Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-05-02
NOT TO BE CAUGHT.

Two men sat in conversation.
The cooling wind played gently with
the short brown eurls of the younger,
while his handsome eyes and face were
lighted by a bright, animated express
sion.
II can scarcely credit such good for
tune. Are you sure there is no mistaken"
he said.
Perfectly; here are the documents.
Prove your identity, prove to our salts
faction that you are Ralph Hamilton,
son of John Paul Hamilton, and you are
a rich man. Can you prove it?'
II can, Immediately. But this is in
deed welcome change to spring from
deep poverty to such wealth in a mo-
ment, by the death Of an unknown
relative, seems almost incredible. I am
grateful to you, Metcalf, for your pains
in so soon seeking me; also for your
interest in my welfare. l have one
favor only to ask in addition; that you
remain silent about it. The fact Of my
changed circumstances need not be
made known as yet. / shall not alter
my style Of living for awhile, but shall
fulfil an engagement to become the
private tutor Of two small boys residing,
strange to relate, in the same place
where lies this new estate. In taking
the property, you say l am required to
assume the name of its former owner.
This I will do, after few months spent
in the neighborhood as a poor teacher.
| have met sad rebutfs during the days
of my poverty, and 1 have no idea Of
being made a victim of some fortune
hunter, so will win some good woman
for loves sake, then settle down and
enjoy myself"
In beautiful residence sat two ladies,
Mrs. Corsair and her daughter Zoe,
while third, niece Of the elder lady,
Blanche Gilmore, stood with light hat
in her hand, as though Just returned
from a walk.
They were discussing the appearance
Of new tutor who had undertaken for a
time, on trial, the education Of the two
sons of the family.
Charley, one Of these boys, had just
appeared and was saying,
Il like him-so handsome and pleas
ant-not much like cross old Stevens"
Looking from the window, Charley
whispered.
Now, girls, there he comes. Tell
me if what 1 said was not true
Yes, indeed!" exclaimed both young
ladies, as they surveyed the fine figure
and handsome face approaching; and
when the young man smiled pleasantly
upon Charly. Blanche thought she had
never seen so handsome a man, while
Zoe whispered -
''If the young heir Of the Belmont
property prove one-half as handsome l
will be content"
AS plendid, estate, with residence of
almost royal magniicence, lay within
sight of their pretty home, and had just,
through the death of old Mr.. Belmont,
a childless widower, passed into the
hands of young relative, expected
soon to visit the premises.
Zee Corsair and her prudent mother
had decided to appropriate both owner
and estate as soon as possible after his
arrival.
The new tutor, Mr.. Hamilton, soon
became great favorite with his pupils.
Living, as he did, in the family. he
became acquainted with all, while he
evidently admired the beautiful Zoe,
who treated him with cool politeness.
Of.Blanche he saw little.
She was only the poor relation, de-
pending upon her uncle for support,
therefore compelled to bear every i'm
position and caprice her worldly, selfish
aunt and cousin saw fit to infict.
Only one little enjoyment was hers,
and that was a solitary afternoon walk
that she insisted upon taking for the
benefit of her health, and as soon as
she could put aside her needle for the
purpose, her feet fairly flew to solitary
spot, deep ravine wildly romantic and
secluded, not far from her uncle's
residence.
Thither she went one beautiful after
noon about the trst OF October, trip
ping along down the small winding path
that led to the depths below.
But suddenly she paused, groan and
faint call for help arresting her steps.
Fastening to the spot where she
judged the sufferer to be, she saw man
lying at the feot of the rayine, motion
less and now quite still.
| In few moments she was beside
him, and, on lifting his head from the
ground, she found Mr.. Hamilton. the
tutor, unconscious.
| Running to the stream Of water, she
dipped in her handkerchief, and bathed
his brow.
At last be opened bis eyes, and gazed
long and yacantly upon her.
Then collecting his thoughts, he asked
where he was, and what had happened.
you are in the ravine, Mr.. Hamil-
ton, and are seriously hgrt, 1 fear. Die
| -. e G. q.