Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-04-29
READY TO BE A POOR MANS WIFE.


stMy choice is made, sister Bell. Give
me your approval"
The elder sister looked at couple of
open letters lying on the writing desk,
before which the speaker sat, her cold
grey eyes softening little as she repli-
ed:
"1f you tell me which of the two you
have chosen can answer you"
you ought to know without being
told'' Stella laughed. s'Clarence, of course. :"
Belle Lawson looked serious.
sStella," she said," / am sorry. Not
that bear Clarence Henshaw any ill will,
but, child, you are not suited to be poor
mans wife. Remember you are proud,
and have been reared in ease and comfort.
Follow my advice and marry Henry Lake
man.
Stella shook her head.
s'No Bella; I wouldn't marry Henry
Lakeman if he was hundred times richer
than he is"
She slipped picture into its envelope
with long glance at the view it imaged.
sIt's a lovely place." she sighed, "and
I would like to live there"
The sister was watching, and STOPPING
kissed the smooth white brow while she
said:
s'Don't be too hasty. Stella. If you
covet this pretty home of Henry Lakeman's,
accept it,
sBut love Clarence Henshaw. I pre-
fer cottage with him to a mansion with
Henry"
Miss Lawson turned to the window with
sorry look. Some sweet dream of her
own girlhood was in her memory, perhaps,
but she held it worse than folly to indulge
in regrets. Love in her estimation was no
balance in the scales for wealth.
"Stella," she continued very gravely, 81
have acted the part of a mother for many
years; my wish has ever been that you
form a wealthy marriage. You love luxu-
ry, you enjoy display and am not saying
too much when / add that you worship
beautiful apparel. Henry Lakeman can
give you all these. Clarence Henshaw
cannot; as his wife you will be subject to
all manner of prlvation; be content to live
in a common way, stint and economize,
and manage the best you can. How long
well of it. ! shall let you have your own
choice in regard to marriage"
"My mind is made up" Stella responded
readily.
She took up the view, slipping a letter
eff I favored his suit, was to keep it,
sister Belle" she continued, touching the
edge of the wrapper to her rosy lips, and
sealing it with heavy slap of the hand.
81 do not, you will observe. I'll never be
sorry, know" she murmured turning the
envelope to look at its superscription.
Your happiness is within your own
grasp; you'll recall my words some day."
and with stately gait Belle Lawson left
her.
Stella ran lightly up the stairs to her
own room and touched the bell in great
haste.
"You oblige me by mailing this at once"
she said to servant who answered her call
handing this very envelope, and she said,
smiling and blushiDg, 'sbe careful of this, y
putting another letter into his hand.
''Leave it with no one but the person to
whom it is addressed. Mind!'' she called,
as he turned to obey"
'There'h be no mistake, Miss" and
that night perfumed note lay on Clarence
Henshaw's pillow, and the foolish fellow,
was transported to the upper heaven of
delight over it's contents.
Three months later they were married.
They were a happy and hopeful couple.
The life upon which they had entered was
like new and unexplored country, but
Clarence meant to work hard, and felt lit
tie or no doubt in regard to the future. He
was equal to any undertaking in his own
determination that would promote his
wife's happiness, and as to Stella, she
would do anything to help her hunband.
He had been book-keeper for many
years, and had the promise of something a
little better yet the coming season. So
the first few months of their married life
ran smoothly. They rented house in
pleasant part of the city, kept servant,
and Stella wore the pretty clothes which