Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-01-08

L was in June, when the roses were
blushing in myriads together, and the all
was laden with their perfume, that Richard
Crindall, with a small bundle in his hand
crent from the house stealthily, and darted
quickly away.
The sun was not up, and everything was
quiet and still in the morning twilight He
stole along the little path in the orchard and
soon stood in front of large white house
surrounded By trees and flowers Of almost
every variety. No one was stirring within;
all was silent as the tomb. He looked long
and wistfully toward one of the windows Of
the house, and at last he called timidly to
the sleeper within.
"Allie," he said, "Allie, look out Of the
window"
No answer was made, and he called again,
this time with more boidaess. The shutters
were thrown open, and bright head, with
its wealth Of golden curls, appeared at the
window.
ssAllie," whispered the boy. II am going
away, and I wanted you to come down be-
fore I 60"
.Pll be down in a minute" was answer
ed, in pretty childish voice, and the golden
cHr!s diasappeaalrea: y,
In few moments, which appeared like
hours to the anxious boy, the door was open
ed cautiously, and Allie Drummond came
stealing out. Her shoes were united, and
her pretty curls had seen neither comb nor
brush that morning.
s'Dick," said she, care you running
away q
EYES," said the lad, in G solemn tone,
land I'm going to stay till I'm rich man.
I can't bear to stay at home any longer, and
be treated like dog: though if mother was
alive I'd bear anything rather than leave
her,"
The sweet, blue eyes Of the little girl were
filled with wonder and sympathy.
"Dick," said she, II shan't take any
more comfort after you are gone; but you
will be much happier, and Tam glad you are
going; and when you get to be great man:
and are rich, then you can come back, and
we will be married together, and neVer part
any more"
ayes" said Dick, 'tthat is just what [ am
goirg to do, but it will be good many
years before [ can come back, and you'll
see great many handsome men, and you
may forget me-"
'Dick, I must give you keepsake, SO
that you'll not forget to come back to me-
Wait here moment till come"
Softly she stole into the house and up to
her room.
"Now," said she to herself, The has got
only five dollars, and Til give him the mon
ey papa gave me yesterday to buy that neck
lace [ like so much"
Che drew it from her purse-a five dollar
bill.
'.That will make ten dollars,' said she;
s'but what are ten dollars Sister Jane pays
ten dollars week for her board"
She went to trunk, and taking theretrom
little white box, she opened it, and there
lay beautiful diamond pin.
"Aunt Emma gave me this" said she,
softly, "to wear when | am grown up; but
they say it is worth a great deal of money,
and would much rather Dick would have
it than wear it myself.
So she PLACED the FIVE dollars beside it IL lEl
the box, and tied the cover on snpgly and
putting it in her pocket, she glided down the
stairs again, and out to the great elm tree
where Dick was waiting for her.
"Forget you! Why, Dick, you know
better" said the child pouting. eff you
never come back, I'll never get married IN
all the world, Are you going to the great
city that Uncle Alden told us about p
II don't kaog, Allie" said the boy; y
have only FIVE dollars, and that will not
carry me far; I shall 60 to the city if [ can"
They were silent moment then Allie
said
CHOW, Dick" said she, promise me that
you will not open this box till tomorrow
night" :,
II PROMISE" said Dick "and I thank
you for the gift, Allie, whatever it may
be-"
A stir was heard in the house, and the sun
was coming up behind the hills.
II must 60 now, Allie" said the BOY,
with tears in his eyes. kiss me, and don't
forget me-"
II never will, Dick" said Allie throwing
her arms about his neck and pressing her
pretty red lips to his cheeks.
Richard Crindall was sixteen years ola,
and Alice prummond was twelve. They
had always been friends, ever since Allie
was wee baby; apd Whep the brave little
girl stole back to her couch the tears were
streaming down her cheeks. Richard was
the son Of a poor but honest man, who
died when his boy was only two years old'
leaving nothing for the support Of bis VIE
and child. Mrs, Crindall worked for years;
and Levi Drew asked her to be his wife, ana
90 to his house. She consented, thinking
that by SO doing her boy might be better
provided for but alas for her hope Rich
ard, though worshipped by his mother, per-
haps for that very thing was hated 6y MS
stepfather and finally, when Squire pr4m-
mond asked MIN to come to big house ana :! p
his errand-boyy, he went joyfully; and in the tn
years he remained there sprang up the
friendship between himself and the wealthy