The Penningtons' Girl Page #3

"The Penningtons' Girl" by Lucy Maud Montgomery tells the story of a spirited young woman named Janet Pennington, who navigates the complexities of love and family dynamics in a small Canadian town. Set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes, the novel explores themes of independence, personal ambition, and the struggle between duty and desire. As Janet grapples with her feelings for two very different men, she must also confront her own identity and the expectations placed upon her by society. Montgomery's signature lyrical prose captures both the beauty and the challenges of rural life, making this a heartfelt tale of growth and self-discovery.

• Short story

								

Nelly, won't you be my wife? Don't you love me?"

"Well, yes, I do," confessed Nelly suddenly; and then it was fully
five minutes before Winslow gave her a chance to say anything else.

"Oh, what will your people say?" she contrived to ask at last. "Won't
they be in a dreadful state? Oh, it will never do for you to marry
me."

"Won't it?" said Winslow in a tone of satisfaction. "I rather think it
will. Of course, my family will rampage a bit at first. I daresay
Father'll turn me out. Don't worry over that, Nelly. I'm not afraid of
work. I'm not afraid of anything except losing you."

"You'll have to see what Dad says," remarked Nelly, after another
eloquent interlude.

"He won't object, will he? I'll write to him or go and see him. Where
is he?"

"He is in town at the Arlington."

"The Arlington!" Winslow was amazed. The Arlington was the most
exclusive and expensive hotel in town.

"What is he doing there?"

"Transacting a real estate or railroad deal with your father, I
believe, or something of that sort."

"Nelly!"

"Well?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just what I say."

Winslow got up and looked at her.

"Nelly, who are you?"

"Helen Ray Scott, at your service, sir."

"Not Helen Ray Scott, the daughter of the railroad king?"

"The same. Are you sorry that you're engaged to her? If you are,
she'll stay Nelly Ray."

Winslow dropped back on the seat with a long breath.

"Nelly, I don't understand. Why did you deceive me? I feel stunned."

"Oh, do forgive me," she said merrily. "I shouldn't have, I
suppose--but you know you took me for the hired girl the very first
time you saw me, and you patronized me and called me Nelly; so I let
you think so just for fun. I never thought it would come to this. When
Father and I came north I took a fancy to come here and stay with Mrs.
Pennington--who is an old nurse of mine--until Father decided where to
take up our abode. I got here the night before we met. My trunk was
delayed so I put on an old cotton dress her niece had left here--and
you came and saw me. I made Mrs. Pennington keep the secret--she
thought it great fun; and I really was a great hand to do little
chores and keep the cats in subjection too. I made mistakes in grammar
and dropped my g's on purpose--it was such fun to see you wince when I
did it. It was cruel to tease you so, I suppose, but it was so sweet
just to be loved for myself--not because I was an heiress and a
belle--I couldn't bear to tell you the truth. Did you think I
couldn't read your thoughts this afternoon, when I insisted on going
ashore? You were a little ashamed of me--you know you were. I didn't
blame you for that, but if you hadn't gone ashore and taken me as you
did I would never have spoken to you again. Mrs. Keyton-Wells won't
snub me next time we meet. And some way I don't think your father will
turn you out, either. Have you forgiven me yet, Burton?"

"I shall never call you anything but Nelly," said Winslow
irrelevantly.
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