Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-11-28

was encouraged % JON OHN cluo' anu S'.''"
himself accompanied him to such places Gi a
musement As he desired TO visit. Yet, sudden
~ lifted from poverty to riches, from butter
se!l-denill 70 an indulgence Of every wish, from
the necessity Of bread winning 10 the supply
Of luxuries, Cyrus Ford was not spoiled.
With his heart full Of gratitude, he looked
upon all his opportunities for improvement as
a preparation for making his own way tn ths
world He was studying law, anl he stuffed
with the thought that bis daily bread would
soon depend upon his legal knowledge. Inc
idea of ever inheritng any portion OF the wealth
that was smoothing his path IN college, never
presented itself to his mind, and his most con-
slant thought of future prosperity, resting upon
his own excrtions, was the hope OF one day
proving his gratitude by repayns The money
spent 80 freely for him, though he coul never
by lifetime Of devotion return the father!y
love and Kindness lagished upon him.
He had heard of Laura Clayton from one OF
those dear friends who try 10 poison all hap
piness By antcipations of misery.
You had better keep on the right side OF
your uncle by never contradictins him. tins
friend had told him; be was awtully tond OF
his daughter, but he never forgaye her for
marrying against his will.
81 thought his children were all dead, was
the reply ,
"Not at all. Mrs Cameron lives in little
room in Pearl street, aud runs a sewing ma
chine for living. She has one daughter, but
all the rest of her children are dead Hard
lines, aint il, sewing for living when her
father is rolling in wealth"
In Pearl street,
Yes. She makes my shirts, so keep her
address. She is at No. - Pearl"
Tie conversation left deep impression up
on Cyrus Ford. Once, in the generous impulse
of youth, he had approached the subject with
his adopted uncle. but be was SO stcrnly ST.
lenced that he never dared speak again the
name of the dsobcdient daughter. In Octo-
Der. when bis twenty-frst birthday came, 81
mon Clayton led the young man one morning
to his library
Cyrus" he said. "ycu are man to-day
and you have a right to know what are my
intentions regarding you. In the course Of
the next year you will be admitted TO the oar,
and shall make yon the agent of my proper
ty. Together we will 60 over all my invest
mepts. and YOU will be able to relieve me OF
some burden Of care, as well 20 learn where
your own property will one day lie For to
day make my will, and you will be my sole
heir Not word Your mother gave you
to me! Be my loving son, Cyrus, 1t Is all !
ask of you"
Your daughter -
"Nota word of her She died to me fou'-
teen years ago"
The tone was 50 stern. Cyrus could only
bow his head in silence, and register vow
in his heart that his life service should never
waver toward his benefactor.
II seems sudden adoption when told in
the limits of my story, but, in truth, 1t was
no caprice that influenced Simon Clayton IN
his resolve. During four years of constant
intercourse. be studied Cyrus Ford with the
closest scrutiny of a stern nature, soured 10y
many disappOintments, and kecnly alive 10
every defect in human nature.
He found in his closest study OF the young
proieyec, 50 unexpectedly placed IN his care
mo- deceit, no time serving, no servllity. An
honorable ambition, respectful gratitude
that WAS never lavoring nor cringing, an up
right integrity, and a close attention TO the
studies that we're no chid's task for country
bred brains. all wakcncd the respect oi the
Gld man. His love was more easily Won.
Mnuies son, looking into his face with MIN
nie's great tender eyes, moved his heart 10
affection before the first hour Of intercourse
was over: aud, once given, the affection never
wayered. growing stronger with every days
intercourse, ill the guawlng pain for his own
boys zone was lost in the love for the son
sent 10 comfort his old age.
Thanksgiving came again-the fourth since
Cyrus Ford came to Clayton-and with 1t
cane a sorrow. For the first time in his lie,
Simon Clayton felt the pressure OF physical
pain. lie had been model Of manly strength
during the entire sixty years Of bis life, but
some unwonted exposure bad brought on an
attack of fever that, setting its isnss deep 10
the strong frame, brought 1t very nigh to the
grave. Cyrus had been watching all night
when Thanksgiving Day dawned, clear and
bright. though the first fall of snow lay upon
the streets. The invalid, turning restlessly
upon the pillow, spoke Of some unfinished
business his illness had delayed, aud seemed
TO have his intellect clearer than i; had been
before during his illness.
IL wish You would call upon Hoskins this
morning. Cyrus" he said. " | want him 70
understand about the lease Of those Grand
street stores, before the end OF the month.
You have the papers ready p
"All ready, sir. But are you we'll enough
for me to leave you 2
"Yes. ! shall feel better when that Is set
tied" -,
IL was relief 10 be out 10 the crisp. cold
air. after the long confinement in close
room. aud Cyrus felt light-hearted in a GER
tainty that his friend was better. Surely this
attention 10 business was q good symptom,
and the fever was certainly gone. Mrs. Grey
was a good nurse, and there was no especial
hurry 50 after settling the business with Hos
kins Cyrus came leisurely from the Office Of the
latter IN Broadway. IL was full Of holiday
seekers. many Of the stores being closed, and
the clerks aud salesweman in their best attire
going TO family gatherings. Cyrus was
thinking Of the day Tour years ago, when he
came fricndless and lonely 70 the great city,
when lust before him. girl hurryins pas,
with A large bundle slipped upon the frozen
pavement, and fell heavily % the groand. Ia
a moment Cyrus was bending over her, help
ing her 10 rise: but her ankle was sprane1,
and she would have fallen again but for his
arm.
II am afraid you cannot walk, he said,
kindly, noting with deep pity her thin g.Ar-
ments. her pnched features, aud the 10 Jk Of
pain upon her face.
q must try" she answered, stopping 10
secure the big bundle.
Lean upon me" he said, taking the bur-
den from her. "You Cannot" be said, as