Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-01-05
SELECTED STORY
STEPHANIE'S STORY.
BY CLEPHANE RITCHIE.

"Good-bye, Stephanie."
"Good-bye, Rupert"
The door closed ; and with its jar, bright
chapter in Stephanie Longwood's life was
past, and gone by forever. And this YVES
the record.
Stephanie Longwood was poor and pretty,
and she had talents, in her quiet way, which
few were aware Of, or gave her credit for.
At a social gathering, she had been called
upon to deliver short, simple ode, or
poem, in honor Of the occasion. This was
done in her usual modest manner.
Apart from the rest Of the ,throng, two
gentlemen stood commenting, in a general
way, upon the company present, and in the
course Of their remarks. paying but slight
heed to the exercises transporting at a little
distance.
One of the two was a son Of the host !;
the other college friend visiting him in an
interval Of business.
Something in the clear, even tones of
Stephanie's voice caught his ear, as she
reared the close of her reading, and be lis
tened with marked attention until she closed
Then, turning to his friend, he asked:
''Phil, who is that young lady 2"
"a young Miss, living in the neighbor.
hood" was the answer. "Quite clever
little girl, assure you. She writes some
very good things"
''Ever published any ?"
ono, think not. Not aware Of her own
talent. should judge"
Indeed Pray introduce me to this rus
tic rhymer.''
II hardly know, Rupert. This is no
finished coquette to play you trick for trick,
in game of Irritation I know yop very
well, MY dear fellow. Stephanie is as open
as the day, and would understand none Of
your sentimentalities."
please, Phil, come I promise to be q
very pattern I'm growing older now, and
fast abandoning my youthful fal!ies SO
pray present me-"
And thus Stephanie made the acquaint
ance of Mr.. Rupert Harris and her cheeks
burned again, as she caught glance of un
disguised admiration, which, however, wa!
: quickly yelled by the courteous phrase an(
delicate attentions of this man Of the world
"Allow me to congratulate you on YOU
ode Of this evening, Miss Longwood. I
). was quite success.
o ''Was it /? I hardly knew. Mr.. Ferrer
;, was very anxious [ should do something
5 and I am glad to know if succeeded in m
e attempt, such as it was" innecently reptile
Stepbanie.
ssAre you in the habit Of writing much ?
was the next query.
'sBut little, and that for my own amus'
ment. feel my own Ignorance of literar
u matters to be so great, that I seldom allo
Is my productions to 60 beyond the limits
my desk"
"Ah! l fear you deceive yourself; yo
lie ehould not be SO modest, but allow some {
:, the fruits of your Imagination to see IL
VI light. Unless I am much mistaken, thin
they would win for you much praise Al
: you fond threading"
eyes, sir; but my resources are limlte'
Our village boasts no library, and l a
= forged to rely upon the generosity OF m
friends Mr.. Ferrers has been very XII
. to me in this respect, but there are sever
: Of the English poets, whose works l ma
not beeu able to obtain -.
- s.Indeed Pardon my presumption, MI
~ Longwood, but if you will allow me Il
: privilege, shall only be too happy to i 10
you the desired volumes. | will supply M
H. Ferrers with them, from whom you can
ast tain them. at ypHr leisure.
"Indeed, indeed, sir, you are very KIN
oe- I hardly know how to thank you"
at ..gayy no more about it, If you pleas
en- Miss Longwood. 1t is hardly worth
mentioning. Shall we walk about lit
: every one seems moving =
So, leaning on the arHol this sea Ifss.
Stephanie passed from sponsto room, VII
new feeling ip her n sl keen g
of the kindness Of lfs srieaas
! That night her InpoW'nsi