Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-06-13
The Two Paintings.

On a winter night, many years ago a fair
young girl stood before the glass in her
own pleasant little room, giving the last
touches to her toilet. That night was the
first party of the season, and perhaps,
Emma might be excused if she fingered a
little longer than usual. smoothing once
again her dark brown hair, and adjusting
the soft folds Of her beautiful dress.
'Come Emma" called her mother at
length, Il am afraid you forget that Mr..
B, is waiting for you
No, Emma had not forgotten, as the
rosy blush that stole across her cheek testi-
fed Her last thought, as she stood smil-
ing at her reflection in the glass had been,
''this is the color which he likes am sure
he will be pleased"
Quickly she hurried down stairs, and
after playfully excusing her delay, while
the flush deepened at Mrs evident
admiration, turned to her mother saying,
Il believe am quite ready at last,
Take good care of yourself, darling"
said her mother, as she wrapped warm
shawl around the slender form, land don't
stay very late"
Their destination was soon reached, and
as the young man moved through the
brilliantly lighted room, many a glance of
admiration was cast at his companion, and
more than one of his friends whispered,
James is lucky fellow I'd give good
deal to monopolize Miss Emma as he does.
The evening sped joyously on, and at
length towards Its close, refreshments were
handed around, Mr.. B-was standing a
little apart from Emma, who was the centre
of laughing group of young girls, when
the lady of the house with smile offered
him glass of wine.
''No thank you, do not drink it, .
he said.
"Pshaw what nonsense" she returned,
''no one has refused it this evening, and I
don't intend to allow you to be the first
Come, just take one glass; it can't hurt
any one."
Il cannot do it," he answered gravely,
''for I have determined never to taste a
! drop"
''Come here, Emma" called the lady,
Il want you to coax this obstinate young
man to take glass of wine. I know he
will not refuse YOU
Emma took the glass in her little white
hand and with smile which few could
have resisted, said, ''come James, you
will take just this one-glass p
''No Emma" he answered, with pow
erful effort. II have made up my mind
and you must not ask me to change it,"
''Then you shall not accompany me
home tonight, Mr.. B." said Emma,
with an angry flash of her dark eye, s'now
take your choice" -
Il must bid you goodbye then, Emma,
if it comes to that" he said sorrowfully. =
II would gladly do anything else for you,
but that | cannot do" So saying he bow
ed and turned away
Never mind Emma, I'll see YOU
home;' said a young man standing near,
whose flushed face betokened that he had
taken more than one glass of the wine
Let him 60, the ill-natured fellow"
So saying, he offered his arm, which
Emma accepted, and they moved off to-
gether.
More than ten years had passed away.
Mr.. B-was married and established in a
prosperous business, and by degrees the in
cidents of his parting with Emma were al
most forgotten.
One day, man with whom he was
slightly acquainted, came into his store and
asked for employment.
Il am afraid | can't give tito you, Nor
ris," was the answer. 4 make it rule
never to have any one in my employ who
is intemperate.