Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1898-01-22
credible eomnosure when Nina pre-

credible composure when Nina pre-
scented the gentlemen to her. There
was certainly nothing in her manner
to lead one to suppose that she had
ever heard of either OF them.
They all luncbed together, and if
Miss Theobald was more dignilied
than usual and curious look some
times fitted across Professor Raw
linson's face, none of the party OBJ
served it, for Jack and Nina furnish
ed fun and iollity enough for all, as
they devoured beat biscuit and fried
chicken.
sits so much more pienicky and
excursion like when you bring your
own lunch," said Nina. "Papa
thought it was no use going to the
trouble, but Aunt Fliss and | had
our way"
Nothing is so conducive to good
fellowship as bountiful meal, and
when to that is added The relaxation
from the artifcialities of society
which long journey giyes--for
then, ii ever, people are as nearly
their true selves as is possible for
them to bet is not to be wonder
ed at that Jack Drummond and his
uncle found themselves admitted to
closer intimacy with the Theo-
balds than would have been done in
a whole season in the city.
BY the time they steamed into
Nashville the two young people
eyinced a decided preference for
each others society, and the learned
professor and Mr.. Theobald had
about covered the political field.
Only Felissa felt greatly relieved
when the journey was ended.
1t was not exactly pleasant to be
thrown constantly into the company
OF a man, a previous acquaintance
with whom one is determined to ig-
more.
1t was therefore with much salts
faction that Miss Theobald shook
the dust of the train from her skirts,
and rejoiced in the fact that, for
while at least, she would be free
from his presence.
She had no sooner reached the Sc
| clusion of her own room in the hotel
than she flung the blinds wide open
and subjected her face and form to
a keen scrutiny.
There were no signs Of gray hairs
in her head, thank goodness, and it
still had some of that golden shin
mer he used to think SO beautiful.
Time had brought her an increase
of flesh, of that there could be no
doubt. Her girlish slenderness was
gone.
"Well, l would rather he found
ME fat than thin" she said, hurry
ing over to close the blinds when she
heard Nina coming. off there is
any thing worse to me than little,
scrawny woman, don't know what
it is"
Nina came in smiling happily she
and Jack had so many last words to
say.
"We are to meet tomorrow at tie
History Building" she remarked.
"Jack--Mr. Drummond says he is
SO glad they took our train. 1t was
only at the last minute they decided
to come. Professor Rawlinson had
some friend down in the country
that he had come East expressly to
see, and they could hardly persuade
him 10 let his friend wait"
Miss Theobald glanced at the
fresh, glowing face Of her niece, and
felt distinctly lugubrious.
"What nice thing to be young"
she sighed. 1t was TOO bad that
now, of all times, just when she was
expecting so much enjoyment, that
John Rawlinson should appear on the
horizon, and serene as if they had
not parted in anger years ago. Was
he married? He had not mentioned
o wife.
81 wonder who he came East to
see,' was her last waking thought
that night.
The next morning Jack Drum
mond was laying in wait for them
near the History Building, but his
uncle was not with him.
Felissa hardly knew whether she
was relieved or disappointed.
II was afraid I'd miss you," was
Jacks greeting. So l have been
here for an hour"
He promptly appropriated Nina,
calling back to Mr. Theobald and
Felissa
"We will find uncle John 10 the
minerology department. He had to
get over there the first thing of
course"
There they eventually came across
him, eagerly examining the speci-
mems of ore. He very politely be-
gan to enlighten the ignorance of The
party.
"This rock" he observed, picking
up piece of soft stone" contains a
large per cent. of phosphate, and
this is from the lower silnrian in the
bed known as-what did you say,
Nina 7 Yes it is fascinating study.