Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-07-14
Hearts or Diamonds.

I
Lola, Sarah's widowed sister, twelve
years older than the seventeen year old
beauty, who was sewing and signing,
only SAID, gently: I'VE are no poorer
to-day than we have been for many
years, Sarah
No, but faltered Sarah, dropping
her blue eyes, it is my birthday, and
l would like to have something pretty
to wear to Aunt Kate's this evening.
No matter how much trouble myself
over this dress, it is an old muslin, af-
ter ALL
But it will look very NICE
'Nice!' SAID the girl, impatiently; l
want something more than nice! l am
tired OF turning old dresses, dyeing bon
net ribbons, patching, darning and
contriyiug. L want dresses, jewelry
and a carriage! want to try what it is
being rich
'Sarahr Lola said, looking at her
sister, what has Mr.. Gilbert Lee been
saying to you?'
The crimson blood tinged Sarah s face
and throat, and her fingers trembled
over her work.
Tell me urged Lola.
Nothing. AT least nothing more
than he has said hundred times be-
fore. But he wants to see me this ev-
ening, and-anG-'
Sarah paused again, and then said,
speaking very rapidly, L promised
Charley he should go with us TO Aunt
Kate's this evening"
And you think this afternoons In
terview will make you regret your
promise p Lola SAID, sadly.
Il don't know
Sarah put her work aside abruptly,
and took a seat at her SISTERS ieet.
L don't know, Lola, did you love
Frank very, very much"
Yes, DEAR
And yet he was poor. He only left
You the cottage and garden when he
died. Were you ever sorry that YOU
married a poor man, Lola?'
Never, Sarah was the firm answer.
No wealth could have made me as
happy as Franks love. We were poor,
worked hard, and had heavy sorrows
when our babies died Of scarlet fever,
both on the same day. when Frank
broke his arm and lost his situation
bitterest Of all sorrows, when Frank,
too, died; but l never regretted my
marriage for one moment, Sarah. II it
were all 10 1--we over, would marry
Frank
There was a long silence, then Sarah
said in a low tone, Gilbert lee is very
rich, Lola /; his wife need not turn old
dresses nor cook Dinners
Gilbert Lees wife may be very hap
py, Sarah. He is a man for whom l
have a great respect-an honorable
man, generous and tender; but Sarah,
his wife will not be happy if she does
not love him.
The door bell rang at this moment,
and Sarah went out, returning with a
small package and a boquet Of choice
flowers.
Two presents, Lola" she SAID, with
flush of pleasure in her round cheek.
No name with either, only a card OF
birthday congratulations. The flowers
= are from Charley, l am sure. He al
ways sends me boquet for party.
But this-O, Lola! did you ever see
anything so superb p
For the little package, upon being
opened, was found TO contain jewel
basket, upon whose cushion OF deep
purple velvet rested diamond bracelet,
throwing forth brillIanqrays ofllight from
its clasp OF pure gems. Even Lola
gave cry Of admiration as Sarah lifted
the splendid present and clasped it upor
her round white arm.
t Gilbert Lee!' SAID Sarah, and his
r wife may wear such bracelets with satin
and velvet robes. See how it sparkles
Lola Oh, never saw anything half 81
beautiful in my life
1T is beautiful Lola answered, will
painful contraction at her heart, as sh'
!, watched her young sisters beautiiu
countenance, radiant with pleasure a
her gift. But are you Forgetting you
flowers, Sarah9 Shall l put them Int
}. water for you?'
Yes said Sarah, still turning tn
bracelet on her arm, II you will, Lola
lOh, if only had one silk dress to wea
E. with this tonight J!
You mean to accept it, then a? Yo
know what that will imply, Sarah
N such q costly gift as that?'
THAT must say Yes when Gil
v bert Lee comes this afternoon. know
e, will say Yes.' l sm tired ofpoyel
=, ty, and mean TO have some OF th
st delights wealth will bring.
le Lola said no more, She left Sara
to finish trimming her white muslin
and admire her gift, and busted herse
about the house until she saw Gilbel
d Lee coming up the garden walk.
Then she went into the sitting-room
where sarah was folding her dress, an
drawing her little sister into clos
embrace, she whispered, BE sure
your own heart, Sarah
Sarah ran lightly 10 her own room
. smooth her hair and slip On anoth'
dress. In her hand was the velve
a IA oaelat containing the damon