Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-04-01

i 81 - Ha + g.
"Well, you will be very much missed.
don t know what the Brendons will do.''
''They will not miss me more than l
shall them" and the brave little woman
made an effort that her voice should not
sound shaky; "but you know, Mr.. Binney,
| am not growing younger, am / ?'
"No," he said, s'that is true. was say
ing the same to myself of myself only to-
day.
eyes, only with men it does not seem to
matter, but with women the thought al
ways comes with a little shutlder, that when
we get old and want quiet and rest and a
comfortable armchair by the fire there is
doubt whether we shall be able to get
them"
Mr.. Binney did not answer. and fearing
she was saying too much about her own
feelings she altered her tore, which had
been little sad, and went OIL in her usual
cheerful way: "But then ought to feel so
/ thankful that this opening has been made
for me. told them that / knew some
thing would come; it has always done so;
/ have always been SO lucky.''
'It's your happy disposition makes you
say So my dear Miss Bright; cheerfuI
spirit shortens the longest day. wish 1
could follow your example. often feel
condemned at my want of coltentment-of
gratitude. l ought to say"
But that Miss Bright would not allow;
she reminded Mr.. Binney of the many kind
actions he had done, and in her own quiet
way thanked him for the thoughtful pres
ent he had sent her.
mo, no, no; now you must not speak of
that" Mr.. Binney hastily interrupted, and
to give turn to the converse tion, he said
she Unjust have some tea and ringing to
order it, he hoped she could stay.
Well, yes, she thought she could spare
time for that-indeed, to be plain, she was
not in such very great hurry The fact
had been that Joe had an unexpected holi-
day, and she saw that, only for her being
there, he had come home to gn out some
where with Sally.
$50 hope the little fib / aald will be
forgiven me, for when l said taat | was
wanted at home, although It was quite
true, perhaps, need not but for that have
left quite SO early. But it was SO nice Of
Joe to come home do love to see h1s-
bands and wives companions to each 9TH
er.n
ssAh, indeed, yes; that is the object of
matrimony too often, I fear, lost sight of
in our day by the young and the old,
too"
But Miss Bright did not agree. "No,"
she ssknew so many united couples. There
were the Brendons now" but at this mo-
ment the tea was brought III, and Miss
Bright asked should she pour it out. Her
offer was accepted. "Only,'' said Mr..
Binney, ''you must take off your cloak, OF
you won't feel the good of it when you go;
and your bonnet, too; wouldn't you be
more comfortable without thass"
Miss Bright said sNo," sb e would not
take her bonner off.
"Hayen'ta cap with you, I suppose ?'
said the old gentleman, slyly.
eyes, indeed have-a pres ent from Sal
ly-and very becoming one, 5oo."
ssPut it oh, then, and let me pass my
opinion"
Miss Bright fastened to obey, and when
she came for his inspection che smile on
her face and the. soft pink in her cheek
made her look ten years younger.
'sWell," she said, ''now what do you
think of it?'
81 think if you take my advice you will
never wear any other"
"Really," she said, laughing softly, s'but
it is for high days and holidays, you knowr'
And she tip-toed to look in the Chimney
glass, saying that it was certainly very
pretty cap, and then she sat down to pour
out the tea.-"The best tea things!' she
said, admiringly; II am SO fond of pretty
chinap' And then searching il the sugar
basin, she added: II have n 1T forgotten
that you like two Jumps Of sugar, you
see"
Mr. Binney smiled complac entity; feel
ing of well-being and conf ort took pos
session of him.
Of a certainty it was very pleasant to
have congenial somebody to bear one
company, one who could talk well, listen
we'll and hold her tongue well. if necessary.
Experience had assured him o that. Miss
Bright possessed each of these good quail
ties. When she had stayed when Mrs.
Binney was first i'll, their evenings had
passed very pleasantly, and recalling the
things they had done, he asked:
"Do you often play chess now?"
ssNo, never"
''Cribbage, backgammon ?''
sI've no one to play with. That is one
thing in my going away" and she swal-'
lowed sigh-''my evenings will be less
lonely.''
"Ah, yes, find the time very loug after
dinner, I don't like to go to bed before 10.-
80, although I often feel inclined to-
"And the days draw in SO quickly now,
there is no afternoon-it is all evening,
which reminds me that it is getti ng time
for me to 60, for it takes one quite an hour
to get to the station"
s'Not in cab?''
ssNo. but am going to walk; it is quite
fine and dry, and if feel tired at t.he Con-
way road | shall wait at the corner for the
omnibus passing.r
Miss Bright began to put on her bonnet.
MIR. Binney walked to the window; for q
minute he looked out, and lie rang the
bell.
~ shall go as far as the Conway road
with you'll
ooh, Mr.. Binney! No, pray don't think
OF such a thing; it might give You cold, and
there isn't the slig htest occasion-I am so
accustomed to go about alone.'
But MIR. Binney, remained firm; his hat
and coat were brought to him, and away
the two set off together. They chatted
pleasantly as the y walked along 81 shall
hope to come an see them all sometimes"
Miss Bright saifi. 81 know as long as the
Brendons have home they will take me
in."
"And remember that so long as L have
a house there will be room for you in it,
''That is very kind of you, Mr. Binney,"
she said softly 81 am sure / do not know
why people are all SO good to me-"
s'Mr. Bnmey apparently was no better
able to inform her, and they walked on
silently until the Conway road was reach
ed.
s'Now then,'' said Miss B right, ''here we
say farewell, - and she held out her hand,
but Mr.. Binney did not tax it; he was en-
gagged in halling cab he s: lw; then he drew
out his purse and Miss Bl light knew that
he intended settling with 5he man for the
fare. She shook her head at him reproy-
ingiy.
Mr. Binney gave the directions to the
driver and then he. held OF At his hand, hesi-
tated, opened the door an d said: 81 don't
see why should not go with you as far as
the station"