Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-11-03

| UOQt, III IOOhS dutCNAutIou anu piACii
musty, TIL do penance by staying at home,
said Bertha.
| DO just as you prefer but think you
father would give you new one II yo'
wished it, said her mother.
Lena purchased the new dress and hat
it made up without regard to expense, ant
it was exquisite when done, and extremel,,
becoming to the yeung lady, who had beef
congratulating herself on the success sh'
was determined to achieve.
Bertha's dress came from the mantuama
ker's hands as beautiful as it could be, ane
none would ever have suspected that it hae
already been thrice worn, unless she hae
been seen with it on. Tt harmoDized ADM
rably with her, blonde complexion, forming
a vivid contrast. to Lena's more brilliant
style of personal attractiveness, and bright
orange-colored robe
The day previous to the ball, Clara Ain,
sey called, sister Of Hugh Ainsey, who
was the fixed. central star, around which
! the feminine luminaries had ambitiously
beamed for the last two seasons, zach fond
ly hoping to be the finally favored one.
But, to the secret chagrin of each, he
still maintained the same quiet courtliness
of manner towards them all. He seemed
quite as Indifferent to their heart affairs as
he would have been to the pyramids Of
Egypt. This was the gentleman Lena was
bending all her energies to ensnare and bring
to her feet, before the present season closed.
| Clara was an intimate friend Of both the
girls, and she was invited up stairs to see
the dresses, which had just been sent home.
Their beauty she warmly expatiated on, but
Lena would not allow her to leave until she
had told her Of Bertha's wonderful fit of
economy, and laughiEgly said she should
certainly take her opera glasses with her to
the ball, that she might descry some inter
esting, poor young gentleman with whom
she knew her sister must have secret un-
Outstanding, and for whose benefit she was
carrying out this whim of prudence.
The combined entreaties Of all the trio
could not induce Mr.. Gregory to accompany
them to Mrs. Langdon's. He pleaded a
headache and fatigue. This was a cover to
the real reason. His business affairs were
daily becoming more entangled, by means
Of several heavy failures Of parties owing
him to great extent, and all could see be-
fore him was ruin and disgrace, but he
would keep his forebodings to himself until
after the tete was over, when, if he found
no means Of extricating himself, he would
made clean breast of the whole thing to
them.
Hugh Ainsley was quite attentive to Miss
T tbof x.nbt ho loo1oI plr,
in the gay thropg, and his attentions were
received with deep satisfaction to herself
Nor was the less interesting Bertha, who
had laid no seige to him, overlooked.
He inquired at once where her father
was, as he had not seen him there. To her
reply that he had resisted all entreaty to
come, from great fatigue, he uttered pro-
lorgad AN and fell into reverie
Hugh was thinking OF the vague report,
he had heard on Wall Street, that morning
that the Commercial House of Gregory &
Co., was fast lettering towards bankruptcy.
The next morning. at an early hour Hugh
called at Mr.. Gregory's counting hou'e and
offered him loans to any amount to help him
through the financial crisis that was upon
him. Mr.. Gregory had done the same deed,
years before, for Hughs father, and he,
(Hugh) kindly pressed the favor back upon
him, which was accepted with tears Of graf
itude in the eyes of the panic-stricken mer-
chant.
As Clara and Hugh sat at dinner, the
next day after the bali, discussing the cos
tunes brought out there, she related what
Lena had told her of Bertha's streak of
economy.
rs that so, Clara p he asked WAS she
as self-sacri6cing as that? But she looked
as sweet as rose bud in her dress, if it had
been worn three times. Then he told her,
in confidence, of the state of Mr. Gregory s
affairs, and the reason which had probably
deferred Bertha from the outlay for a new
dress. She is noble girl. Clara, and
I'm afraid we couldn't number many like her
amongst that gay assembly at Mrs. Lang
don's. Surely all is not gold that shines. "
A week after this. the footman at the
Gregory's brought card up to tue parlor
for Miss Bertha, and the gentleman is wal.
ting below in the drawing-room.'
Bertha glanced at the card, and saw
Hugh Ainsley, inscribed thereon.
Did you say this " as for me, John she
asked, thinking it must have been intended
for Lena.
Yes, ma'am He said Miss Bertha,
replied the servant.
Lena pouted at this; she had thought he
had made mistake, and an angry frown
| clouded her face as Bertha descended to the
drawing.room.
WAS it I you wished to see, Mr.. Aims.
| ley !? she asked, after saluting him.
1T was you yourself. Why permit me
to inquire
I thought it might be one Of Johns
blunders, and that sister Lena was the one
DESIRED said Bertha
NO, Miss Bertha, it was you, with whom
[ have special business he said, at the
same time watching the sudden enlargement
of her blue eyes when he said business.
For several years. Miss Bertha, I-have
been searching in the circle of my acquain.
tances for noble, true.hearted woman, ito
ask to become my wife. I have just been
fortunate enough to find her, and have now
come to ask her if she will bear my name,
and share with NE my earthly lot. Bertha
you are the chosen one, and my hearts best
pnrest affection | lay at your feet. Viii
you answer me yes?
Give me time to think, please, it is sc
sudden she stammered, covering her face
with her hands to conceal the bushes.
You shall have three whole months tt
consider, the subject; then shall demand
an unconditional answer said Hugh, draw
! ing the hands from her face, and pressing
/ them to his lips.
In three months Bertha decided to sa,
yes and their engagement was announced