Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-02-08
The Pearl Cross Heirloom.

The pearl cross was an heirloom.
Eta wore it the first time 1 ever saw
her, and I noticed its beauty as it rest
ed upon q 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
o fawn's.
I think loved Henrietta Raymond
the first hour I met her at small party
my Aunt Hilda gave in honor Of my
return from long business trip in
Western cities. When the party was
over Aunt Hilda told me that Miss
Raymond was the niece of a newcomer
in our village, a retired clergyman,
who had taken house very near our
own.
Had she been great heiress or very
fine lady / 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 educa-
tion, 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
L met Eta Raymond had obtained q
good situation in commercial house
in New York and was putting all my
spare funds in Aunt Hilda's keeping,
for her own comfort.
had been absent more than year
on business for the firm, and was en-
loying vacation of months duration.
when met, wooed and won Henrietta
Raymond. courted her with all nv
heart; and when she acknowledged she
loved me, my cup of happiness was
Her uncle, Mr.. Raymond, when I
placed my worldly prospects before
him, was averse tv an immediate mar
riage. but gave his hearty consent to
our engagement. How the time speed
ed away, and how much of it we spent
side by side in that happy summer!
A year passed, during which was
retained closely at my post in the
counting house, having responsibilities
and duties that kept me far into the
night: AS summer drew near, I was
troubled with fearful attacks of vertigo.
and 1 looked forward to my months
vacation as a much-needed rest as we'll
as pleasure. To my great disappoint.
ment 1t was postponed until September.
and L was really i'll when at last /
packed my trunk and took the train for
nome. Before saw Eta was pros-
trated by an attack of fever that threat
ened my life, depriving me of con-
seriousness for weeks. When racoy-
cred there fell upon me q blow that
caused a dangerous relapse. I was
Dhnd; our only doctor said hopelessly,
incurably blind.
Ii was impossible for many bitter
months for me to feel resigned or pa
tent. prayed to die, rather than live
IN my youth and strength burden
upon a weak and aged woman. NV
gifts to Aunt Hilda were melting away
last under medical expenses, and there
was only her small income for our sup.
port.
But for Eta believe should have
taken my own life in these dark. DIES.
perate days. Yet she was a yery angel
OF comfort. She refused to accent INV
onered release from her engagement
and actually proposed an Immediate
marriage aHd immigration TO New
iork' where she was sure she could find
work. Oh. my darling! how NV heart
wrapped you close in those dark DAYS
when all other hope or joy seemed
stricken from my life. Every day as I
sai IN our tiny parlor, helpless and
1die, Etta came to me, pressing her soft
lips upon my blind ewes, and vbisper.
ing words Of comfort.
she read to me. talked to me. sang
AND played upon Aunt Hilda's old.
fashioned piano all my favorite airs.
~ the wesfher was fine We walked ON,
Rita Leading me 10 the retired spots.
Bat moRrBed for INV futurei VIVA,
uss life 20 be to me. l must learn some
mes pursuit 10 win bread. or depend
upon charity. i Was we'll again and
s;fong, and every drop Of nv young
blood was in revolt :, cav enforced ale,
AT ChristmH= time Mr.. Rsymond's
9niy son came from Chicago for . VISIT
lad heard Of Albert Raymond from