Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-09-18

room, idly dreaming over a volume in
crimson and gold that contrasted with
the lilly whitcness Of her dimpled hand.
A rarely beautiful girl of eighteen, with
eyes containing unfathonable depths of
womanly tenderness and truth, rich,
tinted complexion, that deepened
gradually into vivid color on her cheek,
a mouth sweet, lovable and firm, and a
form of ofexquisiic proportions, attired in
a closely-fitlng dress of maroon silk.
Footsteps in the hall and oh, papa,
you've come; you are later than usual, ,
was the greeting that Mr.. Morton re-
ce we'd as he entered. His careworn
face relaxed from its drawn lines as the
girl put her arms areEnd his neck and
kissed him. They passed, into the
supper room, with its bright silver and
dainty china.
what is the matter papa? 2 asked she
noticing that he looked unusually
thoughtful.
He hesitated a moment, then told her
the story of his dismissal OF the young
clerk, and the finale. A look OF
intense sympathy eyerspread her face.
oh. papa, how dreadfully he must
have felt TO be so unjustly suspected. |
saw him few times. He looked too
good and noble 10 do anything mean.
Don't you think you could find him?
Il am afraid not. dear, but l am CO.
ing to do what l can
And wher Veronica laid her head on
her pillow that night the face of that
tall, handsome youth. with fearless
blue eyes and far. broad brow, who
was under the shadow ola dark sus'
pcion, haunted her dream.
She hadnevcr guessed that the vision
Of radiant loneliness that had appeared
once or twi.e in her fathers office, in
iaunty hat and velvet. was ndellbly
encravcn Oh the memory Of Byron
Forcy;he, high-sprlted, well born a,
she. and that he cursed the poverty
that forbade HIM 10 try TO win the prize
he coveted. Mr.. Morton's inquiries fol
him proved fruitlcss, and the world
wagged Oh.
The crowds on the thronged side
walks stopped and held their breath;
teams and tuln outs tired to clear the
way as a rudaway horse came gallop.
ing up fremont street, champing his
bit and foaming. The driver, who was
slightly intoxicated, had completely lost
control Of him. There was no one
brave enough to attempt The rescue, anu
the carr iage was in momentary danger
of beng overturned, when some one
leaped from the crowd, caught at the
bride Of the excited animal, and clung
to him with desperate G.ip. lie was
dragged along short distance, getting
terribly bruised and then othels came
10 the rescue. and he was taken up
;nsenslble from the feet Of the horse, that
stood painting and steaming, but con-
oucred. The occupants Of the carriage
were a lady and a gentleman, whose
white faces showed the terrible fright
hey Lad experienced.
Bring him here said the lady''
sweet. silycry voice, as they hesita'ec
what TO do with the man. we are
almost home
Ny God" exclaimed Mr.. Morton
for it was he and Veronica as they
placed him Oh The soft cushions. 1T j
Byron Forcyt
The terrified, lovely face Of Yeronlc'
Morton. beside her father, in the oper
carriage, had caught the eye of ByroI
Forcythe, and in an instant he had Hun;
himself between her and a terrible
danger.
Oh said Veronica, with a little or,
of terror, as she, too, recognized th'
face. Have We killed hlm?'
And Byron Forcythe was unconsciou
that the little glovcd hand, which h'
would have counted happiness Il
touch, was resting gently upon the rlct
mass Of brown ha,r that clustered aboy
his fair, open brow.
The best medical aid was summoned
and he was soon restored to conscious
ness. No prince could have been ten
ded more carefully than he, lying in
darl:ened chamber whose rich, sol
carpet mufled every sound. He had
sLillednurse, but Veronica herself ofte
soothed his restlcssness. In spite G
careful nursing, brain fever ensied
His wild rawlings Of unjust suspicion an
homeless love chilled The hearts OF hi
listeners. Veronica prayed that h
nncht live to know that his innocenc
had been proved, and her father VIII
had lust come up from the borders Q
death, longed for reason to return, tha
he might atone to the sensitive soul &c
the injustice. The boon was grantee
One afternoon he opened his eyes
see Veronca's lovely face bending ov'
him, not radiant and animated, as l.
had fist seen it. but sull'used with tcndC
sympathy.
You here? Where am ? 1t was yoI
] father who suspected me Of he salt
+ weekly.
5 Can you forgive me, ny boy? l wa
| hasty, proved your innocence Ion
g ago. Will you give me your hand' sa
f Mr.. Morton, who stood there.
- You almost gave your life for ours
said Veronica, in faltenng tone, reac
- -. Lond oIoo which hp carrie