Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1866-11-22

nun GUT oi slSnt. MS m0cklng laugh still
ringing in her ears when with wall, she
sank into the tall grass, her little form con
vulsed with sobs.
Nine years have passed away, and the
scene opens before us in one of the most
stylish palaces of our metropolis.
The drawing rooms are filed with wealth
and beauty, in honor of the return of the
hostess adopted daughter after lengthy
sojourn in foreign parts.
POUNDS VIII, who is thai splendid
girl surrounded by the groupe of gentle
men yonder Decidedly the handsomest
woman | ever saw. She fairly takes ones
breath away; and what an eye she has ]
Superb magnificent! But tell me who she
is, am dying to know. 2
Upon my word, Paul, you are rather
A6dgstsy. [ ils:d an. iaea you were iimpreg
nable to the charms Of womankind jn gen
eral"
Stop your nonsense, VIII, and answer
me-"
why. that is our hostess daughter,
Miss Raleigh. and | don't wonder at your
admiration, for she is decidedly the hand.
soonest woman Of my acquaintance
''Can it be possible? Why, [ under
stood she was mere founding whom
Mrs. Raleigh had taken out of charity"
"You are right; she was but it was
found she possessed talents of very high
order, SO Mrs. Raleigh educated her, and
adopted her as her own. would advise
you to devour her with your eyes for you
perceive she has other admirers besides
Yourself"
The first opportunity that offerd, Paul
Raynor, for he it was, sought aad obtain
ed and introductian When his name was
announced slight smile played over her
features for moment, but quickly passed,
and she greeted ham with her accustomed
grace.
If he was charmed at distance, he was
completely enthralled when listening to
her witty and animated conversation
Never had he seen a woman who had so
completely captivated him A careless
glance from her eye would send the blood
surging through his veins like wildfre,
and be would listen to her Highest word
with rapture.
Weeks and months passed Miss Ra-
leigh was the acknowledged belle ofsociety,
was ever surrounded by admirers, ever
tidy to do her bidding. Not mere brain
less tops, but noble and gifted men and
women who appreciated her for her beau
tiful and richly cultivated mind
But among them all none wo1shipped
with more fervor than Paul She was
superior to the woman Of acquaintance !;
and from her he caught a glimpse of a
higher and nohler life Of which be had not
dreamed of before. 20 win her for his
own, at the earliest possible moment, he
was fully determined; but though she had
always welcomed hiln as a friend, she had
never given him reason to think he occu-
pied place in her hear.
One evening he determined to call and
offer himself
"Of course she will accept me-" he So
liloquized. 'sThere is not lady of my
acquaintance, but would jump at the
chance. Yet somehow I feel timid
never can look strag light in shat eye of hers
without wincing. But, pshaw how fool
ish! OF course she will be delighted. I"
Miss Raleigh was at home, and it so
happened she was alone. After mo-
ment's conversation he made known the
object of his call by offering her his heart,
hand and fortune.
While he spoke her eyes were cast down
but when he finished she raised them to his
face and replied
Il am sorry this happened for your
sake. / would not willingly wound your
feelings, sir, but [ am obliged to decline
your offer"
You refuse me. May ! ask your reas-
ons %
"Allow me to relate an anecdote, sill.
Once there was a poor friendless child
whom Providence cast among strangers
where she became the family servant
Shortly after young man, a relative of
the family, arrived, and during his stay
delighted to worry the child on account of
her uncouth appearance. That she could
forgive; but one day he ordered her to
open the gate Tor MIN, and as she cid not
obey with sufficient alacrity he raised and
struck her"
She paused, and looking him in the face,
asked if he recognized the scene.
eyes, [ remember that, but [ don't
see"
"Well, [ will show you. That friend
less child whom they called wild Madge
and Madeline Raleigh are one and the
anne person. That sir, is one reason for
my refusal A man who would willingly
injure the feeling ola child for his selfish
pleasure could not trust my future hap
piness with. Besides which am already
engaged, wish you good evening, sir 2
Paul Raynor left the house in a dream
He could not recognize in the beautiful
creature the ignorant child whom he had
spurned and who had made him wiser
Io+t la Il. q