Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-10-13
her nightcap into a hard knot and BROKE
the string in a not

the string in a pet.
"Harry Bertram is fool,'' said she, "to
let that stick of man keep him from me-
1 wish could change places with him
and, sitting down on low seat, she trotted
her foot, and heaved some deep signs.
The man of leisure lust called in
twice week for three months. Report
was busy-Harry's pride was reused. lie
offered himself to another pretty girl, and
was accepted. Emma's bright cheeks faded
her step grew slow, and her voice was nc
longer heard in its gay carol from stair to
stair. She was never laxative, but now
she was sad Mr.. Inklin continued to s'drop
in" his heart was little love touched,
but then there was ''time enough" Que
evening he came with look of news.
II have brought you bit of Harry Ber-
trans wedding cake" said he to Emma.
Emma turned pale, then REQ, and then
burst into tears. The man of leisure was
concerned. Emma looked very prettily as
she struggled with her feelings, while the
tears dried away :. and he offered her his
heart and hand.
81 would sooner lie down in my grave
than marry you, (" said the gentle Emma, in
a voice SO loud that Mr.. Inklin started, and
rushing to her, own apartment. the china,
rang in the closet as she slammed the door.
Mr.. Inklin was astonished. Poor Emma
covered up her heart and smiled again, but
she never married, nor ever destroyed
little flower that Harry Bertram gave her
when it was right for her to love ard hope.
The man Of leisure bore her refusal with
philosophy, and continued to ''drop in" Z
You'll please not to forget to ask the
place for me, sir" said a pale, blue eyed
boy, as he brushed the coat Of the man of
leisure at his lodgings.
"Certainly not" said Mr.. Inklin; Il
shall be going that way in a day OF two"
Ibid you ask for the place for me yester-
day ?'' said the pale boy, on the following
day, with quivering lip, as he performed
the same Office.
but I will to-day.''
"God help my poor mother" murmured
the boy, and gazed listlessly on the cent
Mr.. Inklin laid in his hand.
The boy went home. He ran to the hum
cry children with the loaf of bread he had
earned by brushing the gentlemen's coats
at the hotel. They shouted for joy, and
his mother held out her emaciated hand
for portion, while sickly smile fitted
across her face.
fIa Tv,1y
lin thinks he can get me the place, and l
shall have three meals a day-only thinks
mother, three meals land it won't take
me three minutes to run home and share
it with you"
The morning came, and the pale boys
voice trembled with eagerness as he asked
Mr.. Inklin if he had applied for the place.
''Not yet," said the man Of leisure, ''but
there is time enough"
The cent that morning was wet with
tears. Another morning arrived.
cit is very thoughtless in the boy to be
so late," said Mr.. Inklin. Mot a soul to
brush my coat -
The child came at length, his face swol~
len with weeping.
81 am sorry to disappoint you." said the
man of leisure, ''but the place in Mr.. C.'s
store was taken up yesterday"
The boy stopped brushing, and burst
afresh into tears. 81 don't care now,"
said he, sobbing, 1--WE may as well starve.
Mother is dead"
The man of leisure was shocked, and he
gave the pale boy dollar.
Mr.. IHklin was taken i'll. He had said
often that he thought religion might be a
good thing, and he meant to look into it..
His mini ster fastened to him, and spoke
to him of eternal truths. With parched
lips he babe him come tomorrow. That
night the man of leisure died.