Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-07-20

angel, SO perfect was she in motion, form and
face, and the scanty words Of praise she gave
were repeated again in my dreams, 50 little
had my heart to feed on.
was passing through the hall one day by
the door Of her drossing-room. She stood
within arrayod in the loveliest new suit, all
ready for a ride with one whose name had
ard-whispcrcd through The house as talented,
wealthy and every way desirable to cultivate.
His voice, deep and sch. had come up through
the rooms, minglng with hers ia song, night
after night, and the sounds rested me as lis
tened on the stairs Nor would look in her
face when lis name was mentioned by my
Aunt Maria felt SO shy Of her. l thought
she must love him Edith heard my steps as
passed, and said, Kitty, where arc you so
ing? Out for q walk, child2 Well, just hunt
up my gloves for me first, Why, Kitty, when
did you get yours2 and where did you find
that color2"
Il bought them, cousin. with my own mo-
ney, that father gave ne"
"Weu, child, don't blush 50 didn't think
you stole them, but they are lovely match
for my suit just lend them to Inc to-day,
please"
Ihesi;ated. Was it selfish did so love
to sec my hand look we'll My fathor had
called it beautiful, had been proud to sec it in
q well-fttins glove, and this was the only lux
ury dared allow myself now; now that ]
was only able to pay for my board by the la
Dor Of head aud hands
"TLese arc al have to wear cousin.
"Woll Kitty, take an old pair Of mine;
just as well, you know, for a run with the
children; these lisle-tLroad will do nicely
and yours are q lovely color for me to ride in.
When am married, dear, you shall have oil
the gloves you want Don; be 80 slow. Mr..
Raymond hates to wait"
I took them OF lingerinsy, tho modest,
pretty gloves, my fathers favOrite color, and
wondering how she could speak Lis mama so
careIessly, drew tho loose, hali.worn cotton
ones on as ! went down staira, whilo Edith
hummed on opera cir before the mirror. ]
never had thought was selfish don't know
Why my eyes filled with tears. uRless 1t was
the thought that no one cared now 70 Gee mo
neatly clad
In The lower hall saw gentleman sEnnd-
ing, hat in hand, waiting for my cousin. There
was queer expression in his eyes aud round
his mouth. lie must have heard us. thought
he saw my tears and would judge Inc weak
aud childish but be only bowed end opened
the door for me- was not accustomed TO re-
ceive attention from any in the house, and it
embarrassed me; but thanked him, and be-
fore had walked far they came out and drove
away. walked slowly along, the children
running by my side, aad tried to keep the
tears from starting; but FOR once l could not
control them. bit my lips, looked every
where, tried to smile at the little ones pretty
pranks, but all in vain that dreadful feeling
in my throat would not be choked back so /
pulled down my brown veil and lot tie trou-
besome tears have their way.
don't thiuk ever before got so humiiia-
ting a view Of NY own sclfshnyss. Could all
this unhappnoss have come from single pair
Of kid gloves What would The dear father
say if it were true, as some thought, chat he
could note my comings and goings, my s9ir-
itual deterioration, and all my petty weak
nessos II was comfort to feel that he would
know was ashsmed already so, as the clock
warned me that my tine was up-and Aunt
Maria was very systematic in all her house
hold arrangemeLts-I turned toward home.
had my dinner always with tho children,
and supper also We took breakfast with the
family, but Edith was seldom up then. After
dinner they recited to me until four, aud then
amused them in ibe play-room until supper,
unless the sewing pressed, as it often did
How longed sometimes to get down into the
lofty drawing-room aud plays little on Ed.lh's
grand piano Ny fingers tiugled to try some
Of the pieces father used to love so much; but
never dared That afternoon. as sat on the
upper stair by the play-room door, watching
the children and listening to Edith as she Prac-
ticcd something guew, heard tic door-bell, and
some one call ny name Looking over The
banisters, tic nursery girl said &" 4 package
for you Miss Kitty"
What could it mean never bad a pack
age before. few down, and found it really
and plainly marked to me, " Ms. Kitty Gray"
Just then NY Aunt Maria looked from her
room and asked, What is il? Who could
send you anything Come in here, child, aud
open it"
How would have liked 70 be alone Jut
there was no help for it, aud with trembling
fingers pulled of tie wrappings and found
whole box Of glOyes-tLe sweetest colors, aud
Just my SIZE laughed out loud, was so
happy, and before though; Of Aunt Maria, l
said Oh, some one knows shat Ike best
cousin Edith must have done Il"
Nonsense Edy would not DO 50 foolish
thing. think very likely they are misdirect-
ed. It's EdltL's number, believe"
BY poor heart it fell away below zero. I
answered "Yes, I believe it is Bat, 0uut
Maria, perhaps thero is no rnislako-Pcrhsps
they are mine"
~, a, al Tikol-. and if.bev ,vo-a eart n