The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-02-13
the window. on peer carefully from the hall

the window, or peer carefully from the hall
closed shutters, but clasped my hands tightly
! over my eycs til the sound Of footsteps died
away in the distance. Then crept Stsalthily
down stairs aud stepped into the silent par
lr. where 30 lately he lad been. was half
across the room before noticed that was
not alone, and then, before | could make Il
hasty retreat. glad. merry voice, rich WITH
its golden music exclaimed.
| "Aly own deaJ little Mrs. Haynes. "a livel
How happy | am TO see you" and hand
clasped mine tightly, while pair OF bearded
| lips were bent down 10 mine. drew my
head back haughtiy. | was a little child 40
! longer would not accept, even from llin,
the cares that ho had bestowed upon me hVe
| years before.
"Ah, M Haynes" I said, bowling IN
| digniied way, II am pleased 10 see yon
Nv manner chilled at once his warm,
genial nature Stepping back from ME and
/ rci.asiny nv hand he said, with q curl OF his
| h3cly cut lips:
Your pardon, Miss Lester; had quite
forgotten that you had grown TO be me
| ladyp
Ibowcd him back reply, flashing quick,
impetuCus glance upon him a. ! did 50 But
there was 10 pleasantly attempted on his
part, and when nay mother entered the room
| few moments after a..l referred laughingiy
to our old engagement, ne answered her IN q
| few evasIve words as though the subject was
not an agreeable one to him.
Affairs had taken an unhappy turn but IL
was too late 10 remedy them, and day after
day passed away, leaving SIR. Haynes as cold
and distant a. he had been from the moment
| first vepulsed him. / would have gwen
worlds TO recall ny unlucLy words yet since
they weIe spoken, ! would Lot unGend
moment from my calm, cool dignity though
! was as miserable and wretcled as ! could
well be- and knew that Mr. Haynes shared
my wretchedness
All the time that l could spend in rny
chamber without being absolutely rude was
pa ssed there TIL my strange, unusual appear
ance was noticed by my father and mother,
and my mood commented freely upon before
our guest.
You appear so strange, Phbe," said nay
mother one morning. Il really do not know
how 10 understand you I'm afraid Mr.
HAYNES VIII think you are not PLEASED t. see
him Every chance that occurs YOU reso'
lutely avoid him as though he w1c the veri-
est monster, instead OF d dear friend What
is the natter"
Nothing The strangeness Of my appear
ance Is Tut a reflection 1 cannot help 1t.
NJ Haynes hates aud despises me now
said burying my fearful eye, IL my hands.
"Phebe7
AIv mothers voice was stern and TePrOach
full but did not heed it
He does hate me, netherlands me with
Your pardon, little Phebe-MisS Lester
but he does not broke ia the rich. clear
voice Of 81. Haynes of ali persons il the
world lie paused and l. q moment
more heard my mother step lightly from
the room.
Il am not cold, naughty and proud" /
said, excitedly, looking up into his face,
and do like you just as woll-ss well---'
What. little Phebef he asked eagerly a
quick expression Of JOY lighting up his blue
ewes.
AS well as ever did" faitPred
And how we'll is that. SO well that dur
Ing all these weary years you lave not cher.
ished dream Of the futare than did not en-
circle Inei 50 we'll chat every strong
passionate hope OF your WON. My nature has
reached out constantly 10 ine' AS wei 10
have liked, aye, loved you-till every pulse
oil your heart beats for me- AS well as this
Phebel
/ covered my face that be migiE not read
the whole expression of ny love ia my tell
tale eyes ard be shocked that 1t had grown
TO be so near wild, passionate idolatry.
"Will you become Mrs. Haynes in truth,
III earnest, Fhebef' lie asked, drawing mo TO
ny old seat upon his knee.
Yes
And will al last wear tito rings
held up my finger before his eyes.
MY own darling little wife, at last my
btple Mrs Haynes IN good faith" lie Ga
claimed, covering my lips with kisses.
That night there we're sly books and glances
cast toward me at every turn, and at the sup
per table nay father quite forgot himself and
called me little Mrs Haynes" again.
Reader, have been happy wife for some
three blessed, sunsLiny years, and as you
may have already conJectured, my namo Is
Hayncs