The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-07-11
JOHNS WIFE.

81 Miss Barbara Snyder sat in her straight
backed chair before the fire. her feet on the
fender, her head dropping her eyes closed
to tell the truth, although she would have
indignantly dcaied it, Miss Barbara Snyder
was asleep. Her maid, hard-featured mid
die aged woman, was moving about the room,
quitting it in order" as she did fifty times
day, at her mistress>s command and watch
ing her faF,iveay to see that she did not fall
lpto the FIRE.
"Jane,'' said Miss Barbara. suddenly
waking and sitting bolt upright with un-
blinking eyes, g if he comes-and am sure
he wil-do not let him come in.''
g No ma am" answered Jano submissivelY-
"Tell him he has seen me for the last
time-the hypocrite Ito pretend always to
be SO fond Of me, and then go and marry
some empfy-headed dotl-baby. be sure and
send himsaway, Jane"
= Yes, ma am" "a
A sudden commotion 10 the lower hall in
turrupted them; a few bars of popular air
whistled in mastery ifiaIner rapid clat-
ter Of boot heels on the stairs, and then
young gentleman, who might have sat as a
modern Hercules, rushing in and falling over
on an ottoman, upsetting chair and making
confusion worse COMPOUNDED" in the quiet
room, dashed at Miss Barbara and took her
by storm.
"Congratulate me?' he .cricd, after i'm
printing half dozen kisses on her withered
cheek. Aunt Barby, she IS the Dearest
" You may go, jane Miss Barbara had
recovered from the shock little, and as
Jane had retired she folded her mittened
hands tightly together aid turned upon him,
!" Nephew john"
There was comical expression Of dispair
GU the young fellows face at this unpropiti-
Gus beginning, but he said nothing.
NE phew joint am disappointed 10
you | en- not angry, but I am deeply
grieved-"
why Aunt Barby?" The blue eyes Of her
listener opened wide, but she silenced him
by gesture.
Please be quict--1wish to speak. I have
done my duty by you, john (therc was a
little tremble in her voice as she said this,
but she went on grimly,) "and now that you
were just coming to manhood (John was
twenty six, } and had begun to trust in you
a little. you desert me now for IA doll
baby"
"She is not a doll-baby'' said the young
husband indignantly. IF you only knew
her you would love her dearly II ~
"Nonsense the black eyes snapped de
cidedly. .sAll girls are fools pow-a-days--
but no matter, you have chosen between US
My will is made, and [ shall not change it,
but you will never be to me as you were be-
fore
There was real distress in John Barton's
heart as he rose and stood before her. !" If
you will only let me bring her to see you,"
he pleaded. II am sorry you are so dis
pleased Aunt Barby don't let this part us. !"
% You have chosen" The sphinx could
not have looked more unmoved g I ordered
them not to admit you-you need not come
again."
eff you will only hear me-
" But I won't-good afternoon And SO
John Barton left her, with her face turned
away from him and her still hands clasped
before her.
Miss Barbara Snyder was proud, Miss Bar
bara was wealthy, Miss Barbara Snyder was
fond of her own way, but she was still a
woman and in her heart of hearts she loved
John Barton, her handsome nephew, dearly.
His mother, her only sister, had died when
he was little child and his father dying
so5fi after; Miss Barbara had in fashion
adopted him. She had INDUCED him from
the first day of his entrance into her house,
she had watched over him and made him her
one object in life. He had been the one
CLEAN of sunshine in her lonely life. and to
his honor e it said, he had never been un-
worthy Of the love and confidence which she
gave to him. Aunt Barby' was to him the
only person ip the world, aud although peo-
pie n,aryeled at the affection of the bright
faced young fellow for his grim old aunt, it
was genuine and true. He had gone through
college in a thoroughly satisfactory manner,