Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-02-05
STAUNTON VIRGINIA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY s. 1861.

Mrs. Pamfrett presided at the dinner table
that evening with the state and majesty of an
Eastern Queen. Can this, mentally exclaimed.
be sister to the gentle Emily9
"Have you seen Mrs. Efingham, lately % in
quired Mrs. Pamfrett.
| replied that had enjoyed that pleasure the
evening before.
"Peasure!" cried the lady, soh, dear; do you
think it so? 1t is three months, fancy since l
saw her; she quite offended me by marrying
that poor melancholy man. She mnst be miser-
ably dull, could not live without NV parties; ;
and Pamfrett is the king Of all games. / have
quite my own way, and am admired bv all !:
whilst Efingham is eccentric, sullen, proud, and
bearish. The ladies are all envying me. and
wondering how | succeeded in obtaining the
hand of one whom they had vainly tried for !:
but Emily, poor dear! they wonder how she
could possibly have married such dreary crea-
ture as Emngban."
left the two brides thus enjoying their for
tunes, and went again touring on the Continent
1t was four years before I returned TO Winde1-
mere. Four years! What changes occurred in
that time. A day or two after my return,
sought the cottage on the hill, where had left
Emily and her husband in the enjoyment of all
human heart could wish. A beautiful boy was
sitting on the grass before the door, placing q
wreath of wild flowers round the caslsy head of
lovely little girl. 'Bless the sweet creatures /"
a time endeavored to trace likeness between
them and the happy pair whose children l at
once concluded that they were.
"Is papa at home2" | at length inquired !;
when the little fellow looked up from play, and
replied, pointing to the door,
"Yes, sir, in there;" and heard both laughing
the unchilled laugh of infancy, as / turned to-
wards the house.
Mr.. Efingham received me as long absent
brother; on inquirng for Mrs. Pamfret, was
startled to hear that she was dead.
Yes continued Efingham, "Pamfrett was
always gay and wild, and he was at length, in
duced to gamble on great scale, and was ruin
ed. One night he embarked for America, leav-
letter tor Caroline, wherein he stated that she
had always been her own mistress, and might
continue so; and if it had not been her pride
his fortune would not have been wrecked. Poor
Caroline was now destitute, said Mr.. Efingham.
"We forgot her conduct to ourselves, and did
everything in our power to alleviate her sorrow
and heartfelt degradation. Emily at length in
duced her to come and reside with US. | man
aged her affairs, sold the estate, and paid what
debts had been incurred, with the exception of
those of (das) -'honor, from which her husband
had fled. But Carolne's pride had received too
deep wound to be healed within six months
of her husbands departure, she died. All that
now remains of that once grand, proud family,
is the dear boy in the garden, who is playing
with my little girl''
The entrance of Emily prevented any further
reference to her sisters melancholy history
She looked, if possible, still more handsome than
ever. Her face wore the beautiful expression Of
habitual content.
So good hearts live And may they live and
prosper eternal sunshine dwelling over their
haad