Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-06-27
MARRIED FOR MONEY.

1t has been truthfully said that thos'
who have been born and reared il
poverty do not feel privations as keen
ly as those who have been nurture(
for certain time in afluence.
This was decidedly the opinion 0
the widowed Mrs. Lemayne and he
two daughters when they were COM
PEELED to exchange their inagnifcen
residence for the uppermost fiat of
huge building in which dwelt all sort:
of people.
Mrs. Lamayne had neither tht
courage nor constitution to brave he
misfortunes, and her health failed rap
idly. Her youngest born had been {
cripple from infancy, and thus it hap
peued that Imogene was left to bear
alone the burdens Of their sad new
life.
1t was very odd and painful at first
to the proud girl to teach music in
the very mansion where once she had
moved princess of fashion and favor.
But it was her last resource, fer a
cruel fatality had left her no choice.
But on the wild March morning
while the winds were blowing with a
dismal whistle and whlrr. the unkind
fates that had made her the child of
want and toll offered her again ease
and riches.
But she must pay her price.
And that price was her fidelity,
truthfulness and self respect.
Ifshe married the wealthy Rupert
Clalrvaux, she would 60 to the altar
with falsehood Cd her lips, and live
life long lie before God and man.
For she had promised his brother,
Rufus, two years since, that her love
and constaucy should follow him to
the end of time.
But Rufus was as miserably poor as
herself
Unlike Rupert, he had no fortunate
opportunity Of snatchlng an eccentric
old miser from before the advancing
wheels of locomotive, and so becom-
ing the heir of million because Of
gratitude.
Rufus was only second rate tenor
in travelling opera troupe, and UNI
doubtedly would never attain anything
higher nor more lucrative.
why should it not have been Rus
fus,' thought Imogene, as she watched
the scant snowhakes whirling down
from the leaden sky. Rupert is good
and aimable, but he has not the poet.
ic, passionate temperament Of my
sweet singer. And it is said that if a
woman mas not an enthusiastic affec~
ton for the man she marries, that the
best Of friendship and esteem will turn
to bitterest hate
At twenty-five, this girl had not
yet lost the romance aud sentiment of
eighteen.
'Can I teach myself to be a hypos
critic / wonder? Can 1 be wicked
enough to wrong Rupert's true lips
with false kissese Can I school my
eyes to look the love I do not feel
Can give him a perjured heart and
respect myself while I eat his bread
and wear his jewels 2
Her self-examination was interrupts
ed by a peevish moan from an inner
room.
Instantly Imogene was By the side
of her helpless sister.
'Poor Hester she said ARE you
feeling so badly?'
do 1 not always feel badly?' was
the fretful response. ooh, Genie, l
miss our wines and fruits, and the
great pictures on the walls, and SO
does mamma.
Mrs. Lemayne, who was idly rock.
ing before the CRATE, began 10 sob.
Enervated by forty>fve years of
luxury, she was as helpless as her
crippled daughter.
i won't miss them long, Hester,
she walled my u,isfortuues are kill
ing me-
But mammal said Innocence, do
not think about our troubles. Do
something to divert your mind. You
/ used to be fond of embroidery what
was a pleasure once might be profit
now. And Hester, dear, have you
forgotten the delight you used to take
in the little gems you painted' 1t
has been weeks since you touched
your palette and brushes. Can you