Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-05-21
DOLLY'S LOVER.
THE MESSAGE OF THE DAISIES.

s'What an industrious little thing you
are, Dolly. I think if they had to depend
on me for three quarts of berries they
would do with out"
So saying, pretty ida Minturn leaned
her head on her white hand and watched
her cousin languidly.
Tired already ?'' said Dolly, lifting her
sweet arch face from bending over the
strawberries. II do believe everything
tires you but going to parties and -"
Flirting, suppose. Well, you are not
far wrong, and oh, have new and
splendid subject to try my powers upon
Have you seen pa new overseer? He's
rather distant, but I can make his dark
eyes look expressive
Dolly's face is as rosy as her berries as
she springs up, nearly upsetting her store
of fruit.
II did not intend to finish my sentence
in any such way. Ida, am ashamed of
you. I am sure Mr.. Holmes would not
stoop TO such a thing as Irritation. de-
test the word.''
''Ha, ha! If you could only see how
dramatic you look, Dolly, with that
CORY, outstretched hand But here IS Mr..
Holmes. I'll tell him how you defend
him.
"Oh, Ida. please DON'T" and Dolly's
cheeks are like damask roses as the gen.
tleman in question raises his hat and
passes on.
The golden summer fits by. and it is
soon evident to all eyes but Mrs. Minturn's
that the gentle girl who has made her
home at the farm for three years has cap
tivated the handsome young overseer.
II think he's perfectly Splendid Ida
says when Dolly tells of her engagement
with many bushes, but mamma will never
consent, and really think you are very
foolish, Dolly, to throw yourself away on
poor man. With your beauty you might
look for a coronet-that's what Pm wait
ing for'
"I'd rather have Harry's love than a
coronet!" said Dolly.
'sWhat is that ?" said Mrs. Minturn,
coming on the girls unexpectedly, ''Dolly,
I am shocked"
The blushing girl confesses all, and it is
coldly received.
Engaged to that nobody with moth
ing - cries her aunt. 81 never thought
of such thing. Your uncle will rot
hear of it, you will see He is your guar
dian, and you cannot marry without his
consent till you are of age. That will be
IN four years. and by that time, it is to be
hoped. you will have more sense"
All Dolly's prayers aud tears are of no
avail. Mrs. Minturn is firm. She is going
to take the two girls to London and give
them the opportunity Of making brilliant
matches.
"Four years ~ cries Harry Holmes
"Oh, Dolly, will your love ever stand such
test ?"
''Do not be afraid, Harry !" cries Dolly.
Neither time nor place nor surroundings
can alter my heart, and when our time of
probation is over and am my own mis-
tress you have only to come and claim me
as your own
There Is cluster of daisies nesting in
her belt.
STOPPING, Harry takes them from their
fastening.
81 will keep them, Dolly, In remem-
brance of your words. And now will
show you letter that l have received
from an uncle of whose existence was
ignorant. See, it comes from Ireland. I
have decided TO 60 at once.
Dolly read:
"MY DEAR NEPHEw-I have Just
learned that my sister left son. This may
seem strange to you, but will explain.
Your mother and were orphans, ands she
gave her heart to one whom disliked for
just cause. l refused to sanction the mar
rage or be present at the ceremony. Mar
garet had the family temper. When she
left she said Stephen, you will never
again hear aught of me or mine. I shall
never forgive you. Never till my dying
day shall your name pass my lips, That
was the last time | ever saw her.
II have no doubt she kept her vow. But
am an old man and in sad need. You are
young and strong and to you l turn.
implore you as the last of the family, the
only one on whom 1 have any claim, to
come to my aid.
''Yours truly,
ssSTEPHEN HARTLEY"
81 am glad you are going, Harry. Poor
old man, left all alone in the world. It's
sad lot. -
Il knew you would feel so, you unselfsh
darling" looking into Dolly's heavenly
blue eyes.
"What dreaming yet ?" cried Ida one
evening as, robed in white lace dress
trimmed with blush roses, she opened the
door of Dolly's room. "It's time to be 60
ing, and here you are moaning over that
everlasting photograph. Haven't you for
gotten that nonsense yet ?''
Dolly dropped the picture with sigh.
Three years have passed without word
! FROM the beloved one. who still holds his
place in all her dreams and hopes.
''Just think. my coronet is coming at
last p cried Ida, in excitement. "I'm
dressed for conquests this evening. Rem
ME Andrews says her cousin from Ireland
is to be at the ball, and regular nabob is
coming with him, who is heir to title.
Now, feel in my bones, as nurse used to
| say, that my hour is Gomez
At that moment the servant brings