Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-05-14
The Heirloom.
Y STORY OF A PEARL CROSS

The pearl cross was an heirloom. Et-
ia wore it the first time / ever saw her,
and noticed its beauty as it rested up
on knot of deep blue ribbons at her
throat. Ribbons and pearls both suited
her fair complexion, deep golden hair,
and brown eyes, large and soft as a
fawn's'
think I. loved Henrietta Raymond
the first hour in which / met her at a
small party my Aunt Hiida gavein
honor of my return from long busi-
ness trip in western cities. When the
party was over, Aunt Hilda told me that
Miss Raymond was the niece of a new
conner in our village-a retired clergy
man-who had taken house very near
our own,
Had she been great heiress or very
fine lady L might never have drawn her
into my heart of hearts, as / did very
soon. But she was loving girl, pos
sessing no worldly wealth, and we met
on terms of perfect social equality.
! was an orphan who owed education,
care, everything to Aunt Hilda, who had
an income so very narrow that it must
have cost her many acts of self denial to
support me. But at the time met Eta
Raymond had obtained a good situa-
ton in commercial house in New
York, and was putting all my spare
funds into Aunt Hilda's keeping, lpr her
own comfort.
/ had been absent more than a year
on business for the firm, and was enjoy
ing a vacation of month'a duration
when met, woed, and won Henrietta
Raymond. I courted her with all my
heart, and when she acknowledged she
loved me, my cup of happiness was full.
Her uncle, Mr.. Raymond, when I
placed my worldly prospects before him,
was averse to an immediate marriage,
but gave his hearty consent to our en-
gagement. How the time sped away,
and how much of it we spent side by
side in that happy summer.
A year passed, during which was de-
tanned closely at my post in the count.
ing house, having responsibilities and
duties that kept me far into the night
AS summer drew near 1 was troubled by
frequent attacks of vertigo, and I look
ed forward to my months vacation as
much-needed rest as well as pleasure
To my great disappointment it was post
poned until September, and was really
i'll when at last I packed my trunk and
took the train for home. Before I saw
Eta was prostrated by an attack of
fever that threatened my lie, depriving
me of consciousness for weeks. When
I recovered there fell upon me a blow
that caused a dangerous relapse. I was
blind. Our only doctor said hopelessly,
incurabiy blind.
It was impossible for many bitter
months for me to feel resigned or patient.
prayed to die, rather than to live in
my youth and strength burden Hpon a
weak and aged woman. My gifts to
Aunt Hilda were melting away fast un-
der medical expenses, and there was
only her small income for our support.
But for Eta I believe should have
taken my own life in these dark, de-
days. Yet she was very angel
OF comfort. She refused to accept my
offered release from her engagement, and
actually pFoepossd ap tInmadiaie MARI
age and emigration toNew York, where
she was sure she could find work. Oh,
my darling! how my heart wrapped you
er hope or joy seemed stricken from nv
lor, helpless and idle, Eta came to me.
pressing her soft lips upon my blind
eyes, and whispering words Qf comfort.
She read TO nie, talked to me, and pIay.
ed upon Aunt Hildais old-fashioned
piano all my favorite airs. If the wealth
er was fine we walked out, Eta leading
me to retired spots.
But mourned for my future! What
| was life to ito me? I must learn some
new pursuit to win bread. or depend up
on charity. I was well again apd attohg,
and every dEop Of Ihhy young blood was
in revolt at my enforced idleness.
| At Christmas time Mr.. Raymond's
only son came from Chicago for visit.
had heard of Albert Raymond from
Aunt Hilda. From his mother he had
inherited fortune, and he had loved hia
cousin Eta. Because of her refusal to
be ais wife he had gone to Chicago,
where he was adding to his heritage by
successful land spdculations.
| was prepared to be jealous of Albert
Raymond, for Eta always spoke kindly
OF him, giving him warm sisterly affec-
ton. But after he came, though he was
cordially pleasant with me, hated him.
Aefare he had been home a week knew
that he and Etta had some secret be-
tween them. could grope my way by
tnat Time to several of the neighboring
houses, and was often Etta's visitor, as
well.
% Mo,e than en-, 9nfsa "a Ganlipg across the
gafdeh, could hear Eta and Albert
conversing in an animated, eager tone,
70 stop abruptly the moment l appear
eo, or aWkwardly to introduce general