Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-04-14

''for the misery | have caused you,
should have known that our paths in life
could never be one. But good night, [ will
not detain YOU
She did not shrink from him as he bent
down to kiss her forehead, with his last
words. He stepped aside to allow her free
passage t, the house, but she did not move.
'You are thinking of your father" he
said. ''Do not be distressed on his &C
count. Remember me in your prayers to-
night, and sleep sweetly. 1t is all [ ask. "
He did not wait to hear her fervent "God
bless you p or witness her burst Of joyful
tears, but quickly left her
The morning sunshine streamed boldly in
to the apartment of old Mr.. Warren, where
he lay in the heavy sleep of physical and
mental exhaustion. The forenoon was far
advanced when a servant reused him, in
forming him that Colonel Leighton waited
in the library Making hasty toilet, the
old man left his chamber and went to join
his friend The gentlemen met cordially,
and Colonel Leighton Immediately requested
that May might be sent for. They waited
but few minutes before the door swung
noiselessly open, and, wearing white
morning robe, the young girl entered AT
motion from her father she sat down upon
low seat at his feet, and then glanced up
with con6ding smile at Colonel Leighton,
who stood leaning against the mantelpiecc,
with an expression of face half-sad, half-ad-
miring
owe are waiting for your answer, May"
said Mr.. Warren, quietly.
IL will leave the matter entirely in Colo
mel Lsighton's hands," she replied.
The old man glanced perplexedly from
her to his friend. Colonel Leighton stepped
forward
"My old friend, James Warren" he said,
81 met your daughter last night, and talked
with her. I discovered with what feelings
she regarded marriage with me. and can
not allow the sacrifice she would make for
your sake. [ will never marry hers she is
free. And now have to ask your pardon
for the unmanly way in which have taken
advantage Of your embarrassment, and have
come SO near to destroying the happiness If
your child. Every power of mine shall be
exerted to its utmost to relieve you, and all
the reward [ ask is, the knowledge that you
and May do not despise me. Nay, nay, no
thanks I deserve rather to be scorned for
the part have acted But have one fa-
vor to ask, old friend. Will you allow me
to choose husband for your daughter p
"You have my full and free permission,
replied Mr.. Warren, smiling through his
tears. "But I hops you will be more sue
cessful in your choice than I have BEEN"
'Never fear" said the Colonel, with
glance at May. Flinging open the door
that led to another apartment he remark
ed CHOW, my boy :" and Mark Winches-
ter sprang into the room.
''Bshold your future son in-law," said
Col. Leighton and ere the old man could
comprehend the scene, the couple knelt for
his blessing. At motion from his friend
he gave it willingly /; and never was there
happier party.
Though the interposition of bis friend
Mr.. Warren was saved from ruin, and his
daughter made happy. When May that
morning asked for solution to the problem
of Colonel Leightou's knowledge of Mark,
he replied, Il did not wait half an hour in
the garden to no purpose, little one.' And
she understood that he had overheard her
conversation with her lover. Through his
influence Marks talents as an artist became
known to the world, and few years after
ward he became popular painter and
wealthy man and out of gratitude to his
benefactor he christened his frst-born son
Edwin Leighton Winchester.