South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1879-07-25
A Lucky Sovereign.

lney made strikingly contrasting
picture standing in the warm June twi-
light. and the fragrant odors Of the ro-
ses and the woodbine. aud the budding
grapevines, fingered around them as if
the tender scents were fitting tributes TO
them.
Two fair young girls, the same age to
an hour. and as unlike as sisters could
possibly be, and each perfect type Of
her own style OF loveliness-both Of
them peeresses in their royal dover OF
beauty.
Rose stood leaning against the railing
OF the verandah, her naughty eyes, that
could melt from the cool. brilliant gray
they now looked, into such liquid dark :
ness when occasion required-splendid
calm, cold eyes were roaming away out
into the gathering dusk that was falling
in purple. gray OF tissue over wood
and lawn.
She turned her face toward her COM
panion. Her eyes suddenly relaxed in
their wandering, listless glance, and
showed a half.vcxed, half-amused ex.
preston.
BELL, how much longer are We going
to stay here-at least how much longer
do you want to stop? l am sure shall
die OF ennui if l have much more of it,"
20, don't think Of going back TO town
yet, Rose. l wish we might never have
to GO"
Never go backp Why, Bell, is it
possible you are so infatuated with the
country as to actually wish thatp Child,
for three months 1t is all very we'll 10
bury ones, self, as we are buried, and
I've no doubt that mama will feel much
better and stronger for it but TO stay
longer. in hired cottage, with only one
half-grown girl to assist in the work and
no amusements Of any sort, aud our
joint stock OF earnings exhausting itself
daily tell you. Bell. prefer our own
suite OF rooms at home. and my music
scholars. and your bookkeeping. with a
chance Of occasional enjoyment"
IL dare say you're right, dear. But
do love the country, Rose
80 would |, il. for instance, lived
in the mansion over yonder, Fernley
Court, you knaw, where the stately house
keeper showed us through and descan-
ted on the many qualities and vast
wealth of its owner. forgot to tell you
Bell, that there will be grand reception
given week after he comes back, and
he is expected hourly"
Bell lifted her eyes in graceful little
gesture Of surprise.
"A receptionP Oh, Rose, and ofcoursc
thero'll be dance. Oh, dear, how I'd
like to co.
'Of course you'd like to go. But dc
you think for moment that the aristo
cratic families around here would condo
scend to associate with us?"
Bells face grew stern.
why not? We are ladies born md
bred. il we do work for living"
You foolish child. tell you GU,
faces and our handsome dresses, if We
had chem, would take US where our fami
~ name would not And can tell vol
something else. Bell"
The little gate at the roadside opened
at that instant. and the sound OF tagging
footsteps coming toward the house inter
rupted Roses remark. and then a dusty
travel-stained man paused Mt the foot o
the steps and touched his dingy hat riu
to the girls.
He was evidently one Of the man,
respectable, discouraged. disheartencC
men one so often secs tramping through
the country in search OF work.
Rose drew herself up.
go away. We have nothing for You
We don't encourage trsmps.''
lie touched his hat-the rim was d O.
cidedly battered and dusty.
Il beg your pardon, ladies'; but IL yo,
will give me "a"
Rose swept across the floor angrily.
"Will you march on, or will I hay,
the dog set on your Bell, 90 tell Jane
to unfasten Rover"
The man turned away slowly, as If tC
move was an effort. and Bell spranC III
in an impulse Of remonstrative protest.
Rose. how can you be so heartlessi
He is pale as death. and only sec how
no drags himself along You might a,
least have given him kind word and s
piece OF bread ard butter.
A contemptuous laugh pealed from
Roses red lips.
"rired and III Drunk and thief
/ you'd better say. a piece OF bread ant
butter Absurd, Bell
Bell raised her finger warninply.
ooh. Rose. don't he'll hear you ~
Rose raised her voice n key higher.
LET him hear, then Perhaps yor
bad better sit e watch hat he does no,
faint and fall"
She swept haughtily into the house
leaving Bell with her cheeks flushing
and compassion. born Of sweet. womaniv
sympathy glowing in her blue eyes as
she watched the man walk slowly. pain.
fully along, and finally halt at tho pate
as II in utter discouragement at this
long stretch Of road between him and "a,
next house. where he might hpd What
Rose had rudely denicd-the MAGMA
cent country scat OF Lionel Granville
from whose doors no beggar was ever
turned away hungry.
Bell saw him, and her quick instinct
told her what she imagained his manner
! meant.
Quick as bird she dashed up stairs
D no I'm 4