Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-12-28
MIScELikNEoUS.
A NEW YEARS SURPRISE,


L T was New Years morn Andrew Foster
3 was up much earlier than usual in truth
he might as we'll have remained up during the
NIGHT, for although his head rested ON a
doway pillow, sleep never visited hin, during
those long last hours ef the old year nor the
Grst of the infant successor AT the best of
time when mans or voman's heart is free
rom the burden of disapproviug conscience,
there is something deeply impressive about
'sold years night" AS we watch, passing,
passing swiftly, dying out, those last mo-
ments; how many heart is flied With vain
regrets Y But here is another chancs-a bet-
ter time BE says the morrow we will begin
anew, make amends for the past, to him or
her. Yets01 If with the passing year, that
one that we might have made happier has gone
too-gonc beyond reca,l-Ihcu ours are cease
less regrets. -
1t was not thus. however, With, Andrew
Foster. Tho particular one whose happiness
he had mnrred still was with him Daily he
saw the face. once so bright and beaatiiui,
growing paler; missed the merry, birdlike
voice that filed the house with the sweetest
music. Yes; although he knew she was
fading under his hard uubending will, he
would not bring her back to life-aye for
what is life without love? Constantly during
those midnight hours, as vainly he wooed
sleep, there would come instead the pIaintive
little face, with the great beseeching looking
eyes. Why could he not yield7 Why, be-
cause pride said nay, Could he, Andrew F0s-
ter one of the wealthiest men of the city, give
his child to one SO far beneath her in position,
and possessing nothing moro than his own
good name.
Harry Landon vas one of her fathers
al he q A.
gulf between them, grew to love, with all tho
devotion of her nature. the handsome Young
man. Every one liked Harry, and respected
him; and no one in Andrew Fosters employ
possessed mere fully his confidence. Many
times he would remark to friends, "Landon is
fine fellow a noble fellow i' But when
the truth came to the proud father that this
young man had dared to love his child, his
opinion must have undergone great change,
for he -could scarcely restrain his- wrath suf
fciently to treat,.-Wi;h any show of decent
politendss, Harry Landon, when heEcaDs to
him in a mauly, truthful manner, and told
his love $780,,
"Haye you presumed to tell Miss Foster
this. ?" asked the indignant father.
"No. sir.> L came to you first, scarcely
daring to hope you would give me permission
to speak. Still there was possibility, and.I
seized it But l am sure Miss Foster is not
ignorant of my feelings"
why. why are you sure. sir 2"
"Why? Oh, sir why do the blind know
that the sun is shining, when their whole be-
ing is filed with its warmth? Need we toll
them what it is? Every true woman knows
when she is loved. Her heart tells her Oh,
sir, ask you no. to give her to me now
not until can prove my wOrthiuess. Let me
speak to her.
s'Impossible will never consent. 'Tis
useless to say more on the subject. And af,
ter this conversation suppose you will not
feel so we'll conteuted in your position with
our house."
81 was about to ask. sir, if you would give
nae letters of Introduction to some other es-
adjustment"
Certainly. certainly, LsDdou. I will see
that you have position quite as good, to say
the least, as your present one. II am sorry
this has happened am your friend in
every other way. Yo6 must remember and
.cOmu,sud my services when you wish"
And so the young man and his employer
parted -
Days passed until a fortnight had elapsed,
and Gertie had not seen Harry Laudon She
missed him from the store, too, and with her
usual straightforward, candid manner, she
we1t to her father and asked:
s'Where is Harry LandoD, father ?"
'.He has left US. for better position at
Blacks" answered her father, with his eyes
still on his paper
'.why did he leave you, father7 heard
you say you were edicg tn do more for him"
Andrew Foster raised his eyes then, and
iool ng sternly into his daughters, replied
= BE presumed too far on my friendship,
and it was desirable to both him and myself
thst'be should seek employment slsevhere''
Her beautiful, truthful eyes we're still .gaz-