Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-08-26
Lord Aubyn's Choice.
BY ST. ELVAH LEE.

Late Saturday evening, travelling
carriage drove up to the hotel in Boon
ford, and quite a young gentleman
alighted from the vehicle and was shown
to room.
He was tall, with promise of fine
figure when fully matured. He was
near his majority, and the only son of
Scotch Lord, though he travelled incog-
nito.
His manners were quiet, though en-
gaging, and in his general demeanor q
perfect gentleman.
After completing his education, his
father wished him to travel in America
He was charmed with the beautiful
grandeur of the scenery. He had stood
on Mt. Washington and viewed the
surrounding country for miles. What
must the world look like, if mortal eye
could take the panorama in at one view.
if this one small scenic view appeared
SO grand? He had stood by Niagara's
noisy grandeur with almost bated
breath, listening to the mighty roaring.
No one could view this magnificent
sight without acknowledging there must
be Superior Being.
The next morning being the Sabbath,
he inquired of the proprietor of the ho-
tel if there was church in the village;
being answered in the affirmative, he
repaired there.
The feeling inculcated by his mother
reverence for the Sabbath-led him
to enter the unpretending little church,
with its unstained windows; but if the
Groves were Gods first temples,
so He could reign, and approach as nigh
these worshippers here in this plain
edifice as the grand pile of architecture
in Glasgow at which he worshipped.
He found seat, but was drawn by a
voice in the choir, which attracted and
made more impression on him than the
discourse of the minister afterwards.
glance in the direction Of the charm
ing voice; he did so, and found the
beauty of her face to equal the match
less depth and finish of her voice.
$50 youthful looking, and such cul-
.tivated voice; what charming facet
so soliloquized the young Lord.
The only daughter of Horace Cot
tringham, professor in ~. College,
and having several sons elder than Ell
len, all of whom wishing her to be an
ornament to society, as well as an ac-
complished lady, bestowed their talents
in giving the daughter and sister oppor-
tunities to complete finished educa-
ton, which, at the age of seventeen,
she had accomplished, and is where we
now find her.
Music, vocal and instrumental, being
favorite studies, she had devoted much
time and attention to them, and played
and sang with the heart as well as the
voice.
A beautiful face Is hard to describe
without being seen, as expression de-
stroys or adds SO much effect to real
beauty.
She was that happy medium, neither
blonde nor brunette; as beautiful in the
bright flashing colors as in the soft neu-
trail shades; the hair was rich brown,
with shades of lighter color playing
over it; her forehead low and broad
the eyes dark grey, with long, dark
lashes beautiful nose, chiu, and
mouth.
1.-THE impression made on Lord Au-
byn was a permanent one"
At dinner he inquired who she was.
miss Cottringham, Prof. C,''s only
daughter, as nice lady as is in the
county; her father is poor, but he has
educated her to fill any position in the
land; no doubt she may marry well,
but expect she will have to teach, u
said the loquacious landlord.
"Not if can induce her to be Lady
Aubyn," this mentally; audibly, "Why
will she teach ?"
"Well, she has certain kind of pride,
as well as a dutiful regard towards her
parents, iora wing her advantages above
her station"
Monday, Lord A. found an opportu-
nifty of being introduced to Prof. c..
who, wishing him to enjoy bimself
while in the village, invited him to call
which he did that evening, and went
back to his room in different state OF
feeling from any previous experience;
He stayed in the village several days and
still fingered, sketching; often attend
ing Helen in her walks. This was a
delightful season to him, the dawning
of pure first love. He had deiiberated
with himself to leave without making
! his feelings known to her, until con
Guiding his tour in the South and West,
or to make himself known in his true
character, for he was only Mr.. Ronald
Aubyn.
He had written to his parents some
| days ago in reference to the subject
telling Helen's surroundings but,
my dear parents, she is beautiful ano
accomplished enough to wear coronet
or grace your drawing-room with any
Of the Scotch ladies; then her name is
Helen, reminder of sister. who used
to be my playmate and loving sister,