Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-03-25
FOR HI, MOTHER S SAKE.

l
Unmarried at twenty-five. | was rioh,
entirely my own mistress, aud considered
more than pretty; and still, in spite of
many excellent opportunities to change my
condition, was rapidly drifting towards
old -Tnaidenhood' no wonder people called
me hard to please,
| I had admirers and suitors in plenty;
where is the heiress who has not? And
two men loved me.
1 say ''two men, There were many
who made professions, and of whose sim
cerity have no means to judge, but these
two I can answer for as for myself, and
know they loFed lae.
| Never were two people more unlike each
other, in looks, in taste, disposition, tenn
per, everything. 1t seemed the strangest
thing in the world that both should fancy
me.
| Even their respective circumstances and
positions in life offered a striking contrast.
| George Redfern was a wealthy and hi Eu-
ential banker, forty years of age, grave,
quiet, and reserved in manner, and with
an indisputable and enviable standing Ill
society," man against whom no breath OF
reproach or blame had ever stirred; while
Robert Dene-my Robert, whom ! loved
was comparatively poor, having only his
salary as confidential clerk in the Redfern
bank (out of which he supported a widow
ed mother, and Yas one Of those merry,
cheerful, ligh,-hearte, fellows who some
how-pe, haps from their love of company
and pleasure-got the name of being
'wild,' without deserving it. Certain it
is that Robert merited no word of evil,
though there was time when it looked
otherwise.
Mrs. Dene had been my dear dead moth
er's friend. Natura ly often went to visit
her. She was q great invalid, and hardly
ever went out, except f'r an occasional
quiet drive with her devoted son, who idol
lied her; so much so tina, l grew positively
jealous.
| For Robert and I understood each other,
as lovers will He was very sensitive and
high-minded. thought, at first, that be-
cause | was an heiress he would never
speak tie love knew he felt, and which
longed to hear; but the welcome dec'ara-
ton came at last.
And had Mr.. Redfern to thank for it.
/ met him at Mrs. Dene's cottage one even
ing, when he had stopped to speak to Rob-
ert on some business, having chanced to
see him in the garden as he was riding
past.
was at the window, leaning out, and he
saw me. knew, afterwards, that that was
the reason he astonished Robert by accept
ing his invitation to come in.
He was very quiet retiring man, going
little into society, and bearing the reputa-
tion of confirmed old bachelor, but after
that evening he changed.
seemed to meet him everywhere. He
made the acquaintance of people whom
visited. He took to going to balls, theatres,
operas; and when | had met him good
many tunes, he requested permission to call
on me.
Robert heard of it, and grew jealous.
One evening he came to me, his dear hand
some face looking gloomy and sad enough.
eve have been friends for years." said
ne, 'and / believe you like me well enough
to grant me a favor. I love you, Kate.
That's no news to you; is it? Well, new
er should have old you so-never should
have asked you to become my wife, because
you are rich and am poor; but, my girl, l
can't stand quietly by and see another take
what I'd have died to win; SO want you
to tell me truly if you intend to marry Red
fern, and if it's yes. shall go out of the
country, and stay out until I can get over
| it.''
Oh, the happy girl ] was when 1 heard
him! The precious words had longed for
were spoken at last. He might have seen
the joy in my face. felt my cheeks burn,
and my eyes grow bright with happiness
but he kept his face gloomily turned away.
So | stole up to him, half shy, half bold.
all joyful, and slipped my hands about his
arm.
"And can you get over it, do you
think?'' I asked demurely.
He looked at me then, and disengaged
his arm He thought ! was triling with
his paln, aud was vexed at me.
t'Ihis is no jest with me, Miss Craven,
whatever it may be to you," he said quite
sharply: II did not expect that you would
make it one. Yes" very coldly. 81 am
not love-sick fool. do suppose shall
get over it,
looked at him reproachfully. felt the
tears spring to my eyes at his words and
tone.
"You don't love me as love you. then,
Robert" said softly; ''for if you go away
| and leave nv so. I'm afraid I never shall