Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-09-12
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Eyes, sir q widow with one child-a
boy two or three years old"
"She wants lease for twelve months,
you say, and intends to advertise for
boarders ?"
$50 she stated. She came to the Office
yesterday, and seemed disappointed
when told her the owner OF the house
had concluded to withdraw 1t from our
agency, and occupy it himself. Itsuit-
ed her, she said, better than any other
Oh our list. and promised to speak to
you about it,"
"You mentioned my name?"
II did not. 1 told her that possibly
you would be in the office this afternoon,
and-there she is nOw," and the clerk
advanced to meet her.
A tall, slender figure, clad in heavy
mourning robes, with Grape veil laid
back from an almost death-like face and
snowy hair-that was what Russell
Dayton saw.
1.-The gentleman I spoke of has just
If you please, madam"
troduced to her fathers former asso-
ciate. Russell Dayton.
1t was q shock to both, but the lady
was the first to speak, and without en-
barrassment
II have never heard from you since
you left the city, Mr.. Dayton. My
father often spoke of you during his last
days. Is it long since your return ?"
II was away from New York but q
short time. My mother died suddenly,
and have found in an absorbed busi-
ness life the only relief possible for what
was to me an unspeakable loss. For
give me for my selfish allusion. The
years bring sorrows. You have not been
without your portion"
"You would hardly have known me,
I Think" and she smiled family as she
touched her hair land yet this is the
work of five years only. Does it not
seem longer than that since I saw you
in my father's house? But must not
speak of those old days." and added,
hurriedly II have nothing left to re-
mind me of them now."
"Nothing ?" he questioned then am
more fortunate than you. With your
permission will send you package, q
very little one, which you may return to
me Ii 1t does hot prove acceptable. In
case you should care to keep it, however,
I will only ask in return the privilege
of calling upon you"
She flushed slightly. She had not al
together lost sight of the past, and it's
contrast to the present. Then she gave
him her address without hesitation.
II am glad to find that you are the
owner of the house I am SO anxious to
secure for the coming year. Have you
decided to let me have it, Mr.. Dayton ?"
II hear that it is your intention to
take boarders, Mrs. OIiphant. If
thought you would count me as one of
them / should be inclined to oblige you
in the matter. I had thought Of keep
ing the whole of it to myself for bach
elor's hall. Will it incommode you
very much if I do not decide until to-
morrow ?"
"Not at all, as I feel almost sure you
will let me have it, Mr.. Dayton, and I
shall be glad to see you when you
come"
But the little package came first, early
the next morning-a tiny box, holding
a long dead rosebud, and slip of paper
on which was written in q hand she
had once known so well: my very best
wishes for one of my best friends" and
underneath her own name and the date,
January 10. 1857"
ut was such beggarly little gift, to
be kept all these long years." she said
to him few hours later, when clasped
in his strong arms. she smiled up at him
from her happy resting place.
ut was much to me-" he replied, lit
was all dared ask for then ~
"And all I dared to offer, though the
whole heart was yours then as truly as
1t is now."
II think you may have the house,
Louisa" he said demurely, as he left heI
at the door. II see you have forgotten
to ask about it, and the only condition
will name is that you will share it with
me-" And as the condition was not 9
hard one, there could be no objection
made.