The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-01-18
G RIA T..

dccrepit form. At times am peeyish
and fretfll, bewailing my lot, and wish
ing that my days were ended; then a
sweet "reminiscences Of the past sweeps
over me, and inspires nc with reverence,
Though am an old maid, there are
things connected with my life which af.
ford me pleasure to contemplate,
At the age of eighteen | was left an
orphan. My mother died while l was
quite young; my poor father fingered a
few short years, then, like the fragile
flower, withered and died, Falling heir
tony fathers immense fortune, | was
iiattered, courted, aud admired, by pco-
pie Of the world-not for myself alone,
but for my wealth. Well knew that if
l we're destitute of that which has power
to attract thousands my friends would be
few. soon became restless, weary, and
tired Of those empty batteries
At length my tortured brain Lit upon
q wild scheme which | determined to car
ry out, spite the expectations ofmy maid.
Anastase, my wating-maid, had rela-
tives residing in proportionatcly large
village some six.miles from " and
there determined to execute my project.
It was a radian.ly beautiful morning in
the month of May. The sweet carol Of
the birds, and the delicious perfume Of
the flowers, seemed to add balm to my
aching heart, and revive my dropping
spirit. ] was not philanthropist /; but
on that beautiful morning felt that there
we're others beside myself, and that the
Creator had not designed this terrestrial
universe for INC alone to enjoy. all |
now desired was true aud trusting
friend, one whom could love. and whose
faithfulness the universities Of life could
not shake.
Ny maid and I stood upon the por;ico
literally surrounded by trunks, boxes aud
bundles. impatien.ly awaiting the arrival
of the rustic, numbering stage coach. !
was completely metamorphoscd, having
substituted the plain, comedy travelling
dress for my usually rich apparel No
jcwelry adorned my person; it was my
object to appear as one in ordinary cir-
cumstanccs. At an abrupt curve in the
road cloud of dust revealed to my anx-
ious- eyes the wished for conveyance.
With the aid Of the porter and coachman,
our trunks, etc., we're deposited on the
ton, and, with brief farewell to those at
tho house, we were rolling toward our
new home.
This caprice of mine was, indeed, re-
markably novel. I, the wealthy Anna
D'IIavcn, daughter and heir Of Captain
'D'lIaven. U. S. N, riding in country
,stage-coach; dcstination-an old farm
house, where, in order to find some one
tolovc me, independent of gold as dow
~, I had assumed fictitious name and
become plain country lass. What
would some Of my aristocratic friends
say? First, the old time-worn church,
then cluster Of freshly painted comfort
able cottages revealed our wishcd-for dcs-
tination. 1t was the dawn Of new
era" to me.
"Nliss Howard, I believer said n
portly old gentleman, advancing to where
my maid and stood.
twas Anastase's uncle. lie had come
to meet us, with the wagon.
"a am she," answered, slightly bow.
ing, and, rs I gazed upon his round, &C.
NAL face, feeling Of friendship was ava
kened in my bosom. which had never
before experienced.
1 cannot describe my state of mind as
rode through that country village. |
was almost tempted to forego my original
intention. How humiliating it would be,
we're it made public, ! thought. My
name would be n byword to gossips. My
rcvcry was brought to close by the ter
mination Of our journey.
""This, then, is to be my temporary
home," said !, looking at the old, al
tique. looking house looming up from
among large and shady willows.
I was introduced to the inmates, and
then Mrs. Williams Ga kind, genial mat.
ron Of two.score and tcn-ono whom
shall always remember with feeling akin
to awe) accompanied mo to my room.
After expressing many wishes and apollo.
gics. she said:
"My dear Anna-for such I must cal
you--you must make yourself perfectly al
home. Our mode Of living is not grand
but we will do all in our power to make
you comfortable
THANK you" replied; If shall en-
dcavor to do SO. | am perfectly entran
ced with your rural home. 1t is so dif
fercnt from what l pictured it. Every
thing is SO homelikc-so inviting"
| had been in my new home two month
--months of bliss to nc-and what chang
cs were wrought in those two months
l met lim-Eugenc st. Claire. Tall
dark, and handsome. ! fail to dcscrib,
him lie remains an inrognito to thi
day. lie seemed cool and distant 10 al
but me. met him, and loved him
loved him as mortal seldom loves. On,
night. as we stood upon the lawn facin,
the lake, the crescent moon shone fui
upon us, and nothing disturbed the still
ness but the gentle ripping of the water
Ills hat he held in one hand, the oihe
clasped mine. He was gazing dream
ingly into my eyes. | could not speak