Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-08-16

Just possible that out in Chicago, where he
has gone, they pay 5000 a year; and here
on the other is Maude Bryant withher little,
white, useless hands, and her luxurious
ideas, and her diamonds, and her silk
dresses. Why, my child, 1 don't suppose
you know what calico means"
Eyes, indeed, papa" interrupted Maude
earnestly. 81 had a pink French calico
once, with pink coral buttons that were
three dollars each-don't you remember p
"You a poor mans wife," went on her
father. patting her little fevered hand.
'sMaude, it would be like taking one of the
white ~japonicas out Of the conservatory.
and planting it on a bleak New England
hill. What idea have you Of the trials
and sacrifices of life, my little petted
child 2"
"Papa!' sobbed the young girl. passion
ately II am ready to endure any ordeal
to make any sacrifice. What do I care
for diamonds and dresses?' s'Papa!'' she
exclaimed, suddenly starting up with an
emphasis that made Aunt Eloise drop her
gold essence bottle; ''you think me a mere
butterfly, that cares for dress and jewels
only. Now listen to me. For one year
from this time-for one year. mind-I
pledge myself to wear no silk or jewels.
Will you believe in me at the years end !"
Il shall think you a very extraordinary
young lady, Maude, but-excuse me, dar-
ling-I have no very strong faith in your
persistence"
"You will see,'; said Maude, shaking
her curls t~riumphantly. "And oh, papa
If"
"Maude, y said Mr.. Bryant, with quiet
decision, II have already answered you
my decree admits of 10 appeal"
She would not cry any more, this haugh-
ty girl-she was too proud to cry but she
rose up and went away with compressed
lips and eyes whose glitter was redder far
than tears.
II won't be discouraged for all this"
she thought. II will show papa that 1 am
something more thar a doll"
"Maude, you are not going to Mrs.
Heminway's in that dress?"
Mrs. Harrington, superbin wine-colored
velvet, with garnets blazing round her
plump throat and her wrists, stood horri-
fed as maude cam tripping down stairs.
Why not, Aunt Eloise 1 think the
dress is very neat"
Mr.. Bryant looked up from his evening
paper at the slender figure IN white float
ing muslin, with white roses hanging
in among The blue black curls that touch
ed her shoulders.
II think so too" he said quietly.
"Stuf and nonsense!" angrily exclaimed
Aunt Eloise. Orchard Bryant's daugh-
ser in white muslin with paltry roses in
her hair! You should have worn pink
satin and diamonds"
81 shall wear no more silks and jewels,
aunt" said the little lady, very decidedly.
NOW, Rich ard, said Mrs. Harrington,
turning to her brother, fare you going to
allow this? She will set half of New York
talking"
"Maud shall do as she p%leases,' y said the
merchant, quietly, and Maud gave him a
bright, grateful glance as she futtered
away like some snow white bird.
The next morning a small triangular
casket Of amethyst velvet lay beside
Maude's plate at the breakfast table. She
took it UP with an inquiring look at her
father.
"Your birthday, my child" he said,
simply.
She opened the casket with a low excla-
nation of delight as her eye fell on the
white CLEAN of a magnificent pearl neck
lace.
"Oh, papa! how splendid this is! Don't
they look like drops of frozen moonlight?
And 1 have always so longed for pearls %
Mrs. Harrington looked complacently
on.
"They will be the very thing to wear TO-
night with your white silk dress" !
"My white silk dress!!"
Maude paused abruptly, while a deep
crimson flush stole over her fair forehead.
She rose and crept softly around to her
fathers side.
Papa, 1 am very much obliged to you
but-but l had rather not take the
pearls"
"Not take them, Maude?"
mo, papa-you remember my resolu-
tion."
"Maude > exclaimed Aunt Eloise, ''you
will never be so absurd as to refuse that
pearl necklace that a royal princess might
be proud to wear, just because of a whim!''
cit is not a whim, Aunt Eloise." And
no amount of coaxing or bantering could
induce Maude Bryant to take the pearls.
"Give me a bud from the conservatory,
papa, or a bit of a book, such as I used to
have when I was a wee thing, and I'll
value 1t for your sake as long as l live, but
1 can't take the pearls"
So the merchant, with a curious mois-
ture in his eyes, gave her a kiss, and told
her that would have to do.
And the weeks and months passed on;
and Maud, surrounded by temptations on
every side, thought of Charley May, and
resisted them all.
"Maude," said the old man, suddenly,
one day, "when did you hear last from
young May?"
''Last hear from him, papa? Never
since the day he went away"
do you mean to tell me that you do not
correspond with himP"
"No, papa; you told me not to, and |
a vePbeyed you"
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