful Of making any
advances in that direction, though
he himself was young man who
stood high IN his community. But
his affection for Hattie Wynn be-
came SO intense, that he resolved to
overcome his modesty and diffidence
and seek at least an introduction.
Though he loved his sister tenderly.
and there were no secrets between
them he RETAINED for some time
from divulging to her his secret pas
sion for the lady. But with wom-
an 8 apt insight into matters of the
heart she noticed in the manner of
her brother something singular and
different from his general behavior
and habits. He. was much more
alone in his room, reticent and alb
sent-minded. She guessed the cause
but prudently RETAINED from annoy
ing him with questions. At length,
however, at time when he was in
tensely under the induence of this
secret affection, and his heart long
ed for sympathy, he made a conf
dant of his sister, opened his heart
to her and told her all, entreating
her, if possible, to find an opportu.
nifty for an introduction to the young
lady.
Accordingly Minnie took advant-
age Of the first opportunity to call on
Miss Wynn, whom she slightly knew.
Not finding the daughter at home,
Minnie, through feminine weakness,
and desire that her visit should
not be in vain, allowed herself to
transcend the rules of strict proprie-
ty, as we'll as her brothers injunc-
ton by imparting to the mother the
secret of her brothers passion, and
the happiness he would enjoy in a
union with her estimable daughter.
The mother, instead of being indig-
nant at this apparent presumption,
was fattered and delighted by this
proposition, and did not hesitate to
acquaint her daughter with this I'M
expected and agreeable news. But,
unfortunately this oyer-hasty an
nouncement did not make the desir-
ed impression upon the mind of the
daughter.
"The young gentleman remark
ed she to one of her friends, 'sspeaks
| of marriage before there is the leas
acquaintance between the parties
It looks more as if he had designs
upon my expected possessions thar
! my heart and hand.