Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-10-02

Of light before her eyes the copy VI VERSES
Law open on the little workable, and Ger
tie sat musing Pictures of the past came
into her memory.
It was ten years ago, but she could still
remember the day when her father was
called to the shadow land. The luxurious
country homestead where she and Jane,
her eldest sister, were born, was sold and
they had come to the city Her mother,
| one of the finest amateur pianlsts OF her
! time, had begun to teach music, and they
had lived upon her earnings until Jane was
| old enough to take the French class in a
large seminary, and Gertie to have singing
scholars at home; but even with these adj
ditions their income was very limited
Cssse economy elf-denial, humble fare'
| and plain dress, Gertie could recall much
more distinctly than the wealth her father
had squandered.
| When did Harry Clarke come upon the
scene? Gertie scarcely knew. He was a
step-son Of her mothers brother. and had
come to the city to make his fortune. Far
| way in the centre of PENNSYLVANIA nestled
| a small farm, where father and mother had
died, and which was the boys sole patri-
nony. The rent Of his domain scarcely
sufficed to clothe the young clerk, but he
had been winning his way in the mouse OF
|. q Co., and now, if he could make three
thousand dollars, he might be partner.
The farm might bring part OF that sum,
but where WAS the rest to come from, quer-
ried Gertie. X ct over Hary's memory and
picture the little maiden ling cred low
ingly. There was no part Of her life so
pleasant to dwell upon. as that where he
figured. Long walks and talks, duets over
the old piano, chats by moonlight, freight
and gas-light. He was so tender and low
ing, SO honorable and true, SO respectful to
her mother, 50 tender to Jane, and SO ready
to advise OF assist James betrothed-a fel
low-cIerk who was waiting the turn III for
tunes wheel that would enable him to
marry. Was not such love as he offered
worthy of any sacrifice.
Leon Payne came to the scene only SIX
months before this musing lit OF Gertles.
She had met him at a party and had be-
witched him by her piquant beauty, her
grace and voice. He had daZzled her by
his handsome face and wealth. Harry was
not handsome, DOOR fellow Gertie sighed.
But the young girl knew, with Woman's
intuition, that under the courtly manners,
hattering attentions, and devoted air OF
Leon there was a selfish nature, cruel
jealousy, and q suspicious and hot temper.
Ret he was so rich, and Gertie knew all
the tort ure and misery Of genteel poverty.
'tBe true to your own heart p she said
aloud as she arose and walked across the
ROOM ''Do / love Leon Payne - Ii he
should lose his wealth, would be = true
and loving wife to him still Could l wear
old bonnet5 for his sake ?''
She took up the diamonds and put them
on while she spoke. They flashed brilliant
ly against the deep crimson OF her neat
dress, and heightened the effect OF her
young fresh beauty.
eff he were poor and i'll could work for
him as I could for Harry 20
Tt burst from her lips i'll sort Of cry,
and she tore off the jewels and replaced
them in their velvet bed.
II could bear all this for Harry, but not
for Leon Payne. / will be true to my own
hearth
The winter was sliding into spring when
Mrs Jameson sat in q luxurious house on
Maple street, waiting the coming OF two
brides. The parlor in which she waited
was richly furnished. Velvet carpets COW
cred the floor, velvet curtains draped the
windows, long mirrors threw back the
light of chandeliers, and costly pictures in
heavy gilt frames hung upon the walls
Above, large bedrooms We're filled with
handsomely appointed furniture. In one
room, laces, velvet, flowers and silks, fit for
a royal trosseau, filled drawers and ward
robe; the dining room was spread for d
rich and varied repast, and the widows
own dress, though only black silk, was
rich and handsomely made.
'My little Geltie,'' said Mrs. Jameson,
softly. elbow will she ever reign over this
palace ?"
A quieter home, but pleasant, too, was
waiting Jane, whose husband had received
an ANONYMOUS gift that enabled him to ac-
cept q business opening looked upon as an
unattainabe felicity. But Jane was to
spend a few days with Gertie before going
to her own home, and hence the mother
looked for two brides.
It was nearly midnight when the carriage
drove up Gertie was the first to her mo-
thers arms; and then, as Jane took her
'Tses---. rrsu little bride stoodin the centre of
the long parlors, pale with establishment.
She had tossed off her bonnet and looked
eagerly around the room.
| 'sWhere am [ 2" she gasped at last.
cat home, my dazzling, and her husband
49assed his arm around her waist.
E s.Home -
'''It is notsuch a very long story, y he said
Hooking down into her wondrous eyes,
I''but I did not tell you before, because I
wanted to see if you loved me.''
She nestled closer to him, letting her
head fall upon his bosom.
''The farm, Gertie," he said softly, was
full of oil.''
'sOnn'
II sold it for more money than Leon
Payne ever possessed. Now, Pet, run up
stairs mother will show you the room,
and let me see how some Of the fnery suits
YOU
s'But it is nearly midnight"
9Never mind. want queen to preside
over this supper"
Mrs. Jameson led the way, while Jane
and her husband stood as bewildered as
Gertie had been. Suddenly the bridegroom
started forward to graSp HarrY7s hand