Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-10-20
WOODSTOCK, VIRGINIA, THURSDAY, OCTOBER

from letter Of Fred's to his father we
can learn just how matters stood:
DEAR FATHER: I have not yet sue
eeeded in getting your claims through;
yet I am still hopeful of final success
But even if we should fail this session,
your money nor my time will not have
been lost I have been wonderfully sue
cessful in another way
Tomorrow I shall be married to one
of the wealthiest girls in the Southern
States. Tell Aettie she must prepare to
receive her new sister in style worthy
of her position, She had better get an
other servant-one to attend solely on my
wife, who Of course has always had
maid. Some weeks ago I wrote Nettie of
young lady that was very much pleas
ed with, but she is not the one I shall
marry. Both are prizes but have secu-
red the greater one. Her diamonds arc
fortune of themselves. [ shall be home
as soon as have an understanding with
my respected mothor-in-l aw-who, by the
by, have decided not to consult with on
this subject until have placed it out of
her power to reject my proposals. Lu-
ellie fears her mother would not consent
to so speedy union-thus the clandestine
marriage, Hoping to see you soon, re-
main dutifully and affectionately yours,
T. MANSFIELD.
Before this letter had reached its des-
tinaton its author had eloped with and
married the Southern beauty. When this
news reached Grace Charlton, she was
neither disappointed. nor at all surprised !;
for the very morning of the elopement,
from his own lips, Grace learned how un-
worthy he was of any true woman's love.
She stood in the recess of deeply cur
tanned window, when no one else was in
the parlor It was quite early. She
heard approaching footsteps, and in few
seconds more Fred Mansfield came in,
with a gentleman, ami taking from his
pocket-book a small papcr, handed it to
his companion, saying:
There, that is what wanted to show
you. You will stand by me, hope
that is be present at the ceremony?'
so far ono? Really, | did not think
this, Fred. Well. as you have see by
the paper, license to take the young la
dy, I suppose, of course, you obtained
her mammals permission first ?
Not bit Of it Il? answered Fred, and
proceeded to explain his plans.
'Ah. Fred, take care you do not re-
greet this hasty step when it is too Late
| don't believe you can love SO soon after
well. after having known aud spentssso
many hours with such girl as Miss
Charlton. But see she seems very well
consoled for your desertion, [ guess she
was only amusing herself with you
Young Berrain is lucky fellow. She is
truly prize
L know that. But--well, I will tell
you. I really did think very strongly Of
trying to win Miss Charlton; but this
Southern beauty caused me to change my
mind. She seems very fond Of me. And
you surely cannot blame man for doing
thee best he can in the world, and getting
the most be can for his heart, hand and
name
Grace could not see the look of contempt
which was on the face of Fred Mansfeld's
companion, as he turned and walked from
the room.
No feeling but disgust then filled her
heart for the man whom, only few
weeks before she had thought SO nearly
perfect.
Yes, they were married and Lucille,
apparently very uneasy concerning her
mothers reception Of her after her undu-
tiful conduct, pleaded with Fred that they
should 60 off to his heme for a while, un-
til her parent would have time to get
somewhat over the shook. She feared to
see her in her terrible anger, she said.
But Fred, was then determined to act
honestly and straightforward and have
the matter settled at once-a settlement
of go many thousands of dollars he meant,
and expected.
Lucille seemed dreadfully agitated and
anxious when Fred. was immovable in
! bis determ nation, and despite all her
pleadings. returned to the hotel, and
sought the presence Of his mother in-law.
Mrs. Leroy sat smiling and pleasant in
her private parlor when Fred. came in
with Lucille, who, in obedience to his
words.
GO, Lucille, and win forgiveness for
yourself and one whose every thought
and aim in life shall be to be worthy
of your love and you mothers conf
dence.
She sank at Mrs. Leroy's feet
Get up Lucille! None of this senti-
mental nonsense! Sis down, MFR. Mans
field = said that lady, in voice calm.
and with not the least possible sign Of the
much feared anger.
o. MADAM ! how can I thank you for
this unhoped- for kindness?'
There was comical little smile playing
about Mrs. Leroy's lips. and she said.
Indeed | must thank you. You have
relieved me of a very arduous task. Lu-
ellie has given me great deal of anxi-
ETY., she is so hayward; and indeed, since
the time she was first committed to my
care, I have mover known a moments
real peace. She has done very much
better than I dared hope. Of course,
Mr.. Mansfield, she has told you that she
is my not daughter
Madam = exclaimed Fred, mot your
daughter! What am to understand
by this?'
L thought most likely you had been
mistaken, Mr.. Mansfield, Lucille is the
orphan of distant cousin of my late hus
band, who took charge of her when she
was only about seven years old. She
has been with US ever since. My son