Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-11-09
A Touching Love Story.
CHAMBERMAID IN ST. LOUIS.
From the St. Louis Globe Democrat

THE MARRIAGE OF RICH GERMAN TO A
CHAMBERMAID IN ST. LOUIS.
From the St. Louis Globe Democrat.
Some years ago there lived in the city of
Mobile. Ala, a family named Riyes, con-
sisting Of father. mother and three
daughters. aged respectively S Is and II
years, the girls being remarkable for their
beauty. and the two eldest, especially, ex
ceed,ngly we'll educated and accomplished
and most brilliant pianists. Colonel Rives
Was la gely interested in several planta-
lions, possessed property in the city of Mo-
bile proper and was regarded as one of the
leading citizens. Reverses of fortune came.
were soon reduced to decidedly small
means. In addition to other misfortunes
Colonel Rives was one day accidentally
killed by the explosion of a steam boiler
upon one of his plantations. Mrs. Rives
came to st. Louis to make living for her
children and hard struggle followed.
Eloise, the eldest daughter, was obliged at
last to become chambermaid in a hotel
and the Others of the family obtained a
home at the residence of Mrs. Warehouse.
About three months ago there stopped
at the hotel German from Colorado
named K. Stager, a chemist and metal
lurgist by profession. and who resided IT,
the village of G ~ field. thriving hamlet
in the Centennial S'ate. Fortune having
been kind to him he had gained compe-
tency amouating to about $4,000 Upon
arriving he immediately fell violently in
love with the pretty chambern aid, and
Miss Rves was then able to boast of two
vers who swore they were both ready to
die for her. with possibility Of the reject
I'd one doing likewise if she so desired
The girl did not receive Stager's atten.
tons with favor, he being more than twice
her age, so she kept herself fancy free for
all that the outside world knew. etager
went back to Colorad with the intention
of forgetting her. if possible, but found
himself unable to do so. and after staying
away about one month, returned to st
Louis gain, stopping at the Hotel Hunt,
loving the girl as fondly as ever; but she
still refused to give him any encourage
ment. About three weeks ago Miss Rves'
eyes became affected, and being seriously
ill she was oblighd TO leave her place in
the hotel. Mrs. Waterhouse took her to
her own home, where the could be proper
ly cared for and where mothers tender
hands coald ease her daughters pain.
Then followed test of Stager 8 affec-
ton and loyalty. BY night and by day he
thought of nothing but the girl be so fond
ly loved. Flowers, fruit and every deli
c9cy obtalnable he had sent to the house
where his love lay sick. Every expense
was paid by him and he used his money
solely for his bene tit. Her heart could not
Whilst and these proofs of his devotion,
family. she consented to become his wife.
Yesterday was fixed upon as the wedding
day. and at 2 clock in the afternoon, Or.
Vincl appeared at the residence of Wa
terhouse for the purpose Of performing the
ceremony. The girl soon to become wife
still occupied her bed unable to move
Sweetsmelling fiIwers graced the room,
and in her hand she held bunch of for
get-me- nots. Through the open window
the sun shone brightly, throwing slanting
sunbeams upon her wasted form. At her
side stood her future husband, while
around the bed we're gathered her mother
and sisters, Mrs. Waterhouse who had
helped to nurse, few friends of tie fam
lily, and Globe Democrat reporter.
Solemnly and quietly the two we're we'd
ded and joined together for life, During
her sickness she had become blind, and
while the GER. mony was being performed,
helplessly extended her arms to her lover,
as if to keep him ever near her, and as he
placed the wedding ring upon her finger. a
bird e Nv in at the window and perched
upon the head of the bed Though the
wife will probably never rise from her bed
again, Stager insisted that the coming of
the bird was a good omen and sure sign
thav his love would recover.