Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-04-09
MISCELLA AN Y
WORTH AND WEALTH.

"Florence, would not let Frank Raymond
wait SO constantly on me, if were you," said
Anne Weston to her friend Florence Elliott, as
they sat together at the home of the former
"Why not, Annie have you heard anything
derogatory to his characters asked Florence.
"Oh, no, his character may be we'll enough !;
but be is nothing but carpenter, and poor
at that"
SIS that all, Annie 2" said Florence, with a
half-drawn sigh of relief 1T you can bring no
other argument against Him, his being poor
carpenter will have but Ettle4weight with me.''
Florence, you are provokingly democratic in
your notions; girl of your standing in society
to throw herself away on poor carpenter is per-
fectly ridiculous; you will never be happy, I am
sure"
81 think differently, dear Annie. know that
Frank is, as you say, poor; that Is, when be-
come his wife, cannot live in the style that
now do; but have no fears that will not be
happy, for he is worthy of any woman's love !;
he is truly noble and good"
"WelI, you are the one to be satisfied: but /
am sure that could not be under the circum-
stances. Only last night George said that he
wondered at a girl of your beauty and wealth to
marry such poor fellow"
| Florence's dark eye flashed, crmsoned spot
burned upon her cheek as she exclaimed
"Did George Linden dare to say that2"
'You need not get SO angry, Florence, he did
| say it, and it was no crine," said Annie.
The color had faded from Florences cheek,
and the angry flash from her eyes. She laid her
hand upon Annie's, and in gentle tone, said
| Forgive me if my tone was harsh, and also
pardon what am about to take the liberty of
saying; but Annie, dearest, | love you, and I
cannot help it. You have spoken to me of
Franks poverty, would That had nothing worse
~Ia. r 40
Annie, thatI have dear brother who is on the
broad road to ruin; the path of vice, the ways
of the wicked are familiar to his feet; the de-
stroyer of that brother, the one who first led
him astray, was George Linden. Oh, Annie,
before it is too late, draw back. He has untold
wealth; be can give yoa every earthly luxury
which you heart can desire; but he loves the
wine cup; wealth cannot bring you happiness
with such man. would not have spoken of
him thus to you for worlds, had loved you less
than do; but your happiness is very dear to
me, and | could not bear to see you cast it from
you by wedding him who has been curse to
our home circle, without one warning word"
Annie was silent for some moments after
Florence ceased speaking, then she said
II cannot believe what you have told me,
Florence"
81 never told you an untruth, Annie, and |
would not have spoken aught against him if
had not been too sure of its truth. Let us say
no more about it now; think of what have
told you, and then act as your heart Dictates"
When Florence rose to depart, Annie laid a
restraining hand upon henxaEm. and looking into
her deep eyes, said
"Florence, know that you told me what you
did out OF kindness, but would rather risk my
happiness with George, than to marry poor
man."
"Do as you please, bat remember, dearest
Annie, as you sow, so shall you reap"
1t was the last time Florence ever spoke on
the subject, but in after years Annie remembered
every word she had ever said.
Florence Elliott was the only daughter of
wealthy parents, beautiful and accomplished,
but of her many charms she seemed almost un-
conscious. Pride she had, but it was of that
high, noble standard which instinctively shrinks
from contact with anything which does not pos
sess pure and intrinsic worth.
Annie Weston was Florences dearest friend,
but very different was their characters and dis
positions. Annie had many noble traits in her
character, but from childhood the evil of her
nature had been nourished by a vain, frivolous
mother, and the estimation IN which she held
worth and wealth, may be seen from her con-
versatlon with Florence
Some months after the conversation related a.
bove, the two girls stood before the altar as
brides and heard the words which bound them
to the chosen of their hearts. Florence tnrned
away to seek the little home which Frank Ray
mond had provided for her, and Annie went as
the mistress OF stately mansion in the city OF
New York. Which would be the happier p
Which had chosen the better part2
The Summer sun was calmly sinking to repose,
and the waving silver poplars cast shadows On
the sloping green, before vine encumbered cot
tage, which looked as if the Angel OF Peace had
folded its wings above il. The evening repast
was spread, and after partaking OF it, the gen