Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-04-08
=, FRID APP

gence OF Regina SeytOn marriage. IL wa
a hard, bitter blow-one he almost sank be
meath. He had struggled to obtain laurel
to lay at her feet Now that bright dream
was over But time soothed his sorrow
And again he began his onward career; nov
heart and mind all given to ambition. Rap
id was his advancement in the opinion o
the people of his adopted State. One posi-
ton after another, each of increasing i'm
portance YVES given him. Annie Seytor
watched with deep interest the political ca
reer of her friend, proud that he was SC
we'll appreciated.
Five years of Regina's married life had
passed away. Five long, weary years they
had been-burdened with weight Of vague
uneasiness and dark forebodings. Night
after night found her husband absent from
his home-engaged in what she knew not.
They lived in style of magnifcence I'M
surpassed by any of their friends. How
that was continued. Regina often wondered.
She knew that Percy was considered very
wealthy but he must have, in those years
since their marriage, spent an almost prince
ly fortune When she first knew him, and
for three OF four years after. he had "a large
income from the rents of property and in
te1cst from bank stock. But then, he at
tended to nothing of the kind. His days
We're spent almost entirely in sleep-how ?
She feared to think.
At last the knowledge was forced upon
her in terrible way the arrest Of party
of counterfeters. among them was found
Percy St. Clair 1t was bitter blow to
Regina Other women would have grieved
that the man they loved was suspected, or
guilty Of crime. But she writhed in an ag-
ony of modification The man whose name
she bore-with whose her own, SO proud
and old was coupled-was then used in con-
nection with others STEPPED in crime
What was John Warner doing during
those years Advancing swiftly upward to
a brilliant career. While the papers we're
filed with accounts of Percy St. Glars
deeds Of dishonesty and arrest, the name of
John Warner, as Senator from 49,, often
appeared in their columns, with frequent
accounts of his brilliant intellect, his univer-
sal popularity with all parties, with his no.
hility of character, his great and good deeds.
Gentle Annie Seyton still remained single.
Many hearts had been placed before her ;
but kindly she sent them forth. She had
love for none She had loved once, and
that was for ever Her home was with
Regina, and it was from her counsel the
miserable wife drew much comfort
One day during that time of trial, Annie
read from the morning paper the arrival Of
John Warner His great ability as a law
yer they well knew. Annie suggested that
her cousin should seek his advice he could
point them to the best course Annie knew
what true heart was his. They could
seek him and secure his friendship, she felt
sure.
Anu 81 1t was that Keglna wrote, will
ynu come 2 and sent it to the hotel
A few hours after, and he was awaiting
her How wildly her heart was throbbing
How could she meet him again, aud thus
He so high in worldly favor; she SO crushed
His calm but cordial greeting somewhat re-
lieved her. With the freedom of an old
and sincere friend, he spoke of her trouble,
abiding to St. Clair as the one most dear
to her. He advised that his present liber-
ty be obtained, and offered his own name as
security customary in such cases. That was
done, and then carefully John Warner ex-
anlined, with Percy's lawyer, the details o.
the evidence against him in the case.
But no hope of proving the innocense Of
the miserable man was found. Guilt was
everywhere visible. Nothing could save him
from conviction and long imprisonment, they
both knew well: and Percy St. Clair knew
it too.
But he was not going to risk that, while
one chance Of relief was available Lost to
all sense Of honor or pride, he determined
to sacrifice his bondsman, and fly.
A few hours after John Warmers return
to Washington, this intelligence reached
him In his heart he was glad. He sal
Immediately and wrote to Regina:
"Givc yourself no uneasiness on my &C
count. l would willingly give that amos'n
to secure you release from any sorrow.
am alone in the world, and care little for it,
possessions. Rely always on my assistance
whenever you may wish it .
Regina read this, and puzzled her brain
to decide if any of the deep love that he
bore her long ago remained now. Was i
so, or only a remembrance of it, that made
him so kind She set herself to work dis
posing of all the magnifcence by which she
was surrounded, endeavoring to secure al
much as possible, to return the amount los
to her true friend. But this soon became
unnecessary
Percy St. Clair, during his flight to Can
ada, thinking himself discovered, and abou
being apprehended sprang from the car
while in rapid motion, was terribly crushed
and lived only few hours after
When this news came to John Warner
how did it affect him ? Had his love al
died out 2 She was free again now-th
woman he had loved SO deeply. Did tn
old love burn up anew? Months passed on
and Regina was getting over the great shoe
she had received by Percy's sad end, whe1
again the announcement of Mr.. Warner
arrival was in the paper Annie felt sur
he would call. She believed he still loye
her cousin. Regina would not reject hin
again, she thought, and she would be happ
in his happiness. He did come, and FIRE
quently during his stay in the city.
The love that Regina had crushed, no
conquered, SO long ago, began to revive
yes, and burn deeper than before. Proud
she welcomed his coming. She no longe
thought of his humble birth. She had foun'
how little happiness and how much misep
her pride had brought her. She knew thei
Of what she should be proud, Wondering
that he spoke not, watching and waiting 70
the happy time that should bring her Low
again, Regina doubted not that some da,
before long it must come
Twilight dreams2 2 asked John Warner
as, unannounced, he entered the library =
at length I've found you alone! How w
watched for some little word Or look to BIZ
me hope You know how confident I wa
once Of love returned. Am Irto meet will
such fate again I love you, dear
kCto,,f W., 7 3N,, o,lx,