Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-10-07
Aunt Hepsy's Warning.
RY HARLAN E. WARD.

Little happy, careless Annie Merle was fair
ly sobbfng. Her face was buried in her hands
and several skens Of worsted which she had
been winding and there she sat beside the
western window the very picture of incarnate
grief.
The land sakes, child What are you cry
ing fol? said her Aunt Hepsy, looking up at
last, and dropping her knitting wyk in con-
sternation.
'I-I-Howard and I-have broken Off
our engagement And the tears flowed fastOr
still.
'Of all the world Why, Annie Merle, what
could possess you? thought you were as
loving as two turtle doves 7
We were, Aunt Hepsy, but-but l prom
ised Charley Chandler would attend the par
ty with him and he-I mean Howard-said
that if did
And so you quarrelled and parted said
Aunt Hepsy, almost sternly. We'll, child, it
may be that you'll make it up again, not
sorrow all your life time as l have, because
I once was obstinate and wilful just as you
are."
a am not obstinate and willful," pouted
Annie. ats Howard who is obstinate be is
not willing l should have bit of pleasure un-
less he sees fit to honor me with his august
company"
"Wont he go with you to the party ?"
"No, he says on that particular evening he
has business out of town. | thought twas
real mean, and l told Charley Chandler l
would 60 with him. That made Howard angry,
and-and we parted then and there"
"Well, well, Annie, I'm sure | cannot tell
which is to blame" rejoined Aunt Hepsy, sage
ly, But will tell you one true story, and if
it has a moral you may make the application" "
Drying her eyes, though her lips quivered
still, Annie drew an ottoman close to Aunt
Hepsy's feet and prepared to listen.
"Iwas younger aud better looking once than
am nOw," Aunt Hopsy said, "and forty
years ago 1 had more s1itOrs, you will be-
lieve me, than can remember to name over.
Among the number there was only one | car
ed for and that was Henry Challoner. He
had been a sailor once-leutenant Of priva-
teer of 1s12-brave, gallant, dashing, yet
frank and openheartcd, and kind and tender
to me always"
"He was my lover. Others l might count
among my suitors, but him loved and when
he asked me if l would be bis wife, it was the
happiest hour ever knew. The current Of
our love ran smoothly many months, and we
were to be married in November.
October came, and Cousin Alice, you know
whom mean by Cousin Alice, Mrs. Ridge
way-decided, as her birthday came the 18th,
to give party then. / got an early invita-
ton, and so did Harry, who WAS favorite
with everybody, aud anticipated very pleas
ant time, and "lotted on it, as we used to
say, "a heap" was very giddy in those
early days, enjoying balls and parties with
zcst that shames NE now to think Of.
Well the day before the party Harry came
over from Salem-I lived near Salem then
and told me ne was sorry, but be couldn't at
tend the party with me. l was angry-sense-
lessly, unreasonably angry in q minute.
"It's too bad p l exclaimed Indignantly.
I've set my heart upon it, Harry, and now L
think I ought to CO."
alt is too bad, darling, he always called
me darling, you see-"I know it is too bad,
but it is unavoidable. / tried to SO arrange it
that l could 60; it is impossible. See what
I've brought you for amends"
"And taking pretty case from his pocket,
he displayed the most beautiful set Of jewelry
l ever saw-earrings, necklace brooch ard
bracelets, all complete. went half wild with
delight at the outset, but when saw his eyes
light up with pleasure at my rhapsody, some
demon moved me to turn and say to him:
"If | accept this present, Harry, they must