Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-03-04
thinking, and before the great birthday
cake was frosted, Jack and / were engag-

fast plate, some very expensive too, fo
since Jacks pictures had begun to sell 81
well, and orders pouring in faster than h'
could execute them, be had begun to b.
quite extra7agant.
He had gratifled an Oft expressed wisl
of mine, by having little cameo earring
found in the basket in witch they frs
found me, set in ring, for one of m!
birthday presents. 1t was an equisite
clearly cut cameo, and it had decided!
unique setting; SO I had always indulget
in the hope that some time, perhaps,
might learn through it who my parents
were.
1t had evidently dropped into the baske
by mistake, for there was nothing elst
about me to identity me. There was nont
of the proverbial strawberry marks OF
moles so often found on lost children ii
stories, so I had only the cameo to connect
me with the unknown past.
So I slipped it on my finger, and wher
Jack told me to keep it for an engagement
ring, until he could procure another, it be.
came doubly dear to me.
By and by, as soon as breakfast was fin.
ished, much to my surprise and disap.
pointment, my lover went up to his studio,
and remained invisible for two hours.
"He might have spent my birthday with
me, anyway" pouted, as I plodded up
stairs feeling 'sblue" enough. l knocked
at the door of his studio. s'Not just now,
dear, Pm busy" came in Jacks voice
from beyond the door. Angry and indig-
nant, for he had allowed me to spend my
mornings there for two months past, I
silently went to my own room.
And I was angrier still when, not ten
minutes later, his door opened to admit
Miles Griffith, fellow from the Artists
Club.
And then was ready to cry with vexa-
ton. They had always petted and spoil
ed me, mother and Jack, and let me have
my own way, so that could not bear even
this little neglect gracefully.
And, besides, we were just engaged,
and Jack, it seemed to me, was not acting
just as he ought, under the circumstances.
At last determined to be mean enough
to listen and hear, if could, what they
were talking about SO earnestly in the
studio.
Me, I found at once, for Jack had just
spoken my name as I guiltily put my ear
to the keyhole. CA disgraceful thing to
do, I admit, but as meant to give faith
full account of my birthday, and I really
did listen at the key-hole, I record it,
'I have made great mistake" said Jack,
signing heavily.
1 could't distinguish Mr.. Griffith s reply,
but I, hushing my breath, heard Jack say
again:
''It has always been my mothers wish.
did it more to please her, I suppose. She
loves Bird dearly, and"
With a dry sob I fell forward on the rug.
I could not have moved then, had they
opened the door, and seen me there.
ssHe has found out this early that he
has made mistake, has he?'' I thought
bitterly, when my brain stopped whirling
80 could think. 'It was only to please
his mother that he asked me to become his
wife And to think he should reveal his
to that horrible old Grif-
fith first! Oh, it was too humiliatingr'
/ resolved to release him at once, but
again listened, having dim hope, l sup
pose, that perhaps my ears had deceived
me.
eff it suits my mother" began Jack.
''That's net the thing, F" interrupted Grif-
fith. "You never would be suited. She
acks expression, and"
eyes, know-naturalness- know the
faults-for I am better acquainted with
Birdie than you are, Griffith"
'To be sure," assented Griffith. 'Mouth
100 large; eyes very vacant. I've noticed.
advise you to give it up"
'1'll take your ADVICE said Jack, en-
then rushed to my room.
So,. through "Grif1th's advice which
lack seemed SO ready to take, my brief lit
lie romance was to be shattered. Well, I
would never stay and see my heart break
90; for I felt sure never could live through
his trouble, SO dear had Jack in the role of
over, become to me in few short hours.
And SO, some way-now it all seems like
! vague dream to mel found myself wan
lering aimlessly down strange street, not
moving or caring where my footsteps tend
I'd. Some workmen obstructed the side
walk, and was obliged to cross the street.
remember of stepping down and ad-
7ancing few steps, of hearing hoarse shouts
If warning. feeling sudden shock, and
hen all was blank.
When I returned to consciousness I was
n a strange room-everything was strange
20 me.
"Where am II" I asked, although Icould
zee no one. 'What has happenedr'
"You are with friends" said low voice
,ear me, and turning my eyes, they fell on
] sweet-faced lady, not yet old, although her
lair was nearly white, sitting near me.
SHOW came here s'' I demanded in a
weak, startled voice.
After brief consultation with woman,
the nurse, the lady decided to ex-
plain the situation.
"You are weak, but trust to your good
,ense to remain calm while tell you why
you are here. About month ago you were
,rossing the street, and my husband and 1
ran against and severely injured
you. There was nothing to identify you,
and so we brought you home"
"And this was month ago, has no one
been here? Did you advertiser
''No." replied the lady. s1t was report
I'd in the police news, Ibelieve, as my hus-