Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-09-16


make her debut in society, so you had better
have your eyes wide OPEN"
That evening the gentleman called, as re-
quested, upon Miss Merrill and invited her to
ride the following day. At breakfast next
morning, her father said to her, "Eva, am
quite willing that you should encourage Mr..
Curtis attentions, he is very promising man. "
sand has plenty Of money" she added,
dryly parents are always willing to encour-
age the attentions Of young men that have a
fortune, or the expectation of one. Money
redeems a multitude of sins. They may
drink, cheat or steal, il they are only rich.-
But if man is relying upon his own exettions
to make his way in the world, no matter how
good and honorable he may be, he is treated
like vagrant, or felon. hate such injustice. v
"Don't grow ill-natured, Eva, it would soon
spoil your beauty"
81 had rather be ill-natured than mcrcena-
ry," she retOrted.
81 suppose you think your father terrible
old bear, because he won't let you play at love
in cottage-scrubbing floors, washing dishes,
cooking salt pork, &C."
81 think you are very CRUEL, she said, and
bursting into tears, rose from her seat and left
the room. Her mothers eyes followed her full
of tenderness and sympathy, but Mr.. Merrill
only laughed, saying
+" She will be In love with Curtis in week,
you see if she isn't"
40, no." said the mother, Eva is very
constant IN her loves and friendships, she will
not change, know"
"Mr. Curtis is not in love with Eva, nor she
with him." exclaimed Maude, beautiful girl
of seventeen years.
Indeed, miss, and what do you know about
it?"
The young girl blushed rosy red, and then
laughing little answered.
al can see, papa, as well as other people
" You had better attend to your books, and
not trouble yourself about your sisters affairs.
I" l shall soon be through with my tiresome
old books, and have some affairs Of my own,
she retorted ssucily.
"I beg, Maude, that you will wait until Eva
is settled before you begin your Hirtations. /
shall certainly grow crazy if have two to
look after.
am going to parties this winter, papa,
and Of course shall look my prettiest, and
tben-and then"
1t is time to go to school, SO no more nom
sense, but come and kiss me goOd-by;" and
the young lady did as requested.
That afternoon Mr. Curtis called with d
dashing little turnout, and took Eva off in
triumph, the young girl looking bright and
happy enough to warrant her fathers prcdic-
tions; but at Meridens lane another young
gentleman took his place by her side and in
dulged in certain demonstrations that his pre-
decessor had not dreamed Of. They passed
one delightful hour together, the horses being
allowed to take their own pace, meanwhile,
and upon returning to The place appointed,
Henry sprang out and young Curtis again
sprang in and drove the lady home.
This programme was repeated week after
week, Eva Of course losing neither health or
spirits under such regime. At length, one
day when Harry Beldon was with her. who
should they see coming but Mr.. Merrill him
self.
"What shall we dol What shall VIC do 2"
asked the frightened girl.
Havnt you d thick veil, datling?"
"Yes, yes" and Immediately the article in
question was drawn closely over her face, and
shivering with apprehension they met the Sc
we're parent, who gave them both searching
glance as he passed by.
40, Harry, do you think he knew me ?"
Not unless he recognized your dress"
Then I'm safe enough, for papa never
knows whether am clothed in purple, green
or yellow. Fortunately had this veil, shall
regard it in The future as my kindest friend
Wasn't it funny "" and she went of into fit
Of Joyous laughter, so contagious that her COM
panion soon joined in her merriment.
That evening Mr.. Merrill turned to his
daughter, saying, EVA, ] do not think you
need wear the willow any longer for Mr.. Bel
don, he seems to be consoling himself"
"What do you mean, father ?" she inquired
very demurely, but almost choked with re-
pressed laughter.
81 met him riding with a lady to-day, SO
closely yelled that could not see her face-but
they seemed to be enjoying themselves very
much"
al do not suppose Mr. Beldon will bc silly
enough to make hermit of himself, and re-
pounce the society Of all other ladies, because
he has been dismissed from the house Of the
girl he loves. hope that he will find conso-
lation somewhere"
al think, Eva, that you had better find con-
ISOLATION in the society Of the gentleman you
were with to-day"
"The gentleman was riding with, pspas"
"Yes, dear"
"Why, wouldn't you object to my marrying
him p
al should be most happy to see you his
wife"