Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-07-24
OUT OF HER TOLLS
BY JEAN WENDELL.

BY JEAN WENDELL.
On a warm afternoon in July, in one OF
the chambers of a large rambling house,
which had been darkened and shaded to
exclude the blazing rays of cloudless sun
and to induce GOODNESS, which painting
cattle in the wide eXpanse of green mead
ows, seen through the half closed blinds :
vainly sought under the delusiVe shade OF
a few scattered trees-two ladies were
carelessly reclining on a low bed of spot
less Whiteness. Their loose negliges Of
bright fantastic designs contrasted curl
ously with the simplicity of the beds
white draperies, and threw into strong re
lief the bare ivory-like throats and arms
of the wearers, who laughing and chatting
without restraint, yet enjoyed all that re-
poseful idleness 50 fascinating to fhe sex.
A couple of books lying near them showed
that with the pride of ssWoman's 1ntelli-
gence'' they had sought something more
substantial and interesting than their own
conversation. The attempt, however, had
ended in a most unmstakable failure, and
chatter and confusion Of tongues had suc7
ceeded to the "March of Intellect" Par
parenthesis, women's minds may be said
Mo resemble bhe syllabub OF a SKIPPER avs,
attractive, enticing, and ornamental
little sweet, Gerry light, and entirely lack
ing in the solid and more substantial ele-
meDts. AS we are to descant upon man
ners, not minds, we will return to our sub
ject, and something more congenial to our
fair readers, to whom the appearance is all,
the reality nothing, viz the persOneile Oh
the ladies left so unceremoniously in our
depression. They were both young, and
pre-elninently handsome, bright blondes,
with blue eyes and fair hair, and white,
regular teeth. The expression Of the two
, countenances differed essentially; that Of
the elder was, in repose, serious and mel
ancholy, as of one who had thought and
felt much. The other was noble, sweet
and cheerful, with that rare mixture of
dignity and innocence you sometimes see
in the See of a child; and lightened as it
now was, by affection, mirth and jest, was
singularly engaging and winning. The
mouth, with it's firm, red lips, bright and
Joyous smile, was more than usually beau
tiful and attractive. The subject of con-
versation was that usually INDUCED in
amongst the feminine gender in their mo-
ments Of mutual confidence; viz: Love
and Marriage. The essentials requisite in
that fascinating lin perspective) article.
husband, being most diffusely expatiated
upon by one, and considerably listened to
by the other; who having been married
was only reticent and cautious in her
remarks, as regarded her experience of the
Holy Estate.
"Well," said Lillian, after having eX.
hausted her eloquence, and a pause of some
minutes, succeeded, ''When do you expect
your cousin I have quite curiosity tc
see him, after the pleasing description youl
mother has given me of him. Have you
never seen him 20
y replied Alice. 81 never have,
but feel sure he will satisfy all of our ex
pectations; you know he was Captain il
the late war, and served with great gal
lantry and distinction, sealing his patriot
ism with the loss of his arm"
YES" Lillian slowly and thoughtfull1
replied, II know he did, poor fellow! IL
be MANNED in the morning Of his manhood
and for Lost Cause How could an.
woman's heart do otherwise, than glow witt
pride, sympathy and pain too, at SO noble
q sacrifice to principles" and the swee
eyes filled with tears, in the warmth OF he
womanly pity and admiration.
"Weep no more fair lady," said Alice, IL
hooking tone, though her own heart wa
full; 'sfor / am sure if the soldier boy
were to see those pearly drops, he woul'
surrender at once and make no terms
You asked when he was coming; don
know when, but / rather think from III
letters, he will be here in few days"
While she was speaking, Mrs. Bernard
Alice's mother, entered and said hurriedly
"Get up, Alice, and come into the paflol
Philip Westbridge has come; have you
room ready for him %
''Y es, mother, it is all ready, and WI
be down in few minutes" Making
hurried toilet, she went into the rarler an
found her mother in animated consults
ton with q tall, handsome man, - q
prime of life, bronZed and moustached Z
soldier should be. His regular, actGae
line face showing his gentle birth. anfAt
pressing the dignity and pride OF his H.
ture, was made yet more expressive py u
mingled fire and brightness OF has da2
ewes. As Alice entered, her mother tl1lgA
ann presented him, as her cousin. Cas-
Westbridge. She greeted him cordlaliy.e'
pressing her pleasure at his coming an
the remainder Of the evening pafse
pleasantly in conversation and .enalNfis