Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-07-30
NIISCELLANEOUs.
SCANDAL.
A Story for Suspicious Persons.

II
4 lady purchased home in beautiful vii
lagc about forty miles from a we'll known city.
She longed for the fresh air and quiet scenes,
and doubtless she Would have found all the
happiness which she sought in this rural re-
treat had not the place been haunted by that
terrible spectra-Scndai.
"ITave you seen the new arrival p asked
Mrs. Thomas Of her neighbor, Mrs. Lawrence
about week after the stranger took possession
Of Maple Cottage-as the little place she had
purchased was called.
4 curl of the lip and shrug of the shoulders
vas all the reply made by Mrs. Laurence, but
in the gestures Mrs. Thomas saw, or supposed
she saw sufficient reason for stunning the ac-
quaiutance Of the stranger
Mrs. Thomas was very jealous and saspici-
Gus and translated this sign language in her
own way. "I have 10 doubt she said to her
husband at night, chat she has had bad
reputation in the city. She had come here
dressed in deep mourning, but who knows
whether she ever had husband? And, il
she had, her wearing black is no sign he's
dead, in my opinion"
The next dag quite crowd had gathered in
the store Of Mr. Thomas, awaiting for the ar
rival Of the daily mail, which was due about
that hour. The stranger came in to make
some triing purchases, and was stared at by
the people, as strangers always are. After
she left the store, some remarks were made
concerning bet lady-like appearance. Mr.
Thomas Immediately reioincd. " Yes, she APP
pears enough like a lady, but ny wife thinks
her reputation none the best"
Customers coihing in, nothing more was
said at that time, but the fire Of scandal was
kindlod-the story spread rapidly, each one
telling it his own way, until there was not a
family in the place but heard and believed
the rumor.
Weeks passed en- and The inmate Of Maple
Cottage felt that for some reason she was look
ed upon with much suspicion and dislike.
There was no hospitality, nothing said or
done for which she could demand an explana-
ton
Every day seemed to incfease the avoidance
of her neighbors; and she, seeing this cea.ed
making overtures towards IN acquaintance
with them, sending to the city for her house
hold supplies, and never came in contact with
any Of them save at church and even here she
found whole scat at her disposal.
At last the storm which had so long dark
ened the village horizon seemed about burst
over her head. There were low threats Of
driving her from the place, and the mob spirit
seemed to be gathering strength.
About this time, some three months after
the stranger came to Maple Cottage, very
handsome carriage, drawn by span Of noble
greys stopped in front Of her dwelling, and a
fine looking man apparently about FIFTY years
Of age, with his wife and two children, were
seen to alight and enter the house All the
day aud through the evening, there was heard
the sound Of many voices, mingled with the
ripping laughter Of joyous hearts.
The next dag WIS Sunday, but this time the
widow did not sit alone Strange looks and
low murmured words ran through the congre-
CATION. and the minister seemed to share the
surprise fhis audience, and lookeaand preach
ed as though under painful embarrasment-
He recognized in the stranger minister whose
reputation was world wide-no other than the
rich and distinguished President of-Col-
lege. from which be was graduate.
Professor C. remembered his former pupil,
but it must be confessed he was both surprised
and disappointed. He had given the young
man credit for individual talent but his SER
mon was a mere repetition Of poor platitude
and trucking to public opinion, which show
Ell a weak and little mind.
After service the Presideu. stopped mo-
ment until the preacher came forward and
when the greetings were over he said kindly