Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-10-30
streets TO the fresh, green meadows of the

had tried again ana again w hiio 0iip'J
ment as he came along, but still the same
helplessness of Ignorance was his pane ''ho
barrier. He was sick, very SICK, and khe"
not where he might lay his weary mead
At last he fell. and knew no more.
After the long blank and darkness ne
had dreamy sense OF pleasant snaueo
room; of open, vine covered windows, Mice
with fresh pare flowers; Of kind, hearty
rugged face that came and looked at hlih'
and then spoke cheerily to anothef killu
and motherly face that lowered over nm
oftener. and smoothed his pillows, and
brushed back his clustering hair, matteo
with his restless fever tossings; OF announcer
face-an angel he dreamed it Was-youhsei
and so fresh and sweet that the very
sight of it seemed to put him far on his
road to health again.
This face did not come as often as the
others. It would steal softly in for mo-
(ment with the other faces; and even then,
if he happened to be awake, it would dart
out again in frightened manner, and as
the davs passed on and he grew better, it
did not come at all; and then he grew I'M
patient to get we'll and find where it had
gone.
At last the pleasant morning came that
he was we'll enough to walk out and sit on
the pleasant porch; and then, unasked by
them. for they were too kind to lntrude
upon his secrets, he told them all his story,
and they listened and gave him their
warmest sympathy; and one face-the
timid, flesh, young one-Was bathed IN
| tears behind the leafy screen, where 1t had
crept unseen.
He found his haven ab last. Farmer
Royston-the good, worthy soul ttiat he
was-offered him refuge and place where
he could earn his own living; and ne went
TO work. His whole heart bent upon
learning, and he progressed rapidly with
tn duties of the farm. He made just as
rapid hea lway into the affections OF the
family. OF the family in truth; but OF the
shy heart in particular, he could not feel
as sure. That very shyness that added
such a charm to her sweet young beauty,
interposel an almost insurmou ntable Dar-
rier to her confidence. He could pot tell
how she regarded him; she WIS shy and
reserved, scarcely ever speaking to him,
and never remained alone with him for
one nom Mt.
The months rolled on, and he had been
there year. In that year of independ-
ence and healthy labor he had grown
strong and rugged and handsomer than
ever. He had improved in mind, also, for
though his accomplishments were thrown
aside, he had gained a state of practical
knowledge that was invaluable to him;
and more, he was desperately in love. The
v1ung shy face had conquered him COM
pletely.
| One pleasant summer evening he strolled
down by the river, and unexpectedly came
upon Hattie Royston sitting silently beside
the old tree that grew upon the waters
edge. She started to her feet and would
have run away, but he gently detained her
with his arm.
ssWhy do you always avoid me- IIattie?"
/ h. asked, trying to look into her averted
face.
She made no reply, and only turned far
UlleE away IIolll MN.
''Do you then dislike me SO much, Hat
tie?" he asked reproachfully.
The look she flashed upon him was di-
rect denial of the charge, and yet she
would not speak.
II love you so dearly and so tenderly
that my whole life must be sad one IT you
do not love me in return. You do not
wish my life to be that, do you, Hattle?"
The answer came so slow and faint that
he had to bend his face close down to hear
the soft little whisper.
mo, not thatl0
He bent so low that his face almost
touched hers, and then he saw it was rosy
red, while now and then a tear sparkled
upon it like diamond. He thought she
was panied and in distress. II am so
sorry, Hattie. I did not mean to give you
pain"
She stopped him with a little finger
pressed upon his lips; and now she looked
up, grown bolder in her joy.
s'Can you not see that I am only happy?
that AIN crying for that very happiness?''
and she smiled lovingly through her tears.
"You love me then, darling?" he asked,
as he drew her closer to him, and bent
down to look within her eyes.
''Y es, yes! l have loved you so much,
ever since--"
HEyer since when?" he asked, as she
paused in sweet confusion, and her old
shyness returned,
Ever since the day you fell out there in
the road and we brought you in"
They said no more just then. What
need? Silence is full of words to lovers,
and they were more than content with
this.
'sWil& I let you have her? OF course
will! and glad of the chance to give her to
so good a husband" said Farmer Royston,
when Sidney asked him for his prize; and
the good wife spoke likewise.
And so the days rolled rapidly along to-
ward the one appointed for the wedding
And on that very morning letter came
from the absent uncle. 1t was as follows
stDEAR SIDNEY: The speculations that
we thought had ruined you have turned
out splendidly | have in my possession
over one hundred and seventy-ive thou
sand dollars, all yours. Come and take
posses sion at once"
Then followed his uncle's address and
signature.
Not until they were married did he show
the letter to his bride She rejoiced at his
GOOD fortune-for his sake-and said: \ GU
were poor, Sidney, when [ married you; SO
you see loved you for yourself alone"
His rich friends would have come back
to him, but they found no welcome. He
had tried them, and they were found
: wanting.