Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1873-02-06
Mr.. Clifton tore it quickly open,

"My old friend Hartwell Is dying and
begs that will hasten to him. cannot
deny him. So you will have to en-
terrain my friends to-mopYaw, and ex-
plain the reason of my Failing to see
them, the first time fo5Sf 30 many years
And y we'll, dear, YOU Can do as you
Choose about the blli Hf., fare. AS I
shall not be home, the folks will not
hold me responsible for what happens
in my absence"
n:0h, thank y YOU papa, for permission
| to do as l choose will willingly
take any unkind remarks, if any one
feels confident that all who have sons
will give me their kindest wishes for
withholding temptation from their boys
! And to the young men l shall try to
make myself SO agreeable, and have our
cook make the coffee SO very fine, that
they will go away quite as well pleased
and with their brains good deal
clearer than if had entertained them
with wine" 80.
| An hour after Mr.. Clifton Mas on his
way to the side of his dying friend.
Mabel sat down and wrote:
my Redr. .Fzorg Come help me
receive our friends tomorrow Papa
has been called away. I must lave you
with me, as I am particularly anxious
to have my reception success. Low
ingly, MABEL
edgar likes Flora, I can plainly see,
and think she lis not wholly in
different to nih,: Together / think we
Sah maaiiASe to hold him here tomorrow;
and thus save his mother great sor-
row, most likely" said Mabel
Mabel Clifton was one ofthe lovehest
girls in P. Friends wondered
| that her heart had not yielded to some
one of her many suitols. They did not
know che had ITO Heart to yield to any
| Of those WHO Sought it
The first season she appeared in the
select circle her fathers wealth and
position placed her, she met Ernest
Addison: He was noble looking man
talented, with good, true resolves. To
Mabel he had been very attentive, and
she grew to love him, feeling sure the
time was not far distant when he would
corne, to tell her of his love: Bit months
rolled by and he spoke not. Gradually
his visits grew less frequent until they
ceased. What it was that had come
between his love and hers she could
never think; but she felt perfectly sure
he did 1--we, hcf, and so hbpihg that
tlhis &onid sulvs the inyathfg and
btihs balm to her wounded spirit,
she watched and waited tor the com
ing.
New Years day eaitie beautiful and
bright. Mabel and tet friends Flory
never Looked lovelief Mabel had ex-
| plaiheH Her wishes and fully infused her
own spirits into her fair friend.
1t was impossible for an indifferent
person not to feel their powers Of
! fascination To Edgar Livingston, who
was one Of theft. first guests, they were
| quite irresistible. He fingered on,
Notwithstanding the many efforts Of a
young friend who accompanied him to
draw him away.
'tDo stay and help It's" said Mabel,
and when Flory's beautiful eyes tepeat-
ed the wish Edgar yielded.
Few, if any, went from Clifton house
dissatisfied. Everything that heart
could desire or mind could suggest in
the way ofdelicacies and luxuries of the
season, Mabel offered her guests: Bit
as her fatHef had said, many tongues
We're busy specializing, shout it, and in a
few hours it was widely known that
Miss Clifton was having a temperance
reception.
Eagerly Mabers eyes sought the door
on every new arrival Of gttests. She
had hoped for the coming of one. But
the hours passed, and when it grew late
in the day the hope faded and almost
died out. She had seated herself in an
arm chair, when the same greeting that
had fallen on her ears 80 many times
that day, Happy New Year; Miss Cit
ton" caused the bright light to return
to her eyes; the beautiful flush to her
face; ais She rose to receive Ernest
| Addison.
There was an expression in her eyes,
when he received from her the fragrant
cup Of hot coffee, that relieved the sus-
pense of years. Her heart was boerds
ing with new hope.
Edgar Livingstone had drawn Flory
to the window. They were looking
out on the passers by. A few moments
and Keeling along the sidewalk, shout
ing and singing drinking song, came
Edgar's companion of the morning.
Flory turned froth the sickening
sight. Edgar, followed saying:
'But fof you and Miss Clifton, |
might have been one of that party"
And going up to Mabel, he said
s.Miss Clifton, YOUR slumbef tonight
should be very peaceful: You have not
helped to tfottd either the brain or
heart of any Of yoHt friends to-day
Accept my warmest thanks for having
saved me from feeling both"
Edgar saw an expression in Ernest
eyes chat made him tlrink it would be
quite as agreeable tS all parties if he
would take Flory back to The recess Of
the window, to he piano, or anywhere
out of hearing, just then. 20
( A few moments after his FINE, voice
4 was blending with hefs III q we'll cho
sen duet ~
Then Ernest told Mabel of the love
which had beefl hers since first he krew
i her: e
81 cante ole hight to lay my heart
before yott You had many guests, and
offered thenl wine. You noticed ffot
that / placed my glass untouched Oh
/ the table. left early. dared no,
to WOO che heart ofone Who held sucf
fearful temptation befofe ME; why you