Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-02-10
For the INDEPENDENT.
Two RasCaIs.

the matter, out had better listen TO
me-"
"Well, uncle, can see no impro-
priety in Mr.. Walton calling here.
He is perfect gentleman, and"
"But," said the uncle, seriously,
''you forget that he is poor and does
not possess those traits so essential
in your circle of friends"
''Does that make any difference 2"
asked pretty Ona Jackson, as she
gazed up into the face of her guar
dian.
'To be sure, my dear, to be sure.
Do you suppose l will tolerate such
a poor and mean man to keep your
company ?"
"There uncle, stop! You have no
right to speak of my friend in such
an ungentlemanly manner" Then,
with little pout on her pretty lips,
his ward passed out into the lovely
flower garden, there to loiter away
the few hours yet remaining of that
bright summers morn.
"Just like her," grumbled Mr..
Jones, as he comforted himself with
a pinch of snuff from the polished
box which lay on the comfortable
''and she will eventually defeat all
my cherished plans. She shall not
beat me at my own game"
A glance at the past may prove of
interest.
Ten years have fled since Hon. j.
A. Jackson, softly sank to rest. His
life had been spent we'll, as his large
bank account attested, and his death
was lamented by all who knew him,
the poor particularly, to whom he had
proven "a friend in time of need"
His wife had died some years before
leaving him with a little daughter,
of three years-Ona. The first thing
after her death was to have his little
girl brought up properly. SO he in
vited his married sister to come and
live with him, to raise Ona and make
a lady of her. She consented, pro-
yided her husband came also. To
this Mr.. Jackson agreed, and uncle
and aunt were duly installed in their
new quarters. Time passed, and at
the age of seven years, Ona's good,
kind father was called from her, and
she was an orphan in the then un-
tried world. 1t had been arranged
that her uncle should be her guar
dian until she became of age, when
all dictations from him should cease,
and she have all belonging to her.
Mr.. Jones while not what the
world calls bad man, yet was not
above suspicion. He had a nephew
named Arthur Gray, and was very
DESTROYS of bringing about match
between them. Arthur Gray was
handsome, and manly looking, but
still a mean and INSCRIPTIONS rascal.
The uncle had skillfully managed to
bring his two ideals together quite
often, and all was so far favorable to
his plans. But just at this time, who
should come between these cousins,
but Hugo Walton, with his large,
dark eyes, girlish face and curly
head. Ona liked him, very much,
at their first meeting, and so, re-
celvlng an invitation from him to
attend a ball on the morrow night,
knowing Mr.. Gray would be absent
for week, she accepted it. The
next night found Mr.. Walton seated
in the grand parlor, waiting for her
appearance. The door opened and
Ona walked in.
GOOD evening, Mr.. Walton"
"Good evening, Miss Jackson.
am so glad to meet you again"
"Thank you," she replied.
Il hope we may have a pleasant
evening; and Miss Jackson, please,
may l have first and third sets with
you?" asked he so softly, that the
young lady seemed to catch his
feelings, for her eyes fell and blush
like the convolutions of the sea she'll
suffused her lovely face. Then she
answered:
Certainly. | assure you it will be
pleasure.
He gave her his arm, and passing
down the steps, they took their seats
in the carriage, and were soon as
cending the porch of the house in
H. ntx L