Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-12-22

SeleGt Start.
Sophy's Discovery.
BY r. D..

Lawyer Brooks house was situated near
y at the end of Main street, in the little
town of c.. 1t was not large house.
but it looked pretty from the outside and
the inside was perfect in all its appoint
ments.
1t stood back from the st est, and a
well kept garden extended to the sidewalk
from which 1t was separated by an iron
railing.
At the gate, looking anxiou2ly up and
down the street, evidently awaiting the
arrival Of some enc. was Laura Brooke.
Laura vas pretty, fair haired girl, a.
bout Is years ofage She had deep blue
eyes, so loving an;l trustfal; and thare was
winning softuess about hcr that was
quite irresistible. No wonder her father
ad0red her. and thanked the Almighty
that when lie took bis wife from him, He
had been pleased to spare to him his
daughter
Not come yet" murmured Laura,
looking at her Hatch-a pretty little thing
with eualaeled back, set diamonds, the gift
of her fond father. Eight o'clock and
he promised to come early ana take me
for walk"
Lawyer Brooke was sitting at the open
window enjoying his evening cigar; be no.
ticed bis daughters absnt and anxious
look.
Laura, dear, it is getting late; I thiuk
you had better come in now. Edward
will not be here to night"
"Oh but father, he promised to come
this evening. lam sure he will not break
his promise to mel"
AS if in confirmation Of her words, at
this moment the sounds of a horses hoofs
were plainly heard, and in few minu ties
Edward Graham had dismounted and was
BY her side.
did you think I was never coming,
dearest? l am so sorry to disappoint you
of your walk, but really could not help it.
=" L was sure you would come, Edward, !"
she answered, looking into his faceIwith
loving smile; &c but what has detained you?
Nothing serious, I hope"
Nothing very serious, Farmer Thorn
ton, you know, broke his arm few days
ago and he sent for nae this afternoon,
saying he wished 10 see me particularly .
His wife aud child are at the seaside. He
made light Of his accident to her, as he
knew very well if she were aware of the
truth, she would hurry back to him, and
be seems reluctant to spoil her holiday.
He wanted my opinion as to whether he
might not venture to join her next week.
Poor fellow. he looked so lonesome [ quite
pitied him, and told him he might This
seemed to laake him quite happy. But
come, darling" continued Sir. Graham,
Offering his hand to the fair girl by his
side, " I want to have quite long chat
with you. Why, | haven't seen you since
yesterday morning."
And the lovers entered the house.
Edward Graham had come to C-about
eight months before Gu: story opens, and
commenced to practice as doctor.
He was young man about % years Of
age, good looking, and very gentlemanly
He soon became quite a favorite at c.,
and had already secured quite nice prac-
lICC, bOb OAlJ III ttlC eOHH, Rut dHlOlS VIC
neighboring farmers.
Soon after his arrival he was introduced
to Mr.. Brooke and his daughter, whom be
soon learned to love. His love was return
ed, and they were now engaged.
He was quite favorite, as [ said be-
fore, although it was sad disappoint-
meat to many of the young ladies at c..
when they heard that the young doctor S
engaged; and they envied what they were
pleased to term Laura Brooke's good luck
There was one in particular who had
set her cap at him, as the saying is, from
the first. This was no other than Mis-:
Sophy Brown, the daughter Of old Mr.
Brown, with whom the doctor boarded
Sophy was gettig on to 80. Sic would
have been very indignant if any one had
limited such thing but it was fact, nev
ertheless.
She was rather good looking, and re,
port said that old Mr.. Brown had saved
money: but somehow the young men il
those parts would not be caught, and So
ply had almost arrived at the alarming
age OF 80, if not altogether, without eve
having had a beau, certainly without
chance Of ever getting married.
She had fancied to herself, somehow
that she had made All impression on tn
heart Of the young doctor. You can cas-
| lily ina CINE the state of her feelings whel