Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-08-18
SELECTED STORY
49, ---N---+~ee-
FIRST LOVE-"
BY A. s. WATSON

BY A. s. WATSON -.f
The bell OF the locomotive rang loud an
fercely, the conductor screamed the custom
airy "all aboard p' in the nasal twang pecr
liar to that class, the steam monster expan
ded its powerful lungs, and with an cas-
motion we were soon gliding over the rol
rails, while the little country town We ha,
just left was vanishing rapidly from view
After having disposed of my person to tn
best and most comfortable satisfaction,
took, as is most generally the case, look a
the various personages seated in the car
aid who we're destined, for time, at least
to be my fellow travellers. 9
There is probably no place SO well adapt
ed to disclose a persons peculiarities and
private traits as a railroad car. 1t is ther,
We forget all our lessons in etiquette, and
give ourselves entirely up to selishness. We
all have decided liking to whole seat il
car, and it is generally with reluctance
that we consent to division Of it.
I fortunately had whole seat to myself
and was congratulating myself upon my
good fortune, and had just given myself W
to reverie, when I was startled by Sigh
tap upon my arm, and the words,
els the whole Of this seat taken, sir %
I saw at glance that my fair questione,
was young lady Of singularly beautiful ap
pearance Of course willingly, and witt
show of gallantry. gave her a seat.
Il am sorry to put you to any inconveni
ence." she said, in sort of apologize way
"but your seat was the only one in tn,
whole train that had not two or more in it ,
I told her it was no inconvenience. bu
rather pleasure, and that was happy te
have the honor Of her company.
Of course. after this, we could not remain
silent, but engaged in conversation EN-
braring all the general topics If the day
including literature, politics, the drama, ed
ucation and religion. I was astonished
the profoundness and depth of her intellect
unlike the fashionable butterfly. she did no
dwell upon the garbage of small talk, bu
culled beautiful rhetorical flower here
another there, till she had treated me to .
rich, fragrant conversational bouquet, suct
as never before had.
There was one peculiarly about her
which l noticed as soon as she entered my
seat. There was perceptible shade Of sad
ness thrown over her whole person, som'
inward sorrow that was gnawing at he
heart, but which left scarcely any trace up
on her countenanee. As time "writes NJ
wrinkles on the azure brow of the ocean,
though many sad wreck is buried in it
bosom, so it passes over many polished ex
teriors without betraying the soul struggle
which lie concealed beneath.
made little witty remark at the ex
pense Of loving couple near US, who wer'
evidently from the rural districts, and wer,
enjoying their first ride from home, at which
she smiled sweet, sad smile, but which
seemed like the last fash Of dying embers
or monument underneath which was con
cealed the grim skeleton Of bright hope
long since buried. I became interested il
her, and resolved TO fathom the cause of be-
hidden sorrow.
The shrill shrek of the locomotive told u
that at last we were at the end Of our dest
nation. assisted her, amid the Turmoil
aud hustle Of anxious, hurrying people
from the cars. age8 naitsi:.l)
"Mr. Wellington" said she, in that mu
steal, persuasive tone of hers. Il am thou
sand times obliged to you for your protec
ton to-day, and I would be pleased to hav
you call at my uncle's house at your very
earliest convenience"
"Miss Markham" replied 1, ''thsre i
is nothing would afford me SO much pleas
ure as the privilege of calling at your I'm
cle's."
She bowed, and bidding me good evening
was soon lost in the crowd. fift'
was in. fever of excitement. TIL
calm, white, beautiful face of the strange
maiden had played havoc with my heart
and here, upon tbs first evening Of our az
quaintance, / had to own to myself that
: was deeply attached to her. %ll
On the afternoon Of the day following
; called upon her, and If she in the cars az
t peared beautiful, she was truly angel
: then. I left, after somewhat longer Ga
than i strictly conventional, feeling that m
future happiness was destroyed unless
could gain Miss Markham's love.
My visits became more and more fr'
quent, and although she never by word Q
action gayo me any encouragement, save OF
ly what sister would to brother, still
5 was foolish enough to imagine that my lov
? was returned. I could not rest !; day an
e night did think Of her. With her VIZ
happy, away from her, miserable. My so'
was op fire; 7 resolved to know my doom
Fortune favored me ); 7 called TO SEQ he
She YVES alone her friends had all gone
visit Q relative, and were to be absent Il
whole day. I'LL.
"Miss Markham" Isaid, soon as we WEI
). seated in her parlor, II have remained mue
longer in this place than at first inte
ded: you probably know whyI have dor
so; and l have come to day to learn fro
4 your lipg whether | am to remain longer,
leaye forever.p r5 = - -, ]s.z ..'
She slowly raised her eyes to mine, and
= saw great tears, looking like SO many di
st monds, slowly coursing down her face 81
/ at her first glance saw how much che VI
It beloved. J|4a ZIA& As
i 'sNo, no, Mr.. Wellington,'' she erie
a PUTTING her hands to her cars as I began
say "Dear Mary" ''you must not call .
:, SO! It is wrong for you to do it, wroI
ID Gov Won m n r. wronn for mn IN listen ~