Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-01-04
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA, FRIDAY. JANUARY 4, 1878.

and never daring to stop till everythlng's
done"
To his surprise Florence received his
edict consolably.
sob, well, Harry. of course if your bust
ness will urge you so and keep you from
having good time, why. that's different.
Poor boy! Don't overwork yourself, will
yoa?"
Harry glanced at her as he took his Pa
mama off the hall rack. Was she in fun?
Then second glance at her placid, de-
mure face re- assured him..
Never fear that, dear. And for being
such sensible little woman you shall have
the handsomest black silk in New York
next fall Pack my portemanteau, will
you wiley, and have it ready for the after
noon boat-fye-thirty."
He kissed her, then rushed up to the nur-
sery for '-by-b by to the pretty youngsters
in their bath, and then went downtown to
arrange matters for the laborious, I'M
enviable trip to Lone Branch.
She watched him down the street, slow
smile gathered on her lips; then turning
somewhat abruptly from the window, she
consulted the merrily ticking clock on the
mantel. then stood moment in thought
full elaboration, and then fastened up
stairs.
| X x
A group of gentlemen were standing
! oh hot iY,o md
the piazza Of the Ocean house, watching
| the steady stream of passing carriages,
promenaders and well-filled hotel stages.
s'There that's the lady I spoke to you
of, Michaelson- yonder, in navy blue, with
the dark veil over her face. I never saw
such perfect picture in my life-and such
a walk ~
| Mr.. Merle indicated quite eagerly the
direction in W ich he wished his compan-
| ion to look.
"She? Oh! think heard she was a
widow-Mrs. Ryye. 1t seems to me I've
seen her several times with Mrs. Cunning
ham, so if you are fascinated, Merle, there's
your chance. Laura Cunningham will in
troduce you, won't she?"
Harry stroked his mustache rehectively.
'.Well, she may. If she happens to be In
one of her Jealous moods, though"
Miehaelson laughed.
Upon my word, Merle, you're too bad.
You, All old married man, wife and babies,
snug and happy at home, and going it so
deep with every pretty face your fancy"
Harry knocked the slender ashes off his
cigar with scientific precision
ssNot so bad, old fellow. just remember
it all amounts to nothing, and just forget
there is a wife and babies in the back
ground
"I'm agreed-only wouldn' do it. By
the-by, yonder comes Mrs. Cunningham.
Yes, she bowed to and exchanged word
with Mrs. Ryve. She is graceful, Merle"
Harry answered enthusiastically
ssIsn't she? l tell you, she interests me
amazingly. She was the first lady [ met
coming up from the train, the day l ar
rived, and [ felt strangely attracted then.
Laura shall introduce me, Or"
"Such an idea, MIS- Rye! Why no one
wears such thick horrible wells as you do.
I am sure there are very few faces among
US that would better bear unwilling. Such
lovely complexion"
Mrs Ryve smiled at Gussie Cunning
hams candid compliment.
ssBesides,'' Gussie continued, give heard
how piqued a number of gentleman are be-
cause of that very veil--Mr. Harry Merle
particularly. You know Mr.. Merle. don't
YOU? Laura's admirer may be betrothed
for all I know to the contrary"
A sudden white palor swept across Mrs.
Ryve's face; but she averted her head SO
suddenly that Gussie did not see it.
He's a real handsome, stylish fellow,
we think. There, Mrs. Ryve, have sue
ceaded in p,nning that spray OF clematls
properly? Thank you. Yes, we ike HIM
amazingly. Laura seems perfectly en-
raptured With him."
Mrs Ryve toyed with her gilt-handed
fan.
ssAnd Mr.-Nlr. Merle you said his name
was-was piqued because l wore veil?'
Gussie laughed.
$50 Laura said. He wantsa introduce
duction to you. Ill give it, if you say so.''
little flash of Mrs. Ryve's eye, and
then her answer:
"Thank you'll No, Miss Cunningham.
I ouly came for quiet and a visit of obser-
walton. [ don't at all care for society,"
ssAll right!" Gussie returned. good ma
turedly, ssAlthough. why ever you came
to the Branch for quiet | can't tell.'
Mr.. Merle stood before his little looking
glass, carefully arranging his hair and Civ
inc sundry finishing touches to his imma-
culate white lawn tea handsome, gay
locking fellow, wearing his IS years very
iigltly-with few worse faults than con-
siderable vanity, and an Unsuitable thirst
for flirting with every new, pretty face.
Not that he didn't love Florence. dearly
and truly he did, only it was SO good to do
little flirting occasionally.
This time Mrs. Ryve was the chief at
traction, before whose mysterious grace
even Laura Cunningham paled. Several
attempts at an introduction had failed,
each failure but adding renewed zest to the
chase, until, in positive despair Harry had
sent her the most elegant basket of flowers,
containing a tiny note that told his keen
admiration, and begging reply.
And there had come dainty little back
handed note accepting the delicate offer
ing. and assuring Mr.. Merle ofMrs Ryve's
gratefulness and appreciation.
Then Harry had written again, and in a