Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-07-15
SELECTED sTCnYy
MIR. CONWAY'S FIRST WIFE.
BY AMY RANDOLPH,

IL NdS d VCL pECIey IOO". AObS WIN
pretty little pictures hanging on the walls
and cosy arm chair drawn up in front Of
the fire, and Maltese kit.cn fast asleep on
the little vines of brown moss that constitu-
ted the pattern Of the three-ply carpet. The
table, ready spread for the evening meal,
was Respondent in snowy damask, translu-
cent china and glass clear as crystal, while.
just in the centre, bouquet of late BIOS
somed roses, fringed with feathcry gerani-
UNI leaves. gave touch of exquisite refine
ment to the whole.
There ? said Mrs. Grove Conway, Civ
ing the cloth little pull to one side, and
settling a geranium leaf dextcrously in its
place, 'noao we're all ready!'
She was not alone A plump, dimpled
damsel of four or FIVE and twenty sat by the
fire with cashmere shawl drawn round her
shoulders, and a drift Of pink and white
wool, by courtesy called knitting in her
lap /; and to her Mrs. Conway was enacting
the part of hospitablc hostess, with pretty,
caressing eagcrness.
Seven o'clock he'll soon be home, now,
said Mrs Conway, glancing dcmurely at
the fat faced old clock that occupied the post
of honor. between two china vases on the
mantel.
Your husband, Fanny?'
OF course whom else should be talking
aboutp
Miss Benham smiled roguishly into he,
knitting.
Is he very nice, Fan Tell me about
him.
WELL said Mrs Grove Conway, patting
her little foot rcfectively on the topmost bal
of the fender and looking into the fire, he's
a good deal older than am-twenty years
perhaps-but I don't mind that; you soon
get used to it, you see. And be has darh
eyes, and hair-a little bald just on the
crown of his head, but one don't notice il
much-and he wears spectaces-'
Dear me = said Miss Benham innocent.
ly, 'he must seem more like your father
than your husband y
Rachel, how can your flashed Mrs
Conway SO kind as he is, too!'
And is it really nicer to be married than
to 20 out as daily governess q
OF course it is I! What a ridiculous aues-
ton to ask = said the little matron.
And Rachel Benham smiled again; she
could not help it.
And suppose, like most husbands. Fan
ny, be is all perfection no faults, eh :?
Yves hesitated Fanny, the small foo
coming to an abrupt standstil. II think
he has one fault-only one, you know
Rachie.'
Only one! And that 2
| The tears were sufusing Mrs. Conway
blue eyes, and the color assembled IN crimson
futtering pennons to her cheek.
THAT is-Oh, Rachie, I should be Sc
hsppy, if it only wasn't for that But some
times almost think I will run away!'
My darlingl Surely he has dissipatee
habits ? -. ....s
No; it isn't that-lt-'
7 She stopped suddenly, brushing away the
tears with quick, instructive motion, ane
began to busy herself with the little tea ket
tie that was singing its peaceful madrigal or
the fire.
Hush, Rachel, hear him comingp
Slowly and surely the heavy, composed
| foot steps assembled the stairs, one by one
with regular recurrence of sound that was
actually methodical.
"A fussy old bachelor Of fellow | know
it by his footstep,' commented Miss Benhan
to herself. Keeps his collars in one cor
ner Of his bureau drawer, and looks at bill
watch before he sncezes. Poor little impul'
siye FAM
And as Mrs. Conway introduced sol
emn, middle-aged man in green spectacle'
and snuff colored CATERS as my husband !,
Raoheps keen eye read MIR. Grove Conway
character at glance
Wants to be put down. was her menta
reflection. Fanny isn't half vigorous
enough for such an old Turk!
Happy to see you, Miss Benham, sale
Mr.. Conway, stifly, inclining his head
MY slippers, Fanny! >~
Slippers, dear In one moment l ior
get where put them.
'Forgetp The magistcrial brow darkene'
ominously. my first wife neuer forgot !
"A place for everything, and everything Il
its place. was my first wife's motto
| Faunv's cheek crimsoned, but she did no
reply save BY placing the slippers on tn
hearth.rug before her lord and master
Rachel knit vigorously away at the pink am
white wool, without word or sign.
MY. Preachwell called to see me at tn
store today, my dear resumed Mr. Con
way. as his wife began to arrange the te
eouipage. I am very sorry to learn tina
you are unwilling to undertake Ira. tfaes us
trict, and class in the Ragged School, !,
Indeed, Grove, | have not time, meekl
| - M. G,nuo froMnn d an