South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-05-31
A pretty Story of a Pearl Cross.

~ pS"ti SaOoo wa au hCiTlOOIu. En-
Ia wore 1t the first time ever saw her,
aud noticed its beauty rs 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
fawn's.
think 1 loved Henrietta Raymond
the first hour in which I met her mt q
small party my Aunt Hilda gave in
honor OF my return from long bust.
hess trip in western cities. When the
party was over, Aunt Hilda told me that
Miss Raymond was the niece Of new
conner in our village-a retired clergy
man-who had taken house very near
GU, own.
Had she been a 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.
i 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 | hal obtained good situa.
ton in commercial house in New
York. and was putting all my spare
funds into Aunt lIilda's keeping, for her
own comfort.
l had been absent more than year
on business for the firm, and was enjoy
ing n vacation Of months duration
when | met, wood and won Henrietta
Raymond. 1 courted her with all my
heart, and when she acknowledged she
loved me, my cup Of happiness was full
Her uncle. Mr.. Raymond, when 1
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 l was troubled by
frequent attacks Of vertigo, and look.
Ell forward TO my months vacation as
much-needed rest as we'll as pleasure
10 my great disappointment it was post
poned until September, and | was really
i'll when at last packed my trunk and
took the train for home. Before | saw
Eta was Frustrated by an attack Of
fever that threatened my life, depriving
me Of consciousness for weeks. When
| recovered there fell upon mc!a blow
that caused a dangerous relapse Twas
blind. Our only doctor said hopclessly.
incurably blind.
1t 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 upon
weak and aged woman. My gifts to
Aunt lllda were melting away fast un
der medical expenses, and there was
only her small income for our support.
But for Eta believe l should have
taken my own life in these dark, de.
spairing days. Yet she was very angel
OF comfort. She refused TO accept my
offered release from her engagement, and
actually proposed an Immediate marri-
age and emigration to New York, where
she was sure she could find work Oh,
my darling how my heart wrapped you
close in those dark hours, when all 9TH
or hope or JOY seemed stricken from my
life. Every day rs / sat in our tiny par
lor, helpless and idle, Eta came to me,
pressing her soft lips upon nv blind
eyes, and whispering words of comfort.
She read to me, talked to me. and
played upon Aunt Iilda's old.fashioned
piano all my favorite airs. If the wealth.
or was fine we walked out, Eta leading
me to retired spots.
But | :nourne1 for my future! What
was life to be to me? I must learn some
new pursuit to win bread, or depend up-
on charity. | was well again and strong.
and every drop OF my young blood was
in revolt at my enforced idleness.
At Christmas time Mr.. Raymond's
only son came from Chicago for a visit.
| had heard Of Albert Raymond from
Aunt llilda. From his mother lie had
inherited fortune, and he had loved his
cousin Eta. Because of her refusal TO
be his wife he had gone to Chicago.
where he was adding TO his heritage by
successful land speCulations.
was prepared to he jealous Of Albert
Raymond, for Eta always spoke kindly
Of him, giving him warm sisterly afTec.
ton. But after he came. though he was
cordially pleasant with me, hated him.
Before he had been home week knew
THAT he and Eta had some secret be.
tween them. | could grope my way by
that time TO several Of the ncighborinp
houses. and was often Etta's visitor, as
she had been mine whilst was getting
we'll
More than once, coming across the
garden, ] could hear Eta and Albert
conversing in an animated, eager tone,
to stop abruptly the moment | appear.
cd, or awkwardly TO introduce general
subjects which was sure we're not the
subjects Of their original conversation. |
a visitor came from New York 20 Mr.
IRaymonds. n friend Of AlberCs; and
Eta insisted upon my inviting him !
home TO my aunCs house.
lie was gruh-spoken man, and talk. |
ed necessarily OF my affection. Know |
ing how lshrank from any conversation. |
from any sympathy upon this subject. |
Eta had always dclieately led all such |
l.