Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1876-03-23

room, followed by Leuisa-proud
erect, and indignant at the want O
appreciation she had met with-ant
myself, with downcast eyes and a bur.
ming face. The cloak~room seemed 6
haven to me, and the drive home wal
comparative bliss, although it was en-
FILTERED by remarks from my sisters on
the temperance of Captain, or as he
was now, Colonel Bebb, and the
announcement that, after all, Nellie
might have done worse
Yes, Nellie knew that now, as many
another foolish girl or elderly young
lady knows when it is too late; and in
my quiet corner a few heavy tears
dropped silently upon my crimson
shawl, when l remembered how l had
allowed myself to be influenced by
ridicule to reject what felt sure would
have secured the happiness of my life.
But our ball-days ended at last, for
our mother died, and after that Mars
garet and Louisa gave up the gay world
and devoted themselves to mothers
meetings, Bible readings, the various
other laudable occupations, to the great
satisfaction of the curate l have before
We settled down to our
little villa, and are now three confirmed
maiden ladies, without much to make
us care for life, beyond the daily
coloriess routine which makes each
day twin image of the last
Once year we 60 for month to the
sea side. During our last visit there I
became much interested in some
children, who, accompanied by their
nurse, used to make their appearance at
an early hour every morning on the
sands. l was so fond of children that
soon made their acquaintance. Little
Amy was four and the elder girl about
one year older, whilst there was boy
of about two-M aster Charlie, as his
nurse always called him. 1t never oc-
Cured to me to ask what their sur.
name was, though they became quite
confidential as to their small affairs
generally. Papa and mamma were in
London, but they were coming down
soon and at home they had all sorts
of possessions, from ponies and little
basket carriage downward. Would
like to see them? But what was my
name i'll did come?
"Helen, I answered, shut they call
me Nelly at home
"Thats my name," exclaimed the
elder child. But what's your other
name p
smelly Howard I replied, much
amused at her pertinacity.
"Mine's Nelly Bebb. Ny papa is
Colonel Bebb, and he's got a Victoria
Cross and lots of medals
"Your papa!' l answered, staggered
at her announcement, which / found
was indeed what instantly supposed.
They were the children of my rejected
admirer, Captain Bebb.
The little group on the sands had a
strange fascination for me, after I knew
it, and furtively l conveyed many little
gifts to the children. But our pre-
scribed month was now over, and
though the weather was enchanting, our
rules were those of Modes and Persians
go home we must. So we went !;
and my last glimpse, as we drove to
the station, was of my three little
friends-a joyous trio, with Colonel
Bebb, shade stouter than of old, but
looked bronzed and jovial; whilst
beside him stood brig ht-faced, pretty
little woman, who had accepted the
happy fate which /, in my senseless
girlhood, had declined. But it is over
regrets are VAN, and though my
heart feels young still, I am fast fading
into old age now.
My experiences recorded here may
make another wise, for out of t he
depths of my bitter disappointment /
have written the short story of my mis-
taken existence. For doubtless there
are many happy old maids; woman
was not made to- live a single life.
Home ties, family Gales, troubles and
anxieties may be her lot; but if she is
loved, and if she feels herself the center
of little kingdom perhaps, but
smooth over the troubles, and strong
arm to shield her from danger. With
that around her she is a tower of
strength; possesses that which makes
life's bilters sweets; nor can she ever
have to record what I, the poor neglec-
ted old maid, do here, the history of a
Life,s Regret.
We find in the Cincinnati Gazette q
lovely article by lady, giving instruc
tione how To he handsome ITO he