Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-06-23

dolence and gossip they would have to en-
dure, felt that for all the Sights and
scorns Of my unloved girlhood could cry
quits. And | had got my fortune also, and
Norman and I were so completely happy.
We had not care, for Stephen had giver
him $500 bill and month g no liday, ant
told us to get all the pleasure we could GU
of it. We obeyed him implicitly.
During that month things settled down
a little. did not expect to be forgiven
all at once, and was not; but then I was
in position not to worry particularly
about it. We returned very quietly, after
dark one night, very much like two child
rem who have played truant all day, and
crept home at Dightfall with as little os-
tentation as possible.
But at Stamford Hall everything had
been prepared for my comfort. The fires
) were blazing, the gas lighted, and an ex-
cel'ent supper waiting. The next morn.
ing Norman went to his desk, and Steph-
en- took no more notice of his return than
| if he had never left it. People who had
been speculate ing about his losing his posi-
ton, knew in five minutes chat there
would be no change. And every one took
| his tone from Stephen. We were treated
very much like two children who had been
forgiven, and whose fault was not to lie
thrown up to them 20
That was the way the men took it, and
Norman pretended to be satisfied. The
women acted with a great deal more intel
| ligence. They all came to see me, and
though did not give them all credit for
the very kindest Of motives, made them
all welcome. told them about my we'd
ding trip, and showed them my new things,
and daresay the men talked everything
over with them afterward.
But what most puzzled everybody was
that Stephen Baker came 80 otter to see
us, and Was so friendly with Norman
Some thought it very mean spirited in
him, and others remembered that when
he was very young he had loved my moth
or dearly. Even those who spoke kindly
of him did not give him credit for half the
noble unselfshness he had shown; for he
would not let me tell any one that it was
he himself who had planned everything
about my property and my wedding.
'Just let, them say that you Tilted me
Frances, if they please to do so. We know,
better than that, and we will keep our Sc
cret until Miles comes round.
Aunt and uncle both came round sooner
than we expected. When it was known
that Stephen spent so much of his time
with us, Aunt Miles considered the ad-
yantages of having her daughters brought
Familiarity in contact with him, and for
their sake she came to see me and give me
the kiss OF reconciliation. ~
But as far as catching Stephens heart
Gin the rebound was concerned, size was
just little too late. Norman's sister,
! who was teacher in ore of the public
schools of New York, came to spend her
vacation with US, and Stephen fell in love
with her in a way which convinced me
that his love for Frances Halliday had only
been the shadow of the love that he had
for her mother. Why, Norman himself
never behaved more foollshly about me
then Stephen about this little plain Ruth
Strong; for she is plain--every one must
allow that.
And the preparations that are going on
for the marriage quite amuse me, who
might have been the bankers wife myself
Dear me! think love must often laugh
at the kind of people he comes in contact
with. But hope that Stephen will be
happy; do, indeed.
That is all have to say about my mar
riage. think it was rather peculiar
Some women will doubtless say they don't
believe such a man as Stephen exists. But
let a girl when she discovers she does not
like man tell him 80, and ask his advice
and help, and ten to one she will find
another Stephen. flow can men be chiv-
alrous and self-denylng if women don't
give them opportunities? think that is
wrong, and intend always to give Nor
man every chance to cultivate such noble
qualties.--Harper's Weekly.