Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-07-23
W0man's Story.
RY DOCTOR SCOTT PARR.

l should have Deen Deller. L InlSn
have been worse. How much better
how much worse, the story will disclose
| had Just entered my seventh yeal
when my father, NJ. Viele. gave me
new mother in the person of the hand
some and imperious widow of one Col
onel Lalor, and brother in Mrs. I.alor''
only child boy Of twelve.
A,ber, Lalor, with his handsome face,
strong will and pleasant ways, soon be-
came my master, ruling MY impetuou'
spirit with success that no one else
could. Madame Viele looked on with a
proud, self satisfied smile, and more
than once l heard her murmur in her
sweet and imperious tones:
They must marry, Philippe. Your
vi must be my Albert's wife,
And my father would laugh and nod
his head approvingly, evidently well
pleased with the idea.
But these happy days slipped by all
too rapidly.
Ny father died. Albert was finishing
his collegiate course. |, in accordance
with fathers will, was sent to Paris to
be finished under the care Of his old and
valued friend, Madame Dupont.
-Four years later l returned to my
step-mother.
TWAS near tie close OF bleak win
ter day that reached Gray Fell. But
bleak as it was my handsome, stately
step-mUther met me on the steps OF the
great plllared portlco.
sAhn she exclaimed, half under her
breath. as she held me off moment
and kecnly scrutinized me with her
great, lustrous black eyes. Then a
warm smile parted her lips, and kissing
me .enderly, she added:
You are beautiful, my child-iar
more beautiful than imagined. Albert
will be charmed, All! blush dear
est? You have not forgotten my old
hope, then! But, come, come dear, the
air is bitterly KEEN
And gathering upthc shining length
Other black satin she swept queen-like
before me, pausing only long enough in
the hall TO allow a kindly word or two
to the assembled servants.
Then, with rare cOndescension, she
led me up stairs TO my chamber
AS we entered the dressing room she
glanced at the time-piece and turned 10
my mad:
Take Mademoisclle's wraps, Man
lon.' she said, quickly and imperiously,
and then lay out some other handsom-
est dresses > adding, smilingly, as her
eyes turned 10 me l shall superintent
your toilet this evening, my dear. Din.
ner will be served in less than an hour
and want you to appear at you. BEST
when you descend 10 the drawing room.
Albert shall be dazzled at first sight,
| blushed, and. with a low, happy
laugh. she kissed me and patted my
burning cheeks.
The business of tho toilet concluded,
Madame Viele stepped back and eyed
me critically. A glowing smile directly
attcsted her entire satisfaction ; but she
cried eagerly:
You are glorious, Vi!-simply glO-
rious IA very Eastern princess from
your tawny head TO your fairy feet! |!
That ruby velvet, with its rich laces, be-
comes your splendid brunette beauty
rarely, while those creamy white roses
adoru your dusky locks most faultlessly.
Ah, child, l am proud of you! you are
sure to charm my uoble boy. But come,
darling she concluded hastily, he re-
turned from town some time ago; let
US descend
When we entered the brilliantly light
ed drawing room it was tenanted by two
nersons-a handsome, kingly looking
man, whom l recognized at once as my
step. brother, and tall, slender girl,
with heavenly blue eyes, pearly skin,
and a shimmering crown of pale, golden
hair.
A faint damask tinted the girls cheek
as we entered, and l noticed that the
gentleman rose with suspicious haste
from the chair very close 10 her own.-
fancled. too, that he had even more
hastily dropped one Of the dainty white
hands toying with bunch of blue for
get-me.nots that matched tiny cluster
half hidden in the nOssy gold of her
lovely hair.
| had heard of this fair girl, and that
her home would henceforth be at Gray
Fell. But, for the first time 1t occurred
10 me tina! she might be destined to ster
between me and the man had slowly
learned TO think OF only TOO tenderly.
With sharp jealous pang I extend
ed my hand TO Albert Lalor. who had
fastened 10 me, his fine eyes glowing
with admiration and pleasure.
His greeting was cordial and evident
ly, pleased his mother.
: But why don't you kiss her, my son,
as in the old daysr she smiled gayly.
And, with an answering smile, Albert
bent his grand head and pressed his
bearded lips lightly 70 mine.