Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-01-02
Tom became more than ever absorbed il

l CAee- oS>~ O>~S
the digs; ssthe truth is, that lately, quit
lately, think 1 have seen the only girl
shall ever care to ask to be my wife, ant
he looked suddenly up at her.
She rose confused, and began to consul
her watch earnestly.
II must go, really. Please give me my
things This is the park boundary, so
won't trouble you any more.''
She sprang over the style as she spoke
interposing it between them as they sale
adieu.
"When shall see you again ~ he asked
as he held her hand at parting. She allow
ed it to linger in his as she answered.
ssOh, soon, dare say; perhaps when
you least expect it.n And gently returning
the pressure of his hand, she turned away
After few steps she looked back.
ANY message to Miss Leigh ? she asked
mockingly. f
oh, confound Miss Leigh!' growled
Tom. L wish she was in Otaheite' Then.
seating himself on the stile, he lit cigar
and watched her graceful figure till he
could see it no longer. Suddenly he smote
his thigh-sBy Jove! l never got her name
after all, he said.
Immediately on arriving at his inn ne
commenced a cross-examination of his
hostess, by which he learned two facts
Firstly, that Newlands was the property
Of Sir John Turnbull and, secondly, that
there were two young ladies staying there,
Miss Leigh and Miss Harding.
Next day saw him speeding in hanson
from Paddington to his fathers house in
Brook street, intent on destroying that old
gentleman's peace of mind by the an
nouncement of his determination to give
up Miss Leigh and Hillingdon.
rs my father in, Snmns p he asked of
the butler, when that functioflary appeared
to attend his young master
No sir Mr.. Luttrell went out with Mr..
Leigh just after lunch :
MIR. Leigh? Is he here9 p
yes sir; Mr.. and Miss Leigh arrived
this morning from the country
THE deuce = said Tom; they haunt me
wherever / co. and he retired precipl-
lately to his own den.
"Bring me something to eat here,
Simms and don't let Miss Leigh know
that I am in the house."
| By the time he had finished his lunch his
mind was made up. Selecting a hugely
crested sheet of stiff note-paper, SO as to
give the document an official character,
he sat down, squared his elbows, and COM
menced to write.
The following epistle was the result Of
his efforts
s'My Dear Miss Leighton the first
time I address you, personally, though you
doubtless must have been for some time
aware of the link which in some way con
meets us. The time has now arrived when
our decision must be made in regard to
our future4swhether weishaH go throusN
life together or separate at once and for
ever. shall not conceal from you, my
dear Miss Leigh, that for some years have
| looked on you as my destined bride, and
have considered myself fortunate in the
prospect of an alliance with one of whose
beauty and goodness have heard so much.
| 1t is but quite recently that have discov-
cred that my heart is no longer mine to
dispose of, and l now feel that to urge
you to fulfill our engagement would be to
insure a life Of misery for both of us. Let
us, then separate without personal inter
view, which would only cause unnecessary
embarrassment. AS to Hillingdon, 1 re-
sign it to you willingly, feeling sure that
you would make better mistress than
should master.
Trusting, then, some day to meet you as
the bride of some one more worthy to pos
sess you than myself, I am, my dear Miss
Leigh, your sincere friend,
THOMAS BURzoN LUTTRELL.
'That'll do, think. hope it won't
smell of tobacco, Simms,' as that worthy
answered the bell; take this to Miss Leigh,
with my COMPLIMENTS
Simms was too well trained to show sur
prise at anything; he bowed and VENT
In ten minutes he returned.
Miss Leigh's compliments, sir, and
would you speak to her in the drawing
room p
ooh, hang her = said Tom but there
was no escape. The drawing-room was
darkened to exclude the afternoon sun, but
Tom discovered white figure at the fal
end, which rose and bowed as he advanced
lam delighted, Miss Leigh, he began
ito have the pleasure Hulloa ! Miss
Harding F! You here p
Miss who p said the laughing voice Of
Handing
Then who in the name of goodness are
you p he demanded eagerly.
She looked down demurely.
I'm that horrid Miss Leigh, as you call
ed me the other day.
Tom sat down and stared at her; pres
emily he broke into great laugh.
oh, it's all very well to laugh she said
in an injured tone.
In moment more he was kneeling by
her chair, looking up in her eyes.
Miss Leigh-N ellie-'
4 told you not to call me Nellie, yester
day. she said tartlY.
Yes, but yesterday isn't to-day; We're
engaged now
Engaged, sir ? What, after this p
oh, hang the letter You know / love
you to distraction. You are your only
rival in my love. and you will marry me
dear, won't you p
Certainly not. You said l was fast and
slangy, and that Hillingdop would be 8