Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-01-28

Sk II AAAA $500
cepted. He knew they were poor, but never
until Lucy's revelation had he dreamed Of
the extent Of that poverty. The loneliness
Of Mary had made a deep impression on his
heart, and when he left them that night il
was with the resolve to shield her in future,
under his protecting love, from all life's
cares and hardships.
1t was, indeed, q fierce storm that Mary
was forced to encounter on her way to Mr..
Revere's splendid abode, and her progress
was necessarily slow. 3.
AS, CHILLED by the singing blast. and
blinded by the snow, she staggered up the
steps of the brilliantly lighted mansion and
rang the bell, a sleigh dashed to the door,
and when it was opened to admit the tremb-
ling girl, a gentleman alighted and ran
lightly up, passing in, ere twas closed, and
saying to the servant, Il will wait tor Miss
Ella in the d~rawing-room.
Mary started ; she knew the voice OF Dr..
Hunter, and not wishing to be recognized.
drew her hood closely around her face. .lYof,
5"Poor girl!!n thought the doctor 'fwhat
a night for a woman to be abroad? M
He little dreamed who be was plying.
Directed by the servant. Mary tapped
lightly at the door Of the opposite room. 1t
was opened by Ella Raymond in a towering
rage, her face distorted with passion: (
so you have come at. last she ex-
claimed angrily; "two hours behind time. l
did think, Mary Grey you were poor enough
to have the one virtue Of punctuality."
II am sorry I have disappointed you,
Miss Raymond. l have sat up three nights
until day-break to complete it in time !; but
my mother has been i'll, and needed my
care, which must be my excuse" .
DR.. Hunter, in the drawing-room, caught
the silvery accents, and-forgive him, read
er-listened. i.sF ~.
"What is your mothers sickness to me ?
You promised the dress at seven, and it is
now nine. Your excuse is a poor one."
believe me, I regret it, but it was i'm.
possible for me to be earlier. You will
oblige me, as I am in some haste, if you
will now pay me for it, and let me 60" y
"Pay you indeed? Not I. I'll punish
YOU for your hardness. I'll teach you how
to make promises and break them. Just as
many hours as you have kept me waiting
for my dress. 80 many days will 1 keep you
out Of your money"
"Oh, Miss Raymond, you will not, you
cannot be so cruel! My mother is ill, and
needs nourishment; my little sister is starv-
ing and I depend on this twenty, five dol
lars from you to supply their wants, l
must have the money" M .4.a
"Not from me-" said Ella, with a taunt-
ing laugh, as she shut the door in her face.
and turned into the room to admire the ex-
quisite garment.
Faint from want of food, and crushed by
her disappointment, Mary left the abode of
wealth, not knowing where to look for help
in her trouble. On the pavement, still
frightened with the rich tint from the Grim
son curtains, she slipped and fell insensible.
Strong arms raised her tenderly. and lifted
her into the fur-lined sleigh at the door, and
swiftly it sped homeward. Her fit Of insen-
sibility,~ produced by exhaustion and distress
was a long one, and when she awoke to con-
seriousness, warmth and light were around
her-while at the table, on which was spread
a comfortable meal, sat famished little Lu-
cy, eating to her hearts CONTENDER head
was pillowed On the breast Of DR.. Hunter,
and his arms embodied her. Blushingly she
sought to withdraw from his embrace, but
bending tenderly over her, be whispered:
mo darling ; lie close to my heart shell
tered by my love. No more poverty, no
more sorrow, if you will only give me the
right to shield you from it, dear one"
Trembling with happiness uuspeakable,
Mary hid her face against his shoulder
but gently turning it toward him, he looked
down into the depths of her wonderful eyes,
and reading there how fully his love was re-
turned, pressed o fervent kiss upon her lips,
and rising, led her to her mother, for her
consent to and blessing on their union.
The clock struck ten, and the doctor said
with fond glance at Mary:
II must leave you now, to keep my ap-
pointment with the heiress. She must dis.
play my darling's work at the ball tonight,
or die Of vexation."
The expectant fair one waited half al
hour for her tardy escort, but no look O
anger crossed her beautiful face, no discor
dant notes marred the harmony of the soft
sweet tones with which she chided DR.. Hun
ter for his want Of punctuality.
It was just one month since the night o
Mrs. Erlston's ball. In that time DR.. Hun
ter had bought and furnished an elegan
residence on Fifth Avenue. He was wear,
of single life, he told his friends, and wa
preparing a cage for The bird of his choice
Invitations were out for a grand house
warming, at which the world should know
the selected bride of ''the best match in tn
CITY,"
Every one fixed their eyes on the belle o
the season, and were confident that thu
charming heiress, to whom of late be hat
been paying marked attention, was the en-
wed one.
Gle will certainly propose tonight
Guardy," she said to Mr.. Revere, as sh'
stood before the glass arranging her grace
full ringlets. "You will not have me OF
your hands much longer"
disappointed once Ella" 'you may b
again. Still, you may wake me, if yo'
come home engaged to Dr.. Hunter"
The rooms were crowded, as Ella, super
bly, dressed, swept into the splendid hall sh
expected soon to call her own. Many Gu
rious eyes were upon her as she passed will
queenly grace to the reception-room, ant
reached the spot where the host stood, witt
a lady beside him, in bridal attire, %''lovel.,
as a poets dream"
She started, and turned pale, but recov