Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-07-17

redress she sought it. She
was a lover of right and justice
and always endeavored TO have
it practiced around her.
At the time my story opens,
it was the bright and merry
month of May. At the neigh
borhood church a convention
was held for the regulation OF
church affairs; delegates from
other churches were appointed
and sent down. Among the
delegates were Medical Doctors,
Doctors Of Divinity, Professo rs
of High Schools, and other men
of rank. The convention would
be held for several days. The
occasion was to be grand one,
and large preparations were
made in the neighborhood for
the entertainment Of the ex-
pected guests, and none had
entered into the arrangements
with more expense than did
Henry Ashley. Everything
that was necessary and money
could purchase was had by him,
AS is the custom in the country
on such occasions, dinner was
prepared and carried to the
church, and at night where
sleeping apartments were to be
had most conveniently the del
egates were sent, and several
Of the highest rank were con-
signed to Henry Ashley.
Among those whom he had
taken during the time was an
old and one Of the most highly
respected men of the State. He
was accompanied by his ne
phew, who had just returned
from College with the title of
NJ. d. affixed to his name, and
Henry Ashley was only too
proud to receive the honorable
Edward Sears and his handsome
and intelligent nephew, Arthur
Percy, as his guests. Florence,
too, was delighted, pleased
beyond expression, as her kind
brother-in-law had taken the
pains to inform her that Arthur
Percy was not only handsome
and intelligent, but immensely
wealthy. "A good catch for
you, Florence he said, during
a little private conversation be-
tween them, and we may be-
lieve she left none Of her prac-
tical arts untried to win him.
Arthur Percy was a lover of
the beautiful and a keen reader
of human nature, and one
evenings study of Florence
Crowder convinced him that
her beauty was all she possess
cd t, recommend her, though
he paid her all the courtesy due
her for the occasion; and Flor
ence never dreamed Of other
than a declaration from him
ere the termination of his visit.
But, alasl for thee, beautiful
Florence, little didst thou think
that at a single glance another
pair Of bright eyes and pure
and lovely face had taken cap
tive the noble heart Of Arthur
Percy, while thou vert happy
in the hope that the conquest
would be thine.
In the morning of the second
day Of the convention Arthur
Percy saw Minnie Lansing for
the first time; she was just en-
tering the church; when their
eyes met it seemed that heart
responded to heart in that one
glance; the thrill Of happiness
that pervaded their whole be-
ings was mutual; each felt sure
of being beloved by the other,
and Florence Crowder was sure
that she would win him.
During the recess for dinner
an opportunity was afforded
for an introduction, only a few
Of conversation were
allowed them. As Florence
Crowder claimed him the re-
mainder of the recess to join her
in a short walk, he followed
her very reluctantly, as the
sweet winning voice Of Minnie
Lansing had more charms for
him than score of Florence
Crowders just at thisstime.
do you think Miss Lansing
pretty?' he asked of Florence,
after walking on some moments
by her side in silence.
Only an ordinary beauty
she replied; Il see nothing par