South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-05-07
Romney, Hampshire County. West Va, May 2, 1875

cousin, during visit he had made to
her preceptress; and they had loved in
stinctively. She had promised to be.
come forever his the ensuing spring.
She was seated In pleasant reycrie,
when she was interrupted by the ser.
want girl, telling her that an old gentle.
man wished to see her, lie was none
other than her uncle.
In few moments she was clasned in
his arms.
Mr.. Howard thought Alkaline more
beautiful than ever; and when Mrs.
Westbrook told him that Alkaline was
Lena, tears Of joy rolled down his aged
checks.
"Ah. uncle" she said, "who would LIE.
M have to love her if you were gomez"
"Eveu now, darling" answered her
uncle, Il have just given my consent to
the Hon. Edward Stanley, and when you
ere Congrcssman's bride. you may for.
'ger your uncle"
Alkaline could not speak for mo.
ment from surprise, then she said:
'.Never, never, will / forget yonr
kindness to the poor orphan. / would
not have been what am now, if it had
not been for your generosity. Now, I'm
my days of prosperity, would be un-
grateful to forget you. But why" she
exclaimed. blushing, ''did you call Ed
ward Stanley Congressman"
because he really is. Did you not
know it before?v
''Never until this moment"
Just then Mrs. Westbrook entered
Mr.. Howard explained 10 her Why Ada
line looked so bewildered.
IL intended telling her myself, and
ask pardon for the deception l practi-
ced upon both Of Them" said Mrs.
Westbrook. II told Edward this eve.
ming our Lena's history just before he
left
When Mr.. Howard returned to the CT
ty, Alkaline accompanied him, but she
did not go to his mansion. She stopped
with an old schoolmate.
1t was soon noised about that the gift
ed and beautiful Lena was in the city.
and her true name came out at grand
ball, where her cousin and all their arts
tocratic friends were present. Alkaline
was attended by her betrothed husband,
Edward Stanley. She was arrayed in q
robe of white satin embroidered with
silver, Her raven curls we're confined
BY band of the richest pearls, whilst a
necklace of the same encircled her snowy
neck. Her cheeks were flushed, for she
was listening to her lovers voice. But
when the Misses Towards arrival was
announced, proudly, almost haughtily
did she meet them, with n calm dignity.
ebctitting queen receiving her subjects.
She was the ruling star OF the season.
y 4 =
Time passed; Mr. Howard lay on his
death bed, Frustrated by sudden and
mortal disease.
Alkaline had arrived TO nurse him, for
Clara had elopcd with worthless al.
venturer Edward Stanley was also
there.
"Unole, for SO vill call yo,:," he said.
Il am sorry to see you SO ILL.,"
"Iou have just come in time" said
the old man, 'to receive my blessing be-
fore | die. | have no right to ask the
favor of You, yet l will. Protect my
wife and children"
81 Will be to them all you wish" sol.
emily said Edward Stanley. For your
kindness to Inc is dearer TO me than
life
The sufferer smiled family.
ooh, God, thank thee" he cried, Il
can now die contented."
Emma and Annie, the naughty ball.
room. bellies, were awed by that scene of
death, and vowed that they would live
differently, as they pressed n kiss upon
their dying fathers lips, and saw their
mother borne fainting from the room.
Clara, the disobedient child, was not
Gorg often.
"Giye her my blessing said the old
man. And tell her | freely forgive
her.
a few months and he was joined by
his repentant wife, who died BLESSING
Alkaline with her latest breath, and leav.
ing her two daughters. now almost pen
niless. TO the poor cousins care.
u was bright and beautiful morn in
the early spring, when Lena. the gifted
and beautiful, stood before the altar. TO
become the wife ofthe distinguished Ed.
ward Stanley.
There, too, we're Emma and Annie.
looking happily on, while Mrs. West.
brook smiled her congratulations
IL was in country church that they
were married. There were many there
from the gay city to witness the cere-
mOuv.
Little children strewed flowers In The
pathway Of the bride as she returned to
her carriage.
Edward Stanley not only took his
wife but her now dependent cousins,
Alkaline did not look upon them rs
such, however, but treated them "a sis.
ters.
But where was Clara all this time? for
three years she was not heard from. But
one dark winters night, pale woman,
in tattered garments. might be seen wen.
ding her way down TO the Hon. Edward
Stanley's beautiful residence. Fecblv
she knocked for admittance.
The servant started at bcr vVondor;,s,