Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-09-28

to share the heart that should belong entirely
to such devoted father as hers.
Fred's visit was drawing near its close. A
few days previous to his leaving he found Flory
: alone, and told her bis hearts story. But,
poor fellow, his hopes received very sudden
check Flory dismissed him-solemnly &C.
claring she should never marry.
So Fred went away very miserable; and
Flory's bright eye grew sad, and her merry
voice ceased its carrolng about the house
Her father grew very uneasy, and declared she
must be i'll. So, to relieve her fathers ankle
ty, Flory feigned happier mood But some
how her efforts we're Of little avail. Capt. Ar
dens jokes grew less frequent, and his merry,
ringing laugh was seldom heard Even Flory
winning little ways failed to satisfy or make
him happy. -4t.
Truly wonderful change had come over
the once happy little household. ua
"What is the matter with Flory" and
"What troubles papa2" were the thoughts
which agtated the minds Of father and daugh-
ter - p. ...l, a-.,. =, 80.
Ada Foster was tie only wise one OF the
three. She knew well enough what the trou-
be was with the captain, as we'll as Flory.-
For how could she mistake the devotion of
Capt. Arden s manner to herself? Many times,
when suddenly raising her eyes, she had seen
his gazing earnestly and admiringly on her,
Then quickly they would seek FlOry, and with
q sigh and deprecating look, he would leave
the room. g.
Yes, Ada understood all about tie trouble,
and resolved to put the minds of her friends
all right Their hearts were just as they should
be. She rejoiced in the discovery she had
made, for the weeks she spent in the society Of
the captain had revealed to her such true no.
biity of character that she had grown to think
Of him with feelings which no other man had
ever inspired Yes, Ada loved him. She did
not try to deceive herself about it. So, to save
four persons from misery, she resolved to bring
Flory to her senses first, and trust to chance
for the captain following in the same course.
One evening when they were out for drive,
an opportunity was presented for Ada to "open
Flory's eyes" as she said to herself.
They were nearing fine old mansion to
which Flory pointed and said; ....
"What grand old place that is How
should like TO own it" 3. ,I
81 think it a very gloomy looking place, aud
would like home Of more cheerful aspect"
replied Ada.
"Well, il has very gloomy look, But then
there arc strange folks living in it-only an
old bachelor and an old maid. They seldom
have visitors, and only live for each other
The servants speak of their being the saddest
couple ever seen," said Flory.
81 DO not wonder. I've heard the story of
those poor, mistaken folks, both having sacri-
feed their hearts best love for the sake Of each
other, blindy thinking they should find happi-
ness, or if not that, content in doing what they
called duty. This unnatural way Of living ne
yer brings either, only years of disappont-
ment and ceaseless regrets"
ooh, Ada Can it ever become so with pa
pa orI"
'Flory, must answer your inquiry by anO-
ther Are you happy now in the sacrifice you
are makiug?" :. b..
a may be by-and-by," answered flory, try
ing to repress the sigh which would come ne
vertheless. ..,.,p.
81 think not Flory; neither are you making
your father or poor Fred very happy"
Ada, tell me, what is the matter with pa
pa Docs he suspect my heart has wandered
little from him? Yes, it is this, | know,
which makes him so sad. Oh, how ungrateful !
have been Dear, good, noble papa"
No, Flory; it is not your love for Fred that
is troubling your father, am quite sure
Have you never thought that percLance be, as
well as you, may have taken some enc else to
share his love?" asked Ada, delicate blush
sufTpsing her face.
"Papas heart given TO another No, no
he would not break bis pledge to me"
"No more than you have with him. But
you see how it is, little one. VS. cannot regu-
late the impulses Of the heart. Love wandes
whittier it pIeases and think it is the con-
test against this that is causing all our trouble
just now"
"Our trouble, Ada3 Are you unhappy
too p asked Flory, looking inquiringly into
her friends eyes.
Only-becausc Of my dearest friends un-
happiness. -.
Flory had fixed her eyes very earnestly on
her friend. She continued to gaze for some
minutes, then light seemed to dawn upon her.
She caught Adas hand in hers, exclaiming-
"Oh, know now How blind I've been !
Oh, I'm so glad so very, very glad, Ada :
Hush, don't say another word We shall be
so happy now"
"Gtop you mad CAPT What do you know p
asked Ada.
"That I'm going to have James turn his
horses heads toward home. want to put my
arms around papa's neck, tell him my secret,
and win his"
"And betray anothers, Flory?"
No, no, I've grown very wise at last. You
darling Ada"
,.,., II m. r.t S.Jo, -. :,