Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-08-23
IN SPITE OF HIMSELF.

The roads were in splendid condition
the lovely August afternoon that was the
beginning Of the love drama in Rutherford
Hopes life, and he and his sister made a
pretty picture as they rode along in the
little phaeton, with the reins laying easily
in Miss Hopes pretty, fair, strengthful
hands, and the silver.plated harness and
| white fiy-net contrasting SO admirably
with the pony's jetty, glossy coat.
Such a splendid looking fellow as Mr..
Hope was, with his lazy, sleeping eyes that
could fire, and light, and flash enough
when occasion demanded: with his droop.
ing moustache Of tawny amber, his fair,
blonde face. and his darby amber hair,
cut short to his fine head.
She looked at him, and thought how
grand it was to have him home for good
and although of what Florence Sydney
had said of him-pretty, piquant Flo, who
! had been Iva's bosom friend and confidaEt
for years, who had read all of Rutherford
desperately in love with his picture.
So Iva thought of all this, and a little
smile parted her lips-making the loveliest
dimpple on n cheek-as she thought of
Florence Sydney's daily expected arrival
for a long visit, and how her handsome
brother would be sure to succumb, and
give her Florence for a sister.
Mr.. Hope saw the smile, and looked Gu
riouslY at her.
swell, tell me what is so pleasant for
| you to contemplated"
Iva's smile developed into a Joyous little
laugh.
81 was thinking what a splendid time
we will have when Florence comes. Oh.
Rutherford, you must fall in love with
her! She is just as sweet as sweet
can be, and oh, heiress to 1 can't tell you
how much !"
Her enthusiasm fell on very rocky
ground, for Mr.. Hope only settled himself
more laZily in the corner of the ph8ton,
and pulled his hat over his eyes to shield
them from the sun
"You are very considerable, my dear, in
offering such a charming temptation; but
I may as well relieve your anxious mind
at once, and assure you, that of all things
l detest in this world, one is your school
girl divinity, and the other-an heiress."
A frowp Wrinkled Iva's low, white fore
head.
s'Oh, Rutherford! The idea of despis-
ing Miss Sydney because she has money!
Suppose when 1 60 into society the same
remarks are applied to mt ?"
He showed his teeth for a second in an
amused smile.
"Don't be profound, Iva. You are
sweet. pretty and refined-"
She broke in, excitedly;
''And Florence is a hundred times more
SO! Rutherford, please don't be ugly when
she comes ?"
"Ugly! 1 ugly! Now, sis, that's too
bad2 But I tell you frankly, 1 don't an
ticipate seeing much of her. I can enjoy
it in Observation-Disclosures, naughty.
vulgarly conscious of her personal and
golden charms! No, thank you, Iva.
When I marry. it will be to a girl who
never knew what it was to have a second
silk dress to her name-ons of your quiet,
gentle, sensitive 1owerets, who will not
have to W everything that makes life
pleasant and happy to me-"
After that, the drive didn't seem so
pleasant, and Iva's cheeks were considera-
ably more flushed than usual when she
threw the reins to the groom in waiting,
and ran up the marble steps to greet a
yelled young lady who had arrived a mo-
ment before.
In the elegant, large bedroom to which
Iva conducted her guest, the girls had a
long, confidential talk.
Its too awfully horrid in him, Florence!
l know he would just worship you II ne
knew you; but he will not give you a
chance to become intimately acquainted.
It you were a poor, miserable, lovely
Florence sydney! Oh, FloI' I can tx it