South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1874-02-06

OIu enough 10 take the french class IN
large seminary, and GERTIE to have sing
ing scholars at home, but oven with these
additions their income was very limited
Cl1se economy, sef.denial, humble fare
and quiet dress g ERTIE could recall much
more distinctly than the wealth her father
had squandered.
Where did HARRY CLARKE come upon
the scene GERTIE scarcely knew. lie
was n stepson of her mothers brother. and
had come to the city TO make his fortune.
Far away in the central part of Pennsylva.
MIA nestled a small farm where HARRY was
born, where father aud mother had died
and which was the boys cole patrimony.
! The rent of his domain scarcely sufficied 10
clothe the young clerk but he had been
winning his way in the house of |. 4 Co.
aud now, if be could make three thousand
dollars, might be partner. The farm
might bring part Of that sum, where was
the rest to come from querid GEpTfr
Yet over IIARRYs memory picture the lit.
tic maiden fingered lovingly. There was
no part OF her lite so pleasant to dwell up.
on as that where he figured. Long walks
and talks, duets over the Cd piano, chats
by moonlight, freight and gaslight. lie
was SO tender aud loving, so honorable and
true, SO respectful to her mother, so tender
to JANE, and so ready to advise or assist
JAMES betrothed, fellow-clerk, who was
waiting the turn in fortunes wheel that
would enable him to marry. Was not such
love as be offered worthy of any sacrifice
LEON PAYNE came to the scene onlv six
months before this musng 6t upon GERT1E.
She had met him at a party aud had te-
wi'ched him b. her pretty, piquant beauty.
her grace and voice; he had da zzled her bv
his handsome face-HARRY was not hand
some. poor fellow, GERTIE siehed-nnd
wealth. But the young girl knew, with u
woman s intuition, that under the cnurtlv
manners, fitteriug attentions, and devoted
air, there was hard, selfish nature, a cruel
jealousy, and suspicious and hot temper.
\ ct be was so rich, and GERTIE knew all
the torture and misery of genfeel poverty.
'Be true to my own heart, she said a
loud as she arose and walked across tho
room. do love LEON PAYNE? If he
should lose his wealth would be true
and loving wife to him still? Could | wear
old bonnets for bis sake?
/ She took up ahssiis ruonds and pu, Them
on while she spoke. They flashed brilliant
ly against the deep crimson of her neat
~ sss I'D heightened the effect Of her young
! fresh beauty. Va '---ss,-aa.---,.a-..
III he were poor and i'll, cond work for
him-as COULD for HARRY =
1T burst from her lips 10 n sort of cry,
and she tore OFT the jewels and replaced them
on their velvet bed. q could bear all this
Tor HARRY, but not for LEON PAYNE.
will be true to my own hea,t.'
The winter was gliding into spring,
when MIS-. JAMESON sat 10 luxurious
house on -- Street, waiting the coming
of two brides. The paris Or in which she
waited was richly furnish ed. Velvet car
pets covered the floor, velvet curtains dTap-
ed the windows, long mirrors threw back the
light of large chandeliers costly pictures.
ia heavy gilt frames, hung upon the walls
Above, large bedrooms were filed with
handsomely appointed furniture. In one
room, lacos, gclvets, flo Fers and silks, &
Tor royal trosseau, flied drawers and
wardrobe; the dining roo N was spread for
rich aud varied repast, and the widows
own dress, though only b ack silk, was rich
and handsomely made.
My little GERTIE,' said Mrs. JAMESON.
softly, how will she reign over this pal
acc =
a qnieter home, but pleasant, too, was
waiting for JANE, whose husband had re-
ceivod an anonymous gift that enabled him
to accept business opening long looked
upon as az unattaiuahle felicity But JANE
was to spend a few days with GEHTIE be-
fore going to her own home, and The moth
or looked for two brides, as / said before.
1t vas nearly midnight when the carri-
age drove up. GERTtE was The first TO her
mothers arms, and then, ss JANE took Der
place, the bride stood in the centre Of the
long parlors, pale with establishment. She
had tossed of her bonnet, and the soft gray
travelling dress Of the mistress Of the house
seemed oddly out Of place.
'Whcro am 2 she gaspsd al last
at home, my darling, and her husband
passed his arm around her waist.
Hone
lis no' such very long story, be said
looking down into her woudrous eyes. but
did not tell you before, because wanted
to sec if you loved me-
She nestled close to him, letting Der head
fall upon bis bosom.
Inc iarmi GERTIE, no said, softly, was
full Of OIL
oil -
Il sold it for more money than LION
PAYNE ever possessed. Now, pet, run Up
stairs mother will show you the room,
aud lei me sec Low semc Of the foery there
suits Won