Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-04-28

offered to escort her home, and
she, only too gladly, accepted
of his offer. She went to her
room that night with a happy
heart, because she thought how
nice it would be to show to her
school friends, and Mamie Riv-
ers in particular, how soon her
anticipations of marrying a
rich husband would be realized,
and how little did she dream
the only one who she really hat
ed was the only one who held a
place in his heart.
Next morning she was busy
telling what a nice beau she
had caught, and how handsome
and rich he was, and he had
limited that he would be at her
feet, as soon as she graduated.
FOf all men whom [ have
ever met with | think Howard
May is the most perfect she
said, with an air that told
plainly she meant Whist she
said.
Mamie Rivers was by, and
gave a little start at the men
ton of Howard Mays name,
but did not betray herself.
Finally, the day arrived, and
one by one the young ladies
were seated on the stage, How
ard May was among the crowd.
Essie saw him as soon as she
entered, and she thought she
read in his fine eyes look of
the deepest and tenderest love,
and felt in her heart that the
conquest would be hers; but
alasl how her heart sank after
the exeacises were closed, and
Howard May stepped forward
and offered his arm to Venora
Rivers, the only one she hated
so bitterly. They were soon to
be married, as he already had
her parents sanction, and all
the class were invited to ofici-
ate as bridesmaids. All will
lingly assented but Essie, who
felt that she would not nor
could not associate with a far
mer's wife, even acknowledging
tiIert lror hueband was the son of
a millionaire.
Mary Clayton was the next
to take upon herself the mar
riage vows. She and Nan ME,
with their husbands, were to
start Immediately on their bri-
dial tour, when a letter came
summoning them back to the
home Of their school days, to
take the last earthly farewell of
their beloved friend Clara
Lightfoot. 1t was but one week
previous to her intended mar
riage, that desire came over
her to visit the institute once
more. She went, and on her
arrival she was taken sudden
ly i'll, and after a short but Sc
we're attack of brain fever, she
expired in the arms Of him with
whom'she. had promised to share
the joys and sorrows of life, all
her class mates had gathered
around her, and remained by
her bedside until her bright
young spirit had taken its
flight, to that happy land where
the wicked cease from troub-
ling and the weary are at rest.
She died happy, entreating
them to make their peace with
God and secure for them an
eternal rest. Mary's and Norie' s
tears flowed unrestrainedly, nor
did they leave for their tour
until they saw the last of their
friend laid in the silent tomb.
They followed the stricken par
ents to their beautiful country
home, when they conveyed their
precious burden to her final
resting place in the family bu-
rial ground.
Two years have passed, and
Mary and Norie are again in
dear old Virginia, according to
their promise to each other.
They have lived neighbors in
the far West and now they are
at home together, on a visit.
Many changes have taken place
in these two years. Nettie
Moore has been married over a
year to a young and eminent
physician, and true to her
word, she may often he found
in the sick room ministering to
the wants of some poor suffer
or Ha1an H1or1, bod Lo