Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-09-10

to speak IN such familiar manner to one VIII
has never known single privation? But ther
| was nothing In Constance s look or answer tina
evinced either surprise or anger-for being her
self superior to those who think that wealth
| all that is needed to make one happy, she coul
appreciate refinement and polished manners il
persons whose surroundings were OF an hum
bier nature than her own. So she bade hin
| come and sit with them when he felt lonely
feeling that the companionship of one so strong
IN right principles would be pleasure to then
| as well as to him. But here comes Eva-she
ls.never tired of flowers. Her hat, swung on
offerings around the crown. Her own sunny
curls are entwined with scarlet and white bios
SONS; but, remembering her sisters sable at
tire, she has brought pure white rose-buds and
lily of the valley, and tenderly kissing the broad
forehead, she places the flowers In the shining
tresses which are brushed smoothly back and
wound in heavy coils around her head
''What is the matter, Eva? Why are your
hands SO hot, and why do you pant for breath,
have you been taking unusual exercise, do you
feel i'll, my darling?' enquired Constance /; for
she felt alarmed-fearful that the angel of
Death was about to claim another dear one as
her side, and it was all in vain that Eva tried
to cheer her by saying, "she would be better in
the morning." All, yesl she was better in the
morning-for the gentle Eva, claspiDg that
dear sister hand, and pressing her fevered
lips to hers in loving kiss, had rested her head
on the lap where she had often nestled in by
gone days and quietly passed away to be united
to her dear ones but just gone. Happy Eva
so soon free from all pain,
ERE Sin could blight, or Sorrow fade
Death came with friendly care''-
and conveyed the pure spirit of Eva Morton to
Heaven to bloom through endless eternity
turned to stone. ''If I could only see her
Weep" says their old nurse, and she tries with
tender persuasion to get her to taste mouth
ful of nourishment, or to prevail on her to go
and lie down-"for | am SO afraid you'll get
sick, too" But nothing can induce her to
leave the couch-she knows that the fever that
has been lurking in Evas veins will not allow
of her remaining with her longer than the nee
essary arrangements can be made for the fu-
neral; and she is determined to stay by her
side until she is borne from the house to the
cemetery. And now she is in the cofin-lOv-
ing hands have arranged the silken curs, ad-
justed the dainty white robe, placed the waxen
hands filled with choice and beautiful flowers
for Eva loved flowers, and it was meet that the
fairy form should be surrounded by the objects
Constance had been LETT alone-alone with her
dead. She sat motionless, almost as rigid as
her dear one and did not hear the approach
ing footsteps Of Mr.. Clifton as he came to the
spot where all that was earthly of Eva lay
"How beautiful" he whispered and then,
overcome by his emotions, he put his handker
chief to his eyes, and his manly form was
bowed with sorrow. This aroused Constance.
w hat u thought she, ''shall a stranger eyes
be suffused with tears because my sweet little
sister is gone, and my own remain dry? 2"
Mr.. Clifton, perceiving her situation, pointed
to the beautiful clay, and, knowing that she
would feel relieved if she could weep, he slow
ly repeated the words: "The Lord gave and
name of the Lord" 1t had the desired effect :
the tears gushed forth and her slight frame
was shaken as she uttered the sad words-''All
alone, all alone.
mot alone, dear Constance" said Edward
Clifton, for by your side stands one who will
ever be near you, if you will only consent, to
comfort and protect you. To-day, learned of
your altered circumstances, and although l
could not think of addressing you while you
were an heiress, / feel that now [ may entreat
you to favor my suit for loved you when |
first met with you, day before yesterday. Let
the world judge as it will, if you will be my
vile L care not WDaC IL says.
And Constance did consent to be his afianced
wife-and when she leaned on his arm beside
the open grave Of Eva, she knew that she was
mot alone"
Grief must now sucoumb to business-for
Constance no longer feels that that palatial
residence is her home No she must give her
place to strangers-so she has rented small
cottage, and with her good old Nurse to accom-
pany her, she will furnish it plainly: and go
forth to take her stand among those who
teach for a livelihood for she has no income to
fall back on. But, surely, there never were
such generous creditors before! All of her
chamber furniture has been sent to the cottage,
and a very handsome assortment for sitting
room and dining hall. Even the kitchen is re-
membered: so she finds that she has none Of
the worry and care on her mind about getting
things together. She is rather amazed about
it but Nurse is delighted: especially when
Harp, Piano and Guitar are placed IL appro-
pirate positions.
s'What can it mean ?" said she. II certain
ly understood Mr.. Harwood (the lawyer to say
everything would have to be sold." But Nurse
tells her not to bother herself, that it is justly
hers, &c., &c.
A year has glided by. Constance has been
busy with her class Of music sch GLARS, whose
improvement under her gentle care and instruc-
tion has been SO marked, that she has received
various tokens of their esteem and love. She
seems happy in her cottage home is never
lonely, for her scholars love to visit her. One
comes with beautiful bouquet; another with
little basket of delicious strawberries, each
seeming to vie with the other in little acts Of
kindness. The twilight-hour brings Mr.. Cliff
ton. After the duties of his school are over
for the day, and he has taken his after
noon walk, he enjoys the tranquil repose of the
Cottage porch. But her pupils are beginning
to suspect that he enjoys the company of Miss
Constance, too; and very often they bring the
roseate tinge to her cheeks, when they joyfully
allude to his attentions. One afternoon when
thy were about to take leave of her, she de-
tanned them moment, saying:
Dear girls, | shall be glad to meet you, one
and all, at our church tomorrow morning at
half past ten clock.
That was all she said: it was enough; they
understood her, and as they walked down the
shady lane, one Of them remarked that the an
nouncement was in perfect keeping with the
quiet manner OF dear Miss Constance. But if
she was quiet, they were not; their busy
tongues spread the news, till the whole village
Miss Morton were to be married the next morn
cry one felt free to attend the ceremony; and
the church was pretty well filed when the car
riages rolled up to the door.
Very lovely looked the bride, as leaning on
the arm of her dear old Pastor, she walked up
the aisle to the altar; and very noble looked the
groom as he led the Pastors wife to her pew.
An appropriate seat had been reserved for
Nurse, and smile Of appreciation was on her
bonast face &C she leaned forward ca ao ,ot -