Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-11-26

which have SO long looked forward to is
occurring, and it would not be right to let
the golden chance slip into futurity. This
walk is limited. as indeed all walks are,
pleasant or unpleasant; but it naturally lies
in our power Gf business is not pressing)
to lengShen it. Miss Janet-Janet, dear
Shall We lengthen this walk through our
lives?''
"Why, John p exclaimed Janet, with
difficulty suppressing laugh.
"One minute, " interrupted John, falling
on his knees. Begging your pardon, Miss
Janet one more minute of my discourse be-
fore you decide my fate. Let me tell you
how / have worshipped you from below
while you have been sitting in your cham
Der above. How I've moved about the court
thinking of the star that was shining over
my head, which my lady showed as seldom
as her diamonds; and how I've said to my
self, again and again, as it was presumption
to think o.. that star. But when it's fallen
out Of its situation, cases is altered. The
star IL want another ffrmament, to shine in; !;
and if John Smith has saved enough money
to buy that same armament, why should he
not step in and take his chance of winning,
same as any other fellow?"
"Why not, indeed?" said Janet, striving
to be serious.
Gay, Why not ?'' reiterated the enamor-
ed footman, unconscious of the emotion he
was raising in the bosom of the fair one be-
fore whom he knelt. "'Faint heart never
won fair lady, as the proverb goes, and my
hearts fair enough, knows. 1t beats fer
you alone, Janet, darling-you alonep'
And he endeavored to secure her hand,
in order to seal his words with kiss,
'fFie, Johnp' exclaimed Janet, eluding
the attempt. 'Get up, and don't talk any
more nonsense"
'Nonsense p cried John, starting to his
feet ooh, Miss Janet, 'tis solemn serious
ness, as befitting the occasion which now
casts gloom over our noble house. You'll
have no home when my poor lady's buried,
and want to provide you with one. Is
that nonsense?"
An indignant and suffering expression
stole over the footman's handsome features
as he put the question.
"Well, no; not exactly" answered Janet,
anxious to smooth Cupid's ruffled locks
"Of course, Pm very grateful to you for the
thought, John; but"
'But what? You love some one else?"
'Oh, dear, no." replied Janet, quickly
81 thought you did. l fancied Mary was
your sweetheart, and these manifestations
of feeling for me on your part are con-
sequently unexpected"
''Mary p cried the footman, opening his
eyes to their widestssextent "Why, miss,
nary thing? Mary is the butler's choice.
may have hada Irritation with her-indeed,
will not deny that I am now in row
about such a catastrophe; but l always look
ed higher for I've had from my youth up
ward state for ginteelity and brain, both
of which gifts are contained in your lovely
person, and shall be sacred in my charge if
you will entrust me with them. Come say
the word, sweet Janet ! Do not hesitate!
say you'll be mineP'
81 can't really can't! I'm very scrryH'
said Janet, hurrying forward to hide her
face.
An 10 6oniciOn i,ra l1lo r,ico2,' |
asked John, pursuing her with tears i'll his
eyes.
''Quite irrevocable," answer ed Janet, |
without turning round. "And now let us
90 home l'' which they did without another
word, for the lady 's-maid took care to keep
so far ahead that further conversation was
impossible.
John watched the woman who had refus-
ed his hand and his heart disappear behind
the green baize door which led to her apart
ment, and then went sorrowfully away; but
before ne reached the cooks premises, the
delicious odor of something she was keep
ing hot for him revived his dropping spirits,
and suggested the reflection that the presi-
ding female deity of the kitchen might be a
more agreeable partner than a lady's-maid,
after all.
Meanwhile the lady who had dared to
reject this devoted swain sped swiftly TO-
wards her own little bower; but she was
not destined to reach it withoutan Interrupt
tion.
Halfway there, On the first landing, she
encountered Roland Cavel, who had been
watching for her.
"Ahr' he exclaimed at last; II thought |
you would never come"
''Did you not understand my message?''
asked Janet, who was very much surprised
at the meeting.
eyes, I did," replied Roland. "You will
try to grant my wish, and you will meet me
tomorrow morning in the park, by the old
oak, to tell me the result"
: "If can," murmured Janet.
s'Thank you-thank you" whispered
Roland; and before the lady's-maid could
utter another word, the master had pressed
his lips on the hand which his servant had
so lately striven to seize for the same pur-
pose.
The next moment Janet stood alone.
ITO be continued
BURCHARD's BLUNDER.-The Rev. DR..
Burchard, in a recent letter to friend, ac-
knowledges that if he could have foreseen