Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-12-20
SELECTED STORY
MAYNARD WIGHT'S CHRISTMAS
SOCKS.
BY s. ANNIE FROST

story Is aDOuL maynard w lgQt
"What story, Eta %
"Mrs. Raymond was here yesterday, con
graduating herself upon the fact that she
had never encouraged bis attentions to Nora
because he had failed in business. and she
limited at some dishonorable transactions
'Bah ! Woman's gossip. my dear. May
nard has been unfortunate in business, it is
true but there is no circumstance connect.
ed with the failure that can in any way be
twisted into dishonorable transactions. II
has been trying year for business men !,
my dear, and Wight, Maynard's father.
made some unfortunate Investments.
wish Maynard could take advantage of an
offer he has in Baltimore
what is that 2"
Chill & Hill want him for junior part.
ner in their business, to control branch
house in that city. He is splendid bust
ness man, and will 40 doubt soon recover
his mercantile position. but the want of cap
ital will stand in his way now. lie would
require five thousand dollars to accept their
terms. The matter was under considera-
ton when his fathers failure made it i'm
| practicable"
Give thousand dollars It seems hard
he should miss good opportunity for SO
small a sum"
eyes. Maynard is a splendid fellow,
honorable in all his transactions, a moral
man, and gentleman. as understand the
word. If [ could spare it I would willingly
lend him the sum, for he will certainly soon
be able to repay it. But l could not take
SO much out Of my business just now. By
the way, what makes you feel so interested
in Maynard? Has he stolen my little girl
heart Z"
Etta's face grew rosy, but she lifted her
soft blue eyes frankly to her uncles face.
Il think, Uncle Ralph, that Maynard
loves me, but he will not propose to me now.
He said words to me, not long ago, that
puzzled aud panied me, but I understand
them to-day. I am rich, and he has Just
failed in business. 1 cannot tell him his
suit would be as successful now as before,
because it would be assuming more than he
has ever Spoken
"Humph I understand. You are a
brave little girl to tell me SO much, but your
secret is safe with me. You will forget
him."
perhaps. I am not going to wear the
willow, but | am going to send him Eve
thousand dollars"
Chow can you, without committing your.
self?'
Il will manage that, if you will draw the
money for me, and keep my secret"
II will do both. I shall be glad to see
Maynard started once more in business and
you will not be ruined. Eta, if you never
see the money again."
"Oh when he is millionaire will send
in my bill"
II will get the money for you. Good
by Bless my heart, it is after nine O'Clock !"
and the old gentleman hustled into his over
coat, and went briskly down stairs
Eta had spoken very gayly when she
proposed to send in her bill to the future
millionaire, but her soft blue eyes filled with
tears when che was alone. She was only
nineteen, bright, pretty blonde, and ia.
vorite amongst her circle Of friends She
had dreamed her dreams, as young girls
will, and she had given Maynard Wight
prominent place in them. Excepting hav-
ing asked her in so many words to be his
wife, the young merchant bad given her
every reason to believe he loved and sought
her. He was frank, open man, one Of
those who, while polite to all, would offer no
special attentions to one, unless with the
hope Of winning heart, and giving all his
own in return Eta knew he loved her,
but she knew also that his sensitive pride
would keep him silent now He would new
err offer to the heiress the hand that had
failed to grasp fortune. She sighed little,
and few tears rolled down her cheeks, but
she was sensible little maiden, and she
resolved that she would not pine and fret
over the trouble she could 10 measure rem.
edy for Maynard, even if her own love dream
was Swallowed forever. So she rang the
bell to have the breakfast dishes removed,
and went to dress for walk.
tThose young ones of Marion's will want
their Christmas Tree if everybody ia the
world falls" she said, stufing her porte
monaie with bank notes, land there is only
one more day to do miles Of shopping"
Nobody would ever have accused Eta Of
being love-sick maiden if they could have
seen her that day going from store to store.
sending home enormous parcels Of toys and
confectionery, and stufing her shopping
satchel with little articles Of jewelry and tri-
Aes too small to warrant the attentions of an
errand boy on that busy day She made
one odd purchase, that she put away in her
pocket ard did not mention to her sister,