Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1877-09-14
MYRA.'s MISTAKE.

Gilbert GOrham. at the age OF ten, was
left orphaned and destitute, and was taken
into the tender care OF his loving GRANDPA
Their, and his Aunt Jane, a venerable spin
ster, whose severity was a most wholesome
restraint upon his grandfather extreme
indulgence. Old Mr.. Gorham being a man
of enormous wealth, his grandson and heir
was the most favored of boys and youths,
every whim of his boyish and youthful fan
cy being gratified as soon as expressed.
And so, when Gilbert had attained the
age of 81, and blushingly announced his
undying love for Miss Myra Wilbur, the
belle of many watering places and seasons,
and some five years his senior, his grand
father only nodded and said (:
"Suit yourself, my boy suit Yourself u
So magnificent diamond was slipped on
Myra's finger, and Gilbert entered into a
FOOLS paradise, blind to the fact that he
was the dupe of an accomplished coquette
whose whole hard nature was incapable of
the 1.-THE of the love laid at her feet.
For, being sensitive, poetical and over
INDUCED, the boy made unto himself an
idol, aud, calling it Myra, worshipped it.
And the actual Myra, being eminently
practical, worldly and mercenary, erected
gold idol Of unlimited indulgence, and,
calling that Gilbert, worshipped it.
Mr.. Gorham, although he was old and
febele, drove from Fern Nook, the
family country seat, into Poolsville, the
town honored by Miss Wilbur's presence,
and made formal call.
After he was gone, Miss Wilbur, turn
ing to her mother, made a strange speech
for maiden just betrothed, for she said
s'After all, mama, a rich widow is better
than wife, for she can spend the money
then, uncontrolled"
We'll my dear?"
II was only thinking that Gilbert told
me once he was entirely dependent upon
his grandfather, having nothing of his own
while the old man lived"
sit would be we'll, then, to keep in the
old gentleman's favor"
Evidently Myra was Of that opinion.
She worked pair Of soft quilted slippers
for the aged feet, she sent flowers and little
dainty dishes to Fern Nook for dear Mr.
Gorham, and she made herself hundred
fold dearer to her infatuated lover by her
delicate attentions to his relative.
Business connected with the settlement
of claim of his grandfater's against the
Government called Gilbert to Washington
early in the winter following the betrothal
There was the usual pathetic parting, and
with assurance of Myra's undying love
the young man left Fern Nook.
After two months absence, when he was
preparing to return home, telegram
reached him:
Wait in New York to see me. Will put
up at the Grand Central.
JANE GoRHAM.
OF all strange experience this was the
strangest. His Aunt Jane leaving hel
home to visit the metropolis Gilbert
vainly tried to remember il eyer she had
been absent from home before, and thor
oughly bewildered, hurried to meet her.
His first surprise was to fluid her gentle
and kind, all the grim severity Of her man.
ner, gone. Her kiss upon his lips was ten.
der as Myra's own.
"My boy,'' she said, II have news fol
you that will distress you, but before I tel
that, want you to listen attentively tie
Some business details that were never oil
any special interest to you before. You
have always supposed Fern Nook and the
wealth that sustains it to be your grand
| fathers.