Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-09-03
A Lucky Sovereign.

1ney maue StrlhlnSly COhuao'i"S >
picture standing in the warm June twi-
light, and the fragrant odors OF the ros-
es and the woodbine, and the budding
grapevlnes, fingered around them as II
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 oil
her own style of lovelness-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 q half.yexed, half-amused ex'
preston.
BELL, how much longer are we gong
IN stav here-at least how much longer
do you want to stop? l am sure l shall
die of enuui If I have much more of it. ,
%, don't think OF gong back to town
vet, Rose. wish we might never have
to co.
Never 90 back? Why, Bell, is it
possible you are so infatuated with the
country as to actually wish that? Child.
for three months it is all very we'll to
bury ones self, as We are buried, and
I,ye 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, and our
Joint stock Of earnings exhausting itseli
daily 1 tell you, Bell, l prefer our own
suite of rooms at home, and my music
scholars, and your bookkeeping, with a
chance of occasional enjoyment
4 dare say you're right, dear. But
do love the country, Rose
so would 1, if, for instance, lived
in the mansion over yonder, Fernlsy
Court, you know, where the stately
housekeeper showed US through and de-
scanted on the many qualities and vast
wealth OF its owner. l forgot To tell you
Bell, that there will be grand recep-
ton given a week after he comes back,
and he is expected hourly
Bell lifted her eyes in graceful little
gesture of surprise.
"A reception? Oh, Rose, and OF course
there'll be a dance. Oh, dear, how I'd
like to CO.
'Of course you'd like to 60. But do
YOU think for moment that the aristo-
cratic families around here would con
descend to associate with us9'
Bells face grew stern.
why not? We are ladies born ant
bred, if we do work for living
You foolish child. 1 tell you ou
faces and our handsome dresses, if W.
had them, would take US where ou1
family name would not. And can tel
you something else, Bell
The little gate at the roadside opened
at that instant, and the sound OF lag
ging footsteps coming toward the house
interrupted Roses remark, and then
dusty, travel.stainsd man paused at th'
foot of the steps and touched his dingl
hat rim to the girls.
He was evidently one Of the many
respectable, discouraged, disheartenet
men one so often sees tramping through
the country IN search Of work.
Rose drew herself up.
Go away. We have nothing for you
We don't encourage tramps.'
He touched his hat-ths rim was de
cidedly battered and dusty.
L beg your pardon, ladies but If yol
will give me "a
Rose swept across the floor angrily.
viii you march on, or will hav'
the dog set on you? Bell, 60 tell JAM
to unfasten Rover
The man turned away slowly, as If u
moyc was an effort, and Bell sprang u
| in an impulse of remonstrative protest
Rose, how can you be so heartless
He is pale as death, and only see hov
be drags himself along! You might a
least have given him kind word and
piece of bread and butter.
A contemptuous laugh pealed fror
Roses red lips.
Tired and ill! Drunk and q THE
you'd better say. A piece OF bread an
butter Absurd, Bellv
| Bell raised her finger warningly.
oh, Rose, don't! he'll hear you?
Rose raised her voice key higher.
Let him hear, then! Perhaps 20
had better sit and watch that he doe
not faint and fall.'
She swept haughtily into the house
leaving Bell With her cheeks flushing
and compassion, born Of sweet, woman
ly sympathy, glowing in her blue eye
as she watched the man walk slowly
painfully along, and finally halt at tn
) ] gate as If in utter discouragsmsntatth th