The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-05-22

atial places that she tOttered one day, weak
from hunger, and on the marble steps sank
down in deathly swoon.
A lady in velvet and silk with pIumes of
gray sweeping over her silvery hair. had just
descended from her carriage. She saw the
PROSTATE form, and looking into the drawn,
white face, started.
Put this child in the carriage and drive
home," she said abruptly to the liverled
groom.
The man obeyed, thinking that of all the
mad tricks of his honored mistress, this was
the maddest
So when Virginie awoke from her long
swoon she found herself in q quaint old
fashioned chamber, and not alone.
"Where am land who are you?" she
asked family of the stately woman who bent
over the couch.
You are with one who will never forsake
you," said the sweet faced woman, "eyen If
you hsd known sin and shame before
found you"
Il have never sinned, but l have been
shamed to the soul by the frownS OF power
ty," answered Virglnie, while the hectic flush
grew hotter on her cheeks.
BE calm, dear, and listen to what have
to tell you. When / saw you first, lying like
one dead on the cold marble steps, l loved
you. You looked, Virginie, as my husband
looked when he lay in his coffin. found
your name marked on your clothing. 1t was
the name of a little child who was stolen
from me years and years ago. While you
have been lying here Ill / have made
is?''
Virginie could not mistake the expression
of the fond, sweet, handsome face bent SD
close to ber own.
You are my mother" she said.
II am your mother, my darling" answered
the lady; and henceforth for Virginie
Champney there shall be no more toll or
trouble, ii can help it,
And only for the memory OF Hugh Girard,
the girl would have been quite happy.
As the daughter of one of the wealthiest
and most aristocratic ladies of the city, she
was perhaps more admired and sought for
than Eirginie Dulnare bad been.
And so 1t happened that one day Sextus
Weldon came to WOO her.
1t was very cruel for you To refuse me as
you did. Why did you break our engsge-
ment, Virgie2" he asked, with mock sorrow
and humility. II wanted you for my wife,
dear"
And with scorn in her eyes and disdain
on her lips the girl rejected his suit.
''The impudence of the fellow Is amusing"
laughed Mrs. Champney. "When Captain
Dulnare chose a husband for you he should
have chosen more wisely. think / shall be
a better match maker, Virgie."
Are you so anxious to lose mep' asked
the gin, with humorous naiyette.
Mrs. Champney smoothed her tresses So
berly.
"Nirgie, you must marry some time, you
know But that is no reason why you shall
not still remain my daughter. l only hope
that your future husband may prove rs good
and tender and faithful as your father was
And now put ON your hat and shawl, for
am going to take you TO see the hero of a
romance. He is the son of one of the friends
of my school girl days. Once upon a time
we made a foolish compact that our first son
and daughter should become husband and
wife"
"Ohr' gasped Virginie, thinking of Hugh
Glrard, and wondering, with shudder, if
she was to be victim of match making all
her life.
''Well, this poor fellow fell in love with a
beautiful girl, who loved him. although she
rejected him for a richer lover. In bis
despair he left his native place, and in Cali
forDia-that land OF gold-he made for
tune. But with money came misery also.
He came home, as it is said, 10 die. Virgie,
| you are so fair and sweet and winning, that
think you can catch this desolate heart in
the rebound, YOU know Then that old
| compact shall not have been made in vain. +"
Virgie listened with sinking heart.
''He will ask you," was the decisive re-
| sponse, a the big, piebald roam was reined
up before large fashionable boarding house.
mIs CrdupDcy leu ileT udugnbor W q
beautiful room on the second floor
LISTEN she said, pausing before the door
that was slightly ajar.
"Virgie, my lost love. Virgie, oh. my
| Virgie."
The color flew into the white cheeks of the
astonished girl.
"God bless you for this mother" she said
rushing into the room where Hugh Girard
| lay sick nigh unto death.
81 am here, Hughln she cried.
What words were said in that chamber oil
| illness may not be told.
Virgie came out after half hour with q
contented smile upon her sweet young lips
HE will liver" said her mother, kissing
the blushing face.
Yes said Virginie, ''he will live fol-
me-.
And somebody who witnessed the grand
wedding that occurred a month later, spoke
of the lovely bride, Virginie, as heroine o
romance.