Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1859-09-09

\, SEPTEMBER 9, 1876
ways been one and the same work, and he
had little difficulty ii ascertaining who paid
her bills at the school. The village bank,
of which he was director, gave him the
names of the bankers whose check were for
warded every three months, and he set on
foot questions which elected the information
he desired She had no wealth Of her own
but was understood to be sole heiress of
something like half a million that belonged
to her grandfather, who was still living -
This was sufficient, and he proceeded to
prosecute his suit. But he knew too we'll,
by family experience. the danger Of attempt
ing runaway marriage with the expecta-
ton Of receiving money with his bride, and
he accordingly determined to commence his
negotiations III person with the parents of
the young lady, who were then abroad
Steamers were just then commencing
their trips, and he proceeded to France.
where he had reason to anticipate meeting
with them, though they were represented to
be moving from place to place.
In small cabaret on the road from Paris
Ito Lyons, somewhat celebrated in those
days for the perfection Of its cuisine and the
elegance Of its miniature arrangements, a
gentleman and lady who were travelling post
had ordered dinner, and were waiting its
appearance while their horses were chang
ed.
The gentleman was about seventy years
of age, tall erect, and stately in his appear
ance. His hair was silvery white, and flow
ed over his back in large locks. His dress
was purely French, SO that he might rsadi-
y be mistaken for marquis Of the old reg
ime. Such, doubtless, the host supposed
him to be, If his obsequiousncss were any
proof.
While they waited. gentleman arrived,
travelling in the other direction, by post al
50, and the old gentleman approached the
window and saw him dismount from his
carriage. Turning back suddenly, with a
start, he exclaimed,
"Keep back, Kate ; keep back !"
'.Why, who is it, father p
cit is he !"
"John %
"Bromley."
Strange! What can he be here for
Father, mean to see him. Do you think
he would recognize US? We are, surely,
much changed, and our disguise is perfect
Mrs.--did not know us in Paris what
think you 7"
1t would be curious Perhaps 1t will be
as well. And if he does recognize US, what
is the harm, after all. It will disturb our
quiet for while, and then all will run on
again in the old channel"
The landlord entered with card.
''Mr. Bromley hearing that Mr. Carlton
and Mrs. Carlton were at the inn, desired
leave to present himself
It was granted.
Full Of his object, John Bromley never
dreamed Of recognizing them in their Iis-
guised appearance, and they saw that they
were safe on that score His proposition
startled them, and they exchanged glances
rapidly. OF course they could neither ac-
cept nor decline it now. They must have
time to consider. they would be in Amer-
lea within few months, when he should
have their answer meantime, he must rot
attempt to see her. These and sundry sim
liar provisions enabled them to be rid of his
for the present, and the direc-
ton of their travel was changed, and they
fastened to America.
When Bromley arrived at his home after
an absence Of about ninety days, he learned
that rival was in the field in the shape of
his own cousin, Frederick Bromley, the son
of his elder uncle, and promising voting
lawyer in the country He had already ex-
perienced the severity of his cousins enmity
in the contests he had about his ill-gotten
estates, and this was the worst blow that
could have been inflicted. 70 say the truth
he had boosted over his wine that he had
been successful in his foreign trip-a boast
that reached the ears Of his younger rival,
and elected from him smile Of contempt
An accidental meeting, a slight service
rendered, few words exchanged, these
were the incidents which commenced an &C.
quaintance that had ripened into love, and
in two months the young lady had accepted
him, without thinking it necessary to refer
the matter to parent or teaher.
But rumor reached the ears Of John Brom-
ley that her mother was in America. and
had knowledge Of this new engagement, and
had approved it.
Just at this time had thunderbolt fall
en- at his feet, he could not have been more
startled than he was at an action in parti-
ton, commenced against him by Frederick
Bromley on behalf Of an unknown person,
as grantee of Kate Cameron, Of one-fourth
of the estate finer grandfather. The name
startled him. He had not heard it for
years. He had not seen it written in more.
It seemed strange that it could appear in
such papers as these. so formally, so mixed
ed up with law phrases and technical terms.
He had never thought of it for years except
as the young queenly girl he had loved, had
deceived, and forsaken. The old law pro-
ceedings had been discontinued when she
left her home, and he had forgotten them.
His first impulse now was one Of exceed
ing tenderness for moment he thought of
abandoning all to her claim. Her very
name had magic power at that instant, as
the names of the once loved ones must have,
if we have left them and they have not for
saken us.