Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-02-15

Ernest gave him the second triangle PIE!
Bless the youngsters hearts, they won't
want anything to eat for week.
II was speaking Of the young woman
twho"-Mrs. Mayberry was icily severe
but her husband cut it short.
$50 you were-pretty little thing as ever
II saw. A ladylike, graceful little girl,
with eyes beautiful enough to excuse the
Pboy for admjring herr
''The boy. You seem to have forgotten
your son is twenty-three-old enough to
fall in love with and marry even poor,
unknown girl, you were quixotic enough
to invite to your table,"
'tTwenty-three? So he is. And if he
wants to marry beggar and she isa good,
virtuous girl, why not?'
A little gasp Of horror and dismay was
| the only answer of which Mrs. Mayberry
was capable.
s'GrandpaH'
"Winnie's voice was so low that Mr..
Wilmington only just heard it, and when
he looked up he saw the girls crimson
cheeks and her lovely dropping face.
eyes, Winnie, you want to tell me
something's"
She went up behind him, and leaned her
hot cheek caressingly against his, her
sweet, low voice whispering her answer:
Grandpa, want. to tell you something.
I-Mr. May-we Ernest has asked-he-
wants me to--oh, grandpa, can't you tell
me what it is?"
his.
He reached up his hand and caressed the
OF er one.
Eyes, can tell, dear. Ernest has shown
his uncommon good sense by wanting you
for his wife. So that is what comes of
that dinner, eh, Winnie?"
"And may [ tell him you are willing,
grandpa? Because 1 do love him, you
know"
'sAnd you are sure it isn't his money
you are after, eh?"
She did not take umbrage at the sharp
question.
II am at least sure it isn't my money he
is after, grandpa" she returned laughing
and patting his cheek.
eyes; you are at least sure of that;
there, 1 near the young man coming him
self Shall l go, Winaie?''
1t was the ''young man himself" Ern-
est Mayberry, with shadow of deep
trouble on his face as he came up to Win
ME and took her hand, then turning to the
old gentleman:
Until an hour ago thought this would
be the proudest, happiest hour of my life,
sir, for 1 should have asked you to give me
Winnie for my wife. Instead | must be
content to tell you how dearly love her,
and how patiently and hard I will work
for her to give her the home she deserves
because, Mr.. Wilmington, this morning
the house of Mayberry & Thurston failed,
and both families are beggars!''
His handsome face was pale, but his
eyes were bright with determination and
uraveness nothing could daunt.
Winnie smiled upon him, her own cheeks
paling.
"Never mind, Ernest, on my account; l
can wait, too"
Old Mr.. Wilmington's eyes we're almost
shut beneath the heavy, frowning fore
mead, and quizzical look Was on his
shreWd old face as he listened.
"Gone up, Ell! Well, that's too bad.
You stay here and tell Winnie 1 am just
DIS willing she shall be your wife when you
want her, as IF nothing had happened, be-
cause 1 believe you can earn bread and
butter for both Of you, and Winnie is a
'contented girl. I'll hobble up to the Of
flee and see your father. He and l were
boys together; word of sympathy Won't
come amiss from me-"
And off he strobe, leaving the lovers
alone, getting over the distance in a re-
markable time and presenting his wrinkled,
weather-beate old face in Mayberry &
Thurston's private office, where MIR. May
berry sat alone. with rigid face and keen,
troubled eyes, that. nevertheless, lighted at
the sight of his old friend.
I'm glad to see you, Wilmington. Sit
down. The sight of a man who has not
cone to reproach me is comfort
But Mr.. Wilmington did not sit down.
He crossed the room to the table at
which Mr.. Mayberry sat among a helpless
array of papers.
''There is no use wasting words, May
berry, at time like this. Did. you know
your son has asked my Winnie to marry
him!''
Mr.. Mayberry's face lighted a second,
then the gloom returned.
''If my son had fortune at his COM
mand, as I thought he had yesterday at
this time, would say, God speed you in
your wooing of Winnie Wilmington. AS
it is, for the girls sake l disapprove."
80 you haven't pound over and above,
eh, Mayberry 20
'sThere will be nothing-less than moth
ing. I don't think that really care so
much for myself, but Ernest, it is terri
BILE thing to happen to him at the very be-
ginning of his career"
Mr.. Wilmington smiled gleefully.
"Good. Neither do 1 care for myself,
but for Winnie, my little Winnie. I tell
you what, Mayberry, perhaps you will
wonder if am crazy, but Ill agree to SET
tie quarter of a million on Winnie the
day she marries your boy, And III lend
you as much more if it'll be Of use, and
I'll start the boy for himself, if you say
SO, Eli ~
Mayberry looked at him in speechless
bewilderment,
Wilmington went on: II made a for
tune out in India; and it's safe and SOUND
in hard cash in good hands-a couple OF
millions. determined to bring up my