Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-08-09


mysterious ingredients, and coffee whose
aroma alone was boquet to the gentlemen
nostrils Presiding over all, the pleasant
face and neatly attired figure.
ELIZA declines to take second place,
Mr.. Wilson, she said but will remain
until you find another girl
In about week, Mr.. Wilson, senior, be-
gan to wonder how he had ever existed with
out his new housekeeper.
A young, CHEEKY girl was found to take
Eliza's place, and over the old farmhouse
settled ome-ike peace that was the best
medicine for the invalid.
Doctor Hodges proved true prophet
For many days after his nephew returned
to him, James Wilson was very ill., requir~
ing patient and tender nursing.
It was Annie who made his bare room
coy and pleasant with pretty curtains,
strip of carpet here and there, till he was
well enough to have whole one tackled on.
It was Annie who brought him tempting
little dishes, just enough to satisfy him, with
out exciting the disgust that ELIAS coarse
messes did.
Annie read to him, chatted with him, got
Herman to buy backgammon board, and
Taught the invalid to play.
Annie brought him little cheering PIECES
Of news-how the farm matters were i'm
proving, how Herman was blowing here
and sowing there Of the new barn arrange
ments that would make the cattle healthier,
and, as she said, gayly, ever so much hap
pier Never did fretful word fall from
the pretty mouth, never did frown cross
the broad white brow.
Uncle James wondered if Herman knew
how pretty Annie could look, when she sat
knitting or sewing and telling him pleasant
news in the afternoon, OR when she ran up
in the mornings, from household duties, to
bring him little luncheons or some strength
ening drink ordered by the Doctor
The great day came in three weeks, hen
Doctor Hodges said his patient might 60
down stairs again.
Annie, you are fairy Where did you
find time for this 2 be cried, as Herman
tenderly led him to a wide, chintz covered
arm chair.
Mr.. Wilson helped me- said Annie, de-
murely, glancing with pardonable pride
around the room she had found so bare aud
chilly looking.
Now, neat carpet covered the floor, and
snowy curtains were draped from the clean,
bfigh. windows. Every inch Of paint fairly
shone. All the shabby old furniture wore
new dress of gray ohintz. and the table
had a crimson cover that was in itself fur
nishing Of brightness. On the mantel were
vases ofquaint old china, long hidden in a
corner Of the garnet, now full Of spring flow
ers and by Uncle James's chair, little ia.
BILE bore the backgammon board, some new
magazines and papers, and cup of Annies
coffee
When Uncle James first learned the COM
forts Of dressing-gown, instead of woro-
out coat, for house wear, embroidered slip
pers for old shoes cut down, and other little
feminine contrivauces, quite new to his
bachelor experience, I cannot stop now to
relate in detail One by one the comforts
loving woman can bring crept into the old
farmhouse; and, to the amazement OF the
owner, the economy Of the household more
than balanced the added expenses.
ELIZA never had anything but the PLAZA
est of food, and she spent twice as much as
you do with our tempting table
ELIZA wasted, and save said Annie With
a smile She had not your interest at heart
L was nearly frightened when Herman asked
me to look over the months accounts. So
much comfort! Ny room SO neat and pref
ty, the new china, the kitchen utensils, and
SO many pretty things to pay for. And yet
the income showed a clear saving.
"A masters eye on the farm, said Annie
modestly.
And housekeeper indoors. said the old
man, afectionately.
4 was brought up to make an iuvalid's
home pleasant, said Annie, quietly, My
mother was never very strong, and depend.
ed upon me for such duties as 7 perform
now, even when [ was a school girl. [
have not had such care since she died, but
it seems quite natural to resume it again.
Your mother is dead, them?
i am an orphan. In the house I left
when | came here, I shall scarcely be miss
ed. My aunt, who took me when my moth
er died, has five daughters
Your auntH
'Yes I smell something burning! Let
me see if my pies are ruinod 2 and Aunie
escaped for the time from questions it was
becoming difficult to answer
The old man sat musing long time. It
was not the first time a vague mistrust of
Annie had crossed his mind-a wonder why
a woman so gentle and refined, so evidently
a lady, was serving in mental capacity
The first time she had sung for him, in one
Of his nervous hours Of pain, he had noticed
she was confused, when he spoke of the ev.
ident cultivation of her voice.
He had spent much of his time, while
Squire Hayward lived in the city, and ap.
preciated the difference between country
bred ways and the city refnements. As
he unused, he began to grow restless and
when Herman came in at tea.time, he found
his uncle flushed and excited.
In few words the cause of agitation was
communicated to the young man.
You think Annie is not what she seems.
uncle :? You are right She is here under
false pretences.'
Herman,
But, putting that aside, what fault have
you to find 2
Fault! [ could not find fault, if I
tried. She is the most lovable, capable,
domestic girl [ ever saw, as we'll as lady
in every word and action
Then, you would like her to stay here,
if I prove to you she is worthy of your con-
fdence and affection 2
Gladly
Even if I deceived you? I knew you
would love her, if you would only consent
to see her =
Fanny Miller!
TN;ll IL, l..