Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-01-14
Years passed. There came financial

CIdoii. etilu tuCuSu oN01yUOuy ouppOoO l1y1 *
& Co. to be established on too firm basis
to be shaken, they were not able to outride
the storm. Scrupulously honest now as
ever, Mr.. Lyle gave up everything; made
from going under the hammer.
''Never mind, papa" she said softly to
him, the last night before the sale: ''we
have still each other, and I am young.
Perhaps I may find some use now for those
accomplishments you have lavished upon
me SO freely. You didn't think" she ad-
ded with an attempt at gayety, "that you
were putting money by when you were
spending it on me, did your"
sHeaven knows what is to become of
us!" moaned the unhappy merchant. "To-
morrow, at this time, we shall have no
right even to the roof that shelters our
heads. But, Heaven bless you, my child,
for this sweet courage. II is something to
have so brave child. You have been used
to such freedom from care, though Roxie-
wish you had married, dear, and you
would have had a home now"
II have got you, papa, and there's no.
body like BETTER
''Ncbody, Roxie?"
The soft cheek flushed little, and the
red lips trembled.
''Don't ask me, papa ; there's nobody
now,' she said, hiding her face on his
shoulder.
CSNNao II WI 90
eyes, family.
III thought so, dear. It's like you women
to love the man they have wronged most. !"
The two hid away in the toughest corner
of the house while the auction was going
on next day, and Roxie exerted herself in
credibly to sustain her fathers heavy heart.
He grew old fast in those few hours. This
losing his home seemed to hurt him cruel
ly.
The sale was over, and they still sat
there alone, waiting, perhaps, to see if
some friend would not come to speak a
word of counsel or comfort in this trying
hour.
There was a hesitating knock at the
door presently, and gentleman came in .
Mr.. Lyle, seeing that it was stranger,
said: GU are, perhaps, the new proprie-
tor 2"
The stranger bowed and said: 81 bought
everything in trust for friend of MI.
Lyle's, who requested me to say to him
that his home was as much his now as it
ever was
Mr.. Lyle lifted his head and looked at
the man, and from him to Roxie, in a sort
of hewilderment.
"What does he mean Roxie?::
Roxie had come..forward breathless, her
face red and white in swift changes.
''Papa,'' she said, running to him and
sobbing upon his neck, Its Frank Thor
ley"
emo, no, Roxie, ",the'merchant said in
credulously.
1T is Frank Thorley, SIR" Frank said,
now coming nearer s'and he wishes fer
vently that he had come sooner. 1 am a
rich man, Mr.. Lyle, thanks to you for CIV
ing me another chance in life. and have
come, ready to discharge my obligation to
you with my all I have nothing, sir, that
is not yours Also"
"Don't Frank was only just, scarce
ly that it seems good tosee you though,
like the face of an old friend. We haven't
many friends now, you know"
Roxle had not spoken. 1t seemed she
could not lift her face from her fathers
arm. But when Frank asked gently, "Have
you no welcome for me. Roxie %
''Have you forgiven me yet ?" she asked
looking up suddenly.
81 have never married." he said, in a
low voice land you"
s'Nor, II flushing and trembling.
''Roxie"-with sudden heat and eager
ness-''I have loved you all these years"
"And I you.'
The new firm is Lyle & Thorley. Frank
would have it so.