Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-11-05
MISCELLANY.
The Haunted Room.

The question was asked by a gentle, delicate
looking woman, whose anxious eyes were fixed
on the face Of the man before her with an ask
ing, earnest gaze.
Il don't think shall Dotty," was bis quick
reply. "Too expensive, my darling; thou
sand dollats a year You are disappointed,
he added, as her white hand fell from his arm.
81" Oh, SO mueh" was the reply, in a low,
pointed tone. 81 had set my heart upon it."
"Now I'm very sorry for that. OF course
it's beautiful house, and cheap for the size
and style-almost new, too. Why, Dotty,
you're not crying about it ?"
40. it's no matter-don't mind me" she
said, in the same, low, quiet tones. =" can't
help being a little foolish about it. was will
ing to give up a great many things, five could
get it-go without new dresses, aud the set of
silver you promised me. l SO wanted that
house"
"well, it is pleasant, Of course it is-perfect
little palace But, then, rather too fine for
us, Dotty. By-and-by, when I get few
thousands ahead, why, l sban't mind"
"No but we shall never see another house
so completely to my mind"
Young Rutherford threw back his head and
laughed.
al couldn't help it, Dotty dear. If you
could see your rucfnl face as YOU said that
"Of course, you laughed at me-you always
do" she retorted, spark Of anger in her soft
blue eyes. "You can always do as you like
| must wait your pleasure"
"Now, Dotty, that's not fair" he said, seri-
ously. You must sec that study your COM
fort and happiness much more than do my
own. Why, darling, you are the pride and
glory of my life, and wehave been very happy
in this pleasant house We never feel pinched
and anxious here: we have money enough tC
spend on our simple pleasures, and to crafty
Dol-the-less in her little fairy cradle here
Why should we want to change and take OF
care and anxiety"
a don't see, Herbert, that few hundred
dollars more ought to signify" replied the lit
tie woman, toying with her watch-chain, bel
fearful eyes downcast. "And you know
have been so used to a handsome home"
Herbert WINGED
"The rooms are very much larger than these
Dotty."
"And we have a great deal too much furni
ture for this house. Inever gointO the parlor
and see that beautiful Steinway that uncle gave
me. without feeling mortified. tits absolutel!
almost as large as the ROOM"
New carpets, Dotty."
"Only for the parlor and I do think w
might have one handsome carpet. You pro
missed me that, you know"
"Have you kept the key of the house ?"
"Yes." She looked up quickly, her countc
nance changed, the sweet blue eyes all th'
brighter for the vanished shower. "Will you
20 and look at it"
There's no harm in that, suppose" h
said. with long sigh, as he lifted himself
YEARLY like a tired man. Dotty hurried fol
her bonnet and shawl, set the good, plain LITTLE
nurse to watch the baby, and triPped a SQUARE
off at the side of her husband, like one walk
ing on air.
"Such beautiful garden ~ she said, delight
edly, as they gained the place.
{" To keep in order he responded.
40. Herbert. don't think 50 much Of dollars
and cents. You will grow miserly. car
save enough out Of the housekeeping to pay
for it thrice over. There! isn't this lovely ?"
Herbert thought it was, as the two stood to-
gether in the spacious parlor.
The four French windows led upon the bal
cony. The design Of the chandelier wa:
exquisite; the freshness and beauty Of th,
decorations could not fail to please man Of
refined taste.
'"Ah! but so DEAR" he CALCULATED, as they
entered room after room, to find in each some
new and convenient feature" suppose
could take il" be said, =" if saw it 10 hell
Lawson.
ain what way"
"By working nights. But when bo made
me the offer, l couldn't think Of it, for iel
it would be purgatory to spend my evening
anywhere bat in your dear company. / felt
little fear. besides, as I'm not overstrong thh
summer. that it might pull me down. How
ever. that may be purely selfish reasoning. /
Won think it would add to your happiness,
will close in with his offer at once. But shal
never be at home till uine perhaps iater. :
Farewell our cosy chats and pleasant reading
"But, Herbert, have Pet, and nine is no
50 very late VIC might cit NJ q little Longer