Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1865-10-20
WANTED, A COME ANTON.

"Wanted-A companion for an elderly
invalid lady. Apply at No. q 49, street. ;"
It was brief notice, yet there were wo-
ven into the few words hours Of anxious
thought, long, restless night, and painful!
misgiyings. | was, IN a manner, throwing
down glove for all my numerous relatives,
aay one Of whom, would have gladly spared
ME child or have come herself to tend my
loneliness; for was rich, widowed and child
less, j well knew that! Maria, my niece,
whose son was my chosen heir, would have
faithfully devoted her life to me, and if |
could have overlooked such trifing peculiar
tiles as an utter seIfghness, grasping avalice,
and entire heartlessness, We might, perhaps,
have gone peacefully together through the
short journey that seemed to lie. between ME
and the grave. But wanted companion
whose services, being literally rewarded,
might be niue at wilt had no intention of
everlasting my reader and anlanuensis but
! wanted to feel at perfect liberty to call up
on her at any hour. Then, too, philanthropic
schemes Of giving a pleasant home to some
poor struggling woman, whose health, .edu
cation or deiieacy made her unit to cope with
the rsle world, tiosted through my brain.
] soon found my Office as selector was no
sinecure. All day the stream Of applicants
poured III, till my heart ached for the man.:
who were thrown upon the world poor and
friendless, graspiEg at every opportunity for
honorable employment. Vet OF all the vast
throng, not one suited me. Some were mere
" servants, fully competentto make ny bed
or sweep my room, but did not want a ser
want; some iad large ideas Of salary and priv
ileges totally impossible for NE to meet; some
were learned, and proposed to put my Sven
t. years aside and commence my education !;
some painted, aud would eli MY room with
copies Of the great nasters, for tritling adj
dition to tleir salary; sonic wanted one per-
quisitc, some another, till exhausted and be-
wildered, | dismissed ell, promising to grant
another interview the next day.
] thought all had gone, and I lay back in
my chair weary and disappointed, closing my
eyes to shut ont the brilliant parterre Of gay
shawls end overpowering bonnets. [ am
sure | looked pale, for soft little hand fell
gently upon my forehead, AID 8 voice clear
and sweet said, Il am sorry you are SO tired.
Can ] dc anything Tor you before / go?''
Something in the low, musical voice, ting
cd as it was with sadness, reused again my
failing interest. | opened my eyes to see a
small, childlike figure clothed in deep mourn
inga fair, sweet face, whose large hazel
eyes were full Of that tender, longing depth
which We sometimes see in children early re-
called home a face to waken love and ten
derness, u figure dropping and delicate, to
call forth ali The protecting care Of any kind
heart. Che stood quietly beside me as |
scrntinized her closely, her eyeslooking frank
" into mine. her soft, cool hand still on MY
brow. At length said, lyon came to APP
ply for situation Z"
Yes" she replied 4 save been here all
the afternoon in that corner but | shall not
suit thought at first I might, but so many
far superior have failed, that have given
up the hope" ,.;sra.rz >4r
''What can YOU do {" I inquired r~
Il asn afraid very littlo. " she replied
II could read-papa used to ike 10 hear me
readand ] could write your notes, But
you are very particular about reference, and
7 have none
"Sono..'' I said.
"No. There is Nc enc here who knows
lase, and / brought nothing from my cid
home" she said sorrowfulty, "a ~ =, p
Gan | not write p I inquired.
The hand on ny forehead grew very cold,
and tho sweet face very pale, as she said
steadily There is no one in the wide world
20 give me one word Of recommendation.
I was puzzled. Here was the very com
psnlon for whom I longed--sore one to
cherish and protect. in return for her servi-
ccs to me bu5 there was something startling
in this assertion Of utter friendlessness, COM
ingfrom the lips of such a child Ny thoughts
formed most unconseiousjy al the abrupt qpqs-
ton. Have you done anything wrong to for
felt your friends a{fection:*' [ repentod the
question while asked it.
The rich crimson blood dyed both checks,
but the true, fearless eye never wayercd as
she answered, mo am unfortunate, poor,
friendless and unhappy; but I have no sin to
bear, No guilt to crush me down. know il