The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-02-03
uSAppRECIATED.


never started 10 pay a visit with
keener anticipation OF pleasure, than
when / accepted the invitation Of my
former pupil. May Gordon, to pass q
few Of the summer weeks at Morton
nil.
MAY had been my music scholar in
the days when she was May Reeves, be-
fore John Gordon camo 90 wooing."
Without being a beauty, May was ono
Of the prottiest. most winsomo lassies
it was ever my good fortune TO meet.
The great charm 10 all consisted in q
bright yiyacity that never degenerated
into "fastn ways. but was the life Of
home and social gatherings. Strangers
called hera sunbeam, or by some equally
expressive term Of compliment, and she
was universally beloved, Her clear,
musical laugh yas tho very soul OF
;oyousness.
When John Gordon catfle from Morton
Hill with letters Of introduction for
many Of tbeleadinem mon in Willoughby,
the Village matrons willingly consented
10 extend all lthe honors and hospitalities
OF tho place. Itwas known that he had
come to sell the old saw.mill and q large
tract OF land adjoining TO the new rail
way company. and the business portion
Of fho Community said Tint alone would
mako him n rich man. Stories had
reached us, too. OF tho beauty. OF Nor
ton Hill Iis home In mn adjoining
State. Hewas a man Of about thirty.
five. exceptionally prepossessing in per.
sonal appearance, with manner tho
ycry perfection of graceful courtesy.
Most especially was he deferential to all
women. and when May Reeves won his
love oil Willoughby agreed she had
I must confess I Joined, in the good
opinion Of Willourhby, for the BRIDE
groom oleot had given 10 me, the little
old maid teacher, the same courteous
attentions as he had extended to the
Youngest and wealthiest OF my pupils,
always excepting sweet May Reeves,
who captured Ills heart from their first
meeting. II was therefore with great
pleasure ] prepared to visit Morton Hill,
over which MAY had presided for four
wears when she sent for me.
Tho young girl had been q pupil who
gave me especial love, from the fact that
iier dead mother and myself had been
school.mates and close friends from
childhood. One OF tho last hours Mary
Reeves spent on earth was passed in
tearfully besceching me to leve her
child. and Mr.. Reeves had allowed May
always TO be my pet pupil and dearly
beloved young friend. Still there had
been circumstances that prevented mo
from visiting her in her new home until,
as / have said, she had been married
four years.
The carriage from Morton Hill was
waiting for me ut the railway station,
and A pleasant drive soon brought mo
10 the laree handsome residence Of my
former pnpil. Asthe coacliman opened
the door, q little figure in rich silk
ran down tho broad stone steps, and
was in my arms in n moment, half
laughing, half sobbing, caressing me
and kissing mo, with loving words Of
welcome.
Leading me 10 o large, beautifully
hppuluteu IuVhli 4hhl 80
10 get my first real look into her face.
When I had seen 1t last, it had been
round and blooming. with tho fresh
young beauty Of eighteen, the eyes
oyerdowing always with Joyous pleasure
in living, the sweet, mouth ever hatl
parted In smiles, and the long fair hair
falling in shower Of golden ringlets
upon tho shoulders. AS l looked now,
I could have believed tho young wife
had aged ten years instead OF four.
Something was due TO the matronly
dress Of thick silk, and the arrange
ment OF tho hair in q fashionable CHG.
non, smooth and glossy, with no cur,
but still showing the rippling waves OF
old. But the face was thin and pale
tho eyes full OF mournftl sadness, the
mouth grave, My sunbeam was cer-
tainly In shadow, Whatever the cause.
while i was dressing. the patter Of
i;ttIs iaet across the hall, and a sweet
trshls % calling GAIainma,a prepared me
s9r tbs entrance Of the sturdy, little
z ,rsb;n t G n two and a half wears, The heir
Of Morton Hall, or, as May proudly in