Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-04-18


"But did it never occur to you how very un-
suitable wife you would make To a man who
has his own way to win in the world ?"
"No, papa" said Maude, eagerly. " can
dust furniture, and IAN make Jelly cake, and
once baked cranberry tart"
Most important qualifications, yet notquitc
all sufficient, said her father, with the utmost
gravity. "But just consider, my dear; here,
on the one hand, is salary of eight hundred
dollars year, or nine. well say. It's just pos
sible that out in Chicago, where he has gone,
they pay nine hundred dolarSa year, aud here.
on the other, is Miss Bryant, with her little,
white useless hands. and her luxurious ideas,
and her diamonds, and her silk dresses. Why
my child, don't suppose you know what cali
co means"
"Yes. indeed, papa" interrupted Maude,
earnestly. al had pink French calico once,
with pink corral buttons that were three dollars
esch-don't you remember ?"
" You poor mans wife, went on her faith
er, pat.ing her little fevered hand. "Maudc,
it would be like taking one Of the white japoni-
cas- ont of the conservatory, and planting it on
bleak New England hill. What idea have
you of the trials and sacrifices Of life, my little
petted child?"
"Papa| sobbed the young girl, passionate
ly, =" / am ready toendure any ordeal-:o make
any sacrafice. What do care for diamonds
and dresses? Papap she exclaimed, suddenly
starting up with an emphasis that made Aunt
Elnise drop her gold essence bottle, you think
me mere butterfly that cares for dress and
Jewels only. Now listen to me: For one year
from this time-for one year, mind pledge
myself to wear no silks or jewels. VII! you
believe ne at the years end?
Il shall think you a very extraordinary
young lady, Maude, but-excuse me, darling
i have no very strong faith in your persist
ence"
You will see" said Maude, shaking her
curls triumphantly. And Oh, papa-if-"
"Mauic, said Mr.. Bryant, with quiet dec-
sion, Z" have already answered YOU my de-
cree admits of no appeal"
She would not cry any more, this naughty
little girl-she was two proud to cry; but she
rose up and went away with compressed lips
and eyes whose glitter was sadder far than
tears.
az won't he discouraged, for all that " she
thought al ,oN show papa that am some
/ thing more than doll"
"Maude you are not going to Mrs. Hemin-
ways in that dress"
Mrs. Harrington, superb in wine-colored vel
vet, with garnets blazing around her plump
throat and at her wrists, stood Mortified as
Maude came tripping down stairs.
Why not, Aunt Eloise2 l think the dress
is very neat.
Mr.. Bryant looked up from his evening pa
per at the slender figure in white. floating
muslin. with white roses hanging in among
the blue-black curl5 that touched 'hcr Shout
dcrs
! ltluh So wv lc S'''N t'iNe'g.
Stuff and nonsense !" angrily exclaimed
Aunt Tloise. Richard Bryapts daughter
in white muslin with paltry muslin in her
hair You should have worn pink satin aud
diamonds"
al shall wear no more silks and Jewels.
aunt" said the little lady, very decidedly.
Now, Richard" said Mrs Harrington t.
her brother, "are you going to allow this p
She will set half of New York talking"
"Maude shall do as she plcases," said the
merchant, quietly, and Maude gave him a
bright, grateful glanceas she luttored away like
some snow-bird.
The next morninga small triangular casket
Of amethyst velvet lay beside Maude'S plate at
the breakfast table. She took it up with an
enquiring look at her father
Your birthday, my child he said, simply.
She opened the casket with low exclama-
ton of delight as her eye fell on the white seam
of magnificent pearl necklace.
oh, lapa! how splendid this is Don't
they look like drops offrozen mo might? And
have always so longed for pearls I!
Mrs Harrington looked complacently on.
They will be the very thing to wear tonight
with your white silk dress
Ny white silk dres;r Maude paused alb
ruptly, while deep crimson flush stole over
her fair forehead. She rose and crept softly a.
A., - e.,Lor', edo
Papa, am very much obliged to you-but
but had rather not take the pearls
'Not take them, Maude 2
NO, papa--yor remember rny resolution.
'Msuder exclaimed Aunt Eloise, you will
never be 50 absurd as to refuse that pearl neck
lace that Royal Princess might be proud to
wear. Just because of whimf
1T is not a whim, Aunt Eloise
And no amount of coaxing or bantering
could induce Maude Bryant to take the pearls
give me bud from the conservatory, papa,
or bit of book, such as used TO have when
was wee thing, and I'll value it for your
sake as long as live; but can't take the
pearls
So the merchant with a curious moisture in
his eye gave her a kiss and told her that
would have to do"
And the weeks and months passed on; and
Mande. surrounded by temptations Oh every
side. thought of Charley May, and resisted
them all.
,,r.l.p - al tho old man. suddenly. one