Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-28

in their loneliness, and the widow would
give me one of her sweet smiles, and [ was
! thankful in nv Utmost heart that they
were lonely, and that it fell to my lot to
cheer them. So the weeks passed, until
the time came for the departure of Mrs.
+, Lees friend.
| Now had int nded to pass month or
two in England before coming home, but
when found the widow was to return in
ten days, began to think that my duty
called me back to my business.
s'Do you know of any one going on the
15th?' the widow asked me, one evening
in her dove-like way.
''No one but myself" I answered.
Business has called me sooner than 1 ex-
pected.'
'.How delightful ~ from the widow:
while Mrs. Lee exclaimed, ''Oh, Mr.. Rem
ington, am so glad! l couldn't bear the
idea Of my friend going entirely alone, and
Of all others you will know best how to
4 take care of her.
| We then began to make our plans. Mrs.
- intended making a visit Of few
| days to some friends in London. [ was
going direct to Liverpool. Mrs. Lee and
l drove down to see our friend off, and l
looked forward to the pleasure of meeting
her on board the steamer. My last days
were spent in Paris saying ''good-bye" to
old friends, and buying presents for sister
| Nell and the children. at last / was on
the steamer. By my side was the widow,
and thought that had never seen her
| look so lovely. exulted IN the knowledge
| that she knew no one on board. | was her
| only friend, consequently l should have
| her all to'myself; this was $50 [ said to my
self what had for weeks been longing
for Was in love? That question had
not occurred to me. felt supremely hap
by, and thought the situation delightful.
was ready to do any thing for this fair
creature. She had only to command; l
was all eagerness to obey. soon had OPP
portunities of showing my devotion.
The following morning l came out on
deck very early, and was surprised to find
my little lady already there. She looked
very miserable and very pretty. The
morning salutation was over, l asked her
how she had slept.
81 haven't slept at ALL she said in
fretful, childish way, which l thought
charming. "Such a noise all night,' she
continued, 81 could not get 10 sleep; and
the smells are simply dreadful. must
have another room. I'd rather sit up here
all night than sleep in that horrid place
again. Don't you think, Mr.. Remington,
| if you asked the captain or somebody, he
would give me another state-room?" and
her big eyes looked inquiring into mine.
| ssCertainly,'' 1 said, 81 will go at once
yon shall change with me. Take my
room, which is good one, and as l don't
mind either noise or smells, your room
will suit me we'll enough"
The next discovered was that my lady
bad no sea chair. There was only one
left, and that had been spoken for; but
paid double the amount, and the chair was
mine. M
s'You are so kind, Mr.. Remington - she
said. 81 don't know what [ should have
done without you. l am not fit to travel
alone,'' she added, in childish tones.
1 longed to press her to my heart and
iell her of my love; and if she would but
let me, it would be the JOY of my life to
care for her. l looked all this; l am sure
[ did But there were too many people
around for me to speak. She sat with her
hands folded in her lap, and looked divine
ly unconscious.
The third day out the weather became
bitterly cold.
81 am almost Irozen,'' said Mrs..
''What shall I do? [ have nothing to
wrap around me, and shall have to stay
below, and oh, dear it is SO uncomfort-
able there!'' The face turned up to mine
was the face Of spoiled child.
Now had fine English rug, which l
had used at night, for you know every
thing at sea is so horribly damp. 1t had
been great comfort to me, and [ knew
that I should miss it. But what Of that?
I couldn't see the woman / loved suffer.
so | got it, and tucked her all up in it.
Her delicious smile repaid me for the
sacrifice.
ooh, how NIGEL" she said, as she put
her hands under the rug. 1T seems to
me, Mr.. Remington, that you have every
thing to make one comfortable. I never
heard of such man. lam so glad that
| I came under your care!"
was so love-strickell that did not re
Of the fact that l had deprived myself of
these comforts in order that she should be
made comforta BILE.
Every day had it upon my lips to tell
her of my love. Each day courage for
SOCK me- We walked the deck day after
day. She would put her little soft hand
on my arm in the most confding way,
look up from under her curls, laugh her
low, sweet laugh, and ask. the most child
ish, innocent questions.
We were walking this way on the sixth
day out. I had carefully rehearsed my
part, and was about to tell my story. Her
conversation seemed to lead to it, for she
| said.
"You will come to see me when you
are in New York, won't you, Mr.. Reming-
ton?"
Nothing" I said, would give me
greater pleasure"
"Yo GU will come often? Promise to dine
at our house once week. You won It for
get me?' and the blue eyes sought mine.
1 looked into them, and my look told
what my tongue had refused to say. I