Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1876-05-25

pldlu, tWo VI three tltueS- IDdt SlO1t
her ring because you gave 1t to her
Mr. Edward, and that would like te
steal you, too"
Edward laughed, but a warm blush
stole over his cheek. The silence be-
| came trihe awkward and to break il
he said:
''That's worse nonsense than the
other. You wouldn't steal me, either,
would youf"
81 wouldn't steal anything, Mr.. Ed
ward, Of course; and besides-'
SIN not worth stealing" Edward in
terrupted.
"You are worth anything" cried lit
tie Hattie; with unnecessary fervor.
''But still you wouldn't steal me g
said Edward, laughing.
81 couldn't, you knows" and the
large, innocent eyes were raised appeal
ingly.
''Im not so sure of that" thought
Edward, unconsciously pressing the
soft little hands he still held between
his own. He bent over her in gentle,
protecting way and whispered:
''You are dear little thing and I'm
sure you could do nothing in the world
but what is good and sweet like your
self" And then, what with the noon
light, which made the girl more chlld~
like than ever, and the wet eyelashes
and pretty, quivering mouth that trem-
bled like baby's, and the two faces
being so close together, Edward kissed
little Hattie, and babe her not cry any
more aud he would see her put right in
every way.
Hattie wasn't angry. He was just
like rice big brother but she thrilled
aud trembled under his kiss, and she
dreamed all night of fair young prince
with beautiful turquois ring. and he
could find no finger that fitted it till he
tried it on hers-just like Cinderella
and the little glass slipper. Edward
was as good as his word, and spoke to
Helen very seriously about the aceusa-
ton she had made against Miss Thorpe
but that didn't mend matters, for Helen
really believed that Hattie had stolen
the ring, and was indignant with her
cousin for asserting the contrary. A
lovers quarrel was the result and
Edward kept the new ring in his
pocket, and delayed the important
question he had intended to put when
presenting it.
Miss Langley had a scene with
mamma, and insisted that the little chit
of a governess, with her believe
child like ways, and her deceit ano
hypocrisy, should be turned out Of
doors; but mamma chose to take time
to think about that-she knew she had
treasure, and she wasn't going te
throw it away for the sake Of mere
suspicion, possibly unfounded Besides
she had conscientious scruples about
discharging Miss Thorpe without 6
character, and perhaps running bel
prospects in life.
Mrs. Langley maintained this virtuoul
resolution for several days, but what
would you have? Are even the consci'
entious scruples of good mother te
stand in the way of her daughter
advancement ? Mrs. Langley very soor
saw that Helen was right, and thai
Edward was quite too much interested
IN the little governess and Hattie re-
ceived her discharge on the following
day, being permitted to finish bel
week, to allow her an opportunity o.
finding another roof to shelter hcl
poor homeless head.
"But we all know the fate of "vault.
ing ambition" and even the cleveres'
maamas do at times o'erleap discretion
and suffer in a similar way; and il
happened so on this occasion. If, as
Mr.. Langley and Helen declared, Hattie
was playing deep game, these ladies
threw her card and played it for her,
Edward found the little governess cry
ing again and this time her despair
was complete, for she was thrown on
the world with blemished reputation
and the suspicion of theft attached to
her. The young man overlooked with
pity and indignation, and having been
gradually falling in love with the
childish little creature, her present
misery brought his feelings to climax.
He took possession of her, babe her
consider herself his promised wife, and,
with many tender assurances and sew
eral kisses on the trembling lips, vowed
she should never know care or trouble
sgain. Then he put the new turquois
ring on her finger, and, as the diamond
initial was H., little Hattie did not
know it had been been first intended
to signify Helen.
Edward was ne hypoorite, but be
was angry with his aunt and cousin,
and so he went away to- town and did
not confide TO these ladies the news OF