Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-11-20

the beautiful and accomplished Ida, the Judges
only child. But this, George had not dared to
dream IT'S trne. he never felt so happy as
when in her presence, and it did make his mus
cles twitch to see the foppish students from the
college swarm around the acknowledged idol
of his heart.
Poor youth, had he known the true state of
Ida's feelings, the thought would have almost
turned his brain; and could he have interpreted
the CLEAN of Joy that flashed from her eyes
whenever he uttered noble sentiment or sally
of wit. it would have filed his soul with ecstecy
and delight.
One fine day, in the latter part of June, Ida,
her father and George were enjoying q sail on
the lake in their trim little yacht, the Swan,
which had Won the ''cup" at the last regatta,
under the management of our hero, who was
standing with his hand on the mast gazing at
the scenery on the opposite shore the Judge held
the tiller, and Ida was leaning over the side of
the boat trailing her pretty hand through the
clear water, when sudden gust of wind careen-
ed the yacht so that she lost her balance, and
fell into the water. George heard the splash
made by Ida, and before the Judge could utter
| a cry. he had kicked off his light summer shoes,
and plunged in to her rescue. Being a skillful
and vigorous swimmer, he came up with the
struggling girl before her clothes had allowed
I
left arm, struck out with bis right, and kept her
above water till the Judge turned the boat and
came to their relief. 10 few moments they
were safe in the boat again, and Ida soon re
covered from her unexpected bath. The old
Judge embraced George, and exclaimed, with
| tears in his eyes:
"GOd bless you, my boy, you have saved my
daughters life, how can ever repay you 2"
by saying nothing about it, replied George.
81 owe you now thousand times more than
can ever repay, and am but too happy In being
able to render even this slight service"
The lovely Ida could say nothing; her heart
was overhowing, but she gazed upon her pre-
server with an expression that told volumes.
Her father even observed her earnest, loving
glance. and began toguess the true state OF af
fairs. He was not prepared for it, and in silence
he turned the boat toward the shore. They
reached home with feelings far different from
those they had started with.
The following morning George received a no.
toe to receive the Judge in his library. His
heart beat wildly-what can it possibly mean2
The Judge had determined to put him to a
severe test As soon as George entered the Ii
brary, he commenced:
'Since becoming an inmate OF my family,
George, you have conducted yourselfin worthy
and honorable manner. Performing every duty
cheerfully, and neglecting none. You are now
of age, and capable of doing business for your
self. / have placed five thousand dollars in the
bank at your disposal. You can use this sum az
you think proper, or let it remain on interest,
and take charge of my Office under salary OF
fifteen hundred dollars a year; in either case
you must leave my house for the present. What
do you say to my proposal z"
George was completely bewildered, and STAN
mered forth a request to be allowed a few hours
for consideration. This being granted, be re-
turned to his room aud threw himself on his bed
in paroxysm of grief. Could the Judge have
guessed what himself had scarcely dared to hope
! What right had he to his benefactor's daughter
and fortune? None. He would smother his
feelings and earn an honorable living by his own
exertiOns.
| Various were the rumors set afoas by the
scandal-mongers of O. as to the reason of
young Wentworth's leaving his patrons man
sion, but their innuendoes were unheeded.-
George now devoted himself wholly to business
and study. His brow wore more thoughtful
expression, and his cheek grew shade paler.-
The Judge acted toward him in a straight
forward, frank manner, yet never addressed hlm
in the kind, fatherly tones as had been his wont
before the incident that occurred on the lake.
Ii he CHANGED to meet Ida ID his walks, a friendly
glance and nod were all that passed, still he felt
| that his looks betrayed him, for the warm blood
| gushed from his loving heart, and tinted his
cheek with the tell tale blush and he cherished
the pleasing thought that her looks were beam
ing with love and hope.
i A little more than year had passed from the
time George had left the home Of those he loved.
| 1t was the eve of another election. Excitement
ran high, and Judge s. was again a can
didate for Congress. For several weeks series
tzG ~I1x L.
Judges paper. They were addressed to all
GLASSES, farmers, mechanics and laborers The
original and vigorous style, clear, convincing
arguments, deep and profound reasoning of these
articles invariably carried conviction to the
parties to whom they were addressed. All the
newspapers of the party in that Congressional
district copied them, and curiosity was on tip
toe to discover the author, as they were simply
signed by two little stars. The election passed
| off, and Judge s. was elected by large
majority
| Late one night, while Ida and her father were
returning from party given in honor OF his
lection, they observed a light in the Printing
| Office. As the establishment was usually closed
at twilight, it appeared strange it should be lit
up at that hour, so the Judge determined to
learn the cause. Requesting his daughter to
accompany him, they ascended the stairs and
entered the Office quickly. A sight met their
gaze that caused the heart Of one OF them to beat
violently. At the desk, short distance from
the door, sat George last asleep, with political
essays laying open on the desk, and freshly
written article with the mysterious stars at
tached. The truth flashed upon the Judge in a
moment, he was indebted to George for his sue
cess. He beckoned to Ida who came trembling
to his side just then they saw by the light of
the Pickering lamp smile pass over the slnm
| berer's face, and he mutered the words 'dear
| Ida," in tender tone
| ''Oh, father" exclaimed the loving girl af-
fectionately, throwing her arms around her par
ent's neck, ''do let George come home again it
is surely no sin for him to love me-"
| Awakened by the sound OF Idas voice. George
Hooked around confused, and as he saw Ida and
her father, he endeavored to hide the manu-
script. But the Judge stopped him laughingly,
saying:
TT won't do, young rascal, you are fairly
caught, fond out-talk IN your sleep, will ye,
ha, ha, ha! But come here, take Ida and be
happy. know she loves you, ha, hal''
George was bewildered and transported. He
had been awakened from a pleasant dream to
bright reality.
Matters were soon explained, and the warm
hearted Judge, after blessing them both, prom
ised to see them married before he started to
Washington.
A country justice of the peace, when upwards
of seventy years of age, married girl about 10,
and being well aware that he was likely to be
rallied on the subject, he resolved to be prepared
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