Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-03-10

| tSAiJ DuU Ol1C always ooSpOSoo oAS
motives.''
Mariana" said her father, ''if one dot
call here, you and your mother can max
him leave, by showing him the broom han
de-"
mot I, father 1 should resort to n
such MEANS" said the little lady, DRAWN
herself up proudly. II would give the MAJ
food, if he were hungry; but if he shout
attempt violence I would use Uncle Fred
revolver, or your large cane"
Ha ha ha What heroine 20
would be ~
The room rang with Mr.. Creasey's merr
peals Of laughter, in which his wife hearth
Fly joined as she beheld her daughters tragi'
air.
"By the way, wife," said he, after quie
was restored, II brought home, this even
ing, some money of Arthur's that shal
deposit in the bank after sending his quar-
terly dues.'
Rising from the table and unlocking tn
desk of his private secretary, he placed tn,
bank notes carefully therein, saying, as h
did so,-
II have examined all his fathers papers
and find, now the bills are paid, he vii
have only enough to defray his college ex
penses; but after he has finished his course
1 will lend him helping hand, and
An exclamation from his wife brought
his sentence to an abrupt ending.
"Hugh, did you see that man looking in
to the back window ?''
Mr.. Creasey hurried toward the window
and, hastily opening it., gazed out into the
darkness, but heard OF saw nothing, and
supposed she must have imagined it all
playfully saying
81 suppose it will be our constant bust.
ness now to look up imaginary persons
whom you and Anna will be likely to see. y
"Well, father" said his daughter, s'you
may laugh at mother as much as you please.
I acknowledge saw no face, but I did
hear footsteps just before she spoke.''
Nonsense, child Twas old Jenny
paving in the stable. Come into the sit
ting-room before you make any more dis
ooveries,'' And, taking his wife playfully
by the arm, he led her away, while Janet
began to remove the dishes.
Mr.. Creasey then threw himself into his
easy chair and consoled himself with his
evening paper. Mrs. Creasey drew her low
rocking chair to the table, and took from
her work basket piece of unfinished sew
ing, while Mariana practiced diligently on
the piano till the little French clock on the
mantel struck the hour Of ten.
"Come, daughter" said her father,
throwing down his paper with a yawn,
''put aside your music. Your mother has
gone to give Janet directions concerning
breakfast, and guess 1 will fasten up
myself tonight. want to keep the tramps
out, you know,' said he. jokingly, as he
left the room.
Mariana laid away her music, CLOSED the
piano, and soon the house was quiet, and
not ray of light was visible save that
which cleaned from the window of her
little room, where she could have been
seen again perusing Arthur Clayton's let
ter.
X X
Again the morning dawned; the sky
in the eastern horizon was beautiful with
gold and crimson clouds; the sun rose
clear and bright, casting it's cheerful beams
into the little sitting room of Mariana's
home, finding her busily engaged putting
the room in order. Clip her bird, was fed,
and the little fellow warbled his sweetest
song while she ministered to his wants !;
then her plants were watered, and many
other duties performed. A call from her
mother brought her to the hall.
"We're going now, daughter your faith
er thinks we shan't be home till the even
ing train arrives, as he has important bust
ness to transact L told Janet she could
visit her sister this afternoon. If you are
lonely, go and see Helen.''
Every well, mother. Don't forget the
lace, and match that poplin if you can.
shall spend the time profitably, and forget
to be lonesome"
She stood in the doorway and watched
them out of sight. The hours Of the morn
ing passed swiftly away. About noon ia
net made her appearance, dressed in her
Sunday apparel, preparatory to spending
the afternoon with her sister.
"Don't hurry home Janet,' were Maria
mas parting words. II can get the sup
per. Have you the grapes for the chill
dren %
eyes, Miss Mariana
Soon Janet was gone, and our heroine
was left alone. For long time she sat
quietly at her work, occasionally glancing
out of the window, viewing the beautiful
crimson leaves of the naples, that danced
and cleaned in the October sunshine. The
sky was cloudless, presenting all around
one beautiful sheet of azure blue. The
clock struck the hour of two.
''Janet has been gone an hour" thought
she. Is it possible? What lovely after
noon But [ guess won't go to Helen IS,
but will keep on working''
just then she turned her head in a diff
ferent direction. Directly opposite the
sitting room. A large mirror hung against
the wall, in which could be seen her faith
er's secretary, where his valuable papers
were kept, and in which he had deposited
the money on the evening before. In the
desk was the key, which he had forgotten
to take from the lock. Imagine Marian's
surprise and CONSERVATION to see, bending
over the desk, 4 mau who strongly resem-
bled the one described by Helen Davis
He seemed to be searching for something.
The girls resolution was Immediately
taken. Before she could obtain assistance
he would escape with his booty. Uncle
Fred's revolver she could not obtain with.
out alarming him. Walking softly into
the hall, she took from the stand her faith.
er's large cane; she walked softly into the
dining room; her kid slippers made nc