Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-04-20
NANNETTE'S LOVER.

4N4A4t ~ - l. L - ~ AO AAus
can see her now in fancy as on the eve OF
calm and tranquil day | sat at my window
in the twilight and saw tho form of Mamie
Lowrie pass out of the doorway across the
street and disappear around the corner, with
graceful swing of skirts and a merry toss
of her sunny head. There were other and as
pretty girls in the neighborhood whom often
met at social gatherings in the evenings,
whose manners were irreproachable, whose
ways were charming, and who possessed the
destinations which are the heritage of beau
tlful women. But there was something I'M
definable about Mamie which attracted me.
Her father was rich, and her mother was
matron OF refinement and worth. But knew
that Mamie was not for me. She was twenty
years my junior. And so looked at her and
admired her from across the way as boy
might look through an iron gate at lovely
rose in a garden. Strolling out into the
street followed Mamie around into Broad
way. just as turned the corner scream
rent the air. A collision had blocked Broad
way, near Grace church, and upon the side
walk, crushed beneath the wheels of pass
ing vehicle, which had collided with street
car, lay the mangled form Of man.
"Back! Give the man air!" cried dozen
voices. Yet, unheeding the appeal the crowd
grew denser about the PROSTATE form. Nam
ME Lowrie was there, kneeling by the pros
trate man, and smoothing back the hair from
his temples, which were dyed with blood
the blood of a man who had thrown himself
before her and saved her from her danger.
and perhaps death.
"Tel me" Mamie hastily pleaded, "who
are yOu-what can What shall I. dos
Your name-your home-tell me quickly, I
implore you?"
But before the young man could reply an
ambulance came dashing up the street, and
the young man was borne away from her
sight.
X x y x
1t was an ordinary, every day occurrence
Like the thousands of accidents which occur
in great city, the incident was forgotten in
an hour by the spectators. But in two weeks
time the young man was restored to health,
and resumed his place among the worlds
workers, and Roe Duggan smiled and rather
liked to bear the brunt of the battle of life.
Poor fellowl How could he-how dared he
think OF what he had done and the possibility
of reward? Not i'll money. But the vision
of that plying face was ever with him. the
look of agony in those brown eyes haunted
him. But in the silence of his heart some
longing of possible meeting in the future
did come to him. How was that longing to
be realized! He had seen in that brief mo-
ment of communion that Mamie vas richly
dressed; that her face bore evidences of re-
finement and culture. Why should she give
him thought? he queried to himself.
Il = X
Roe Duggan sat at the piano in the humble
parlor of his aunt, Mrs. Norrie, singing that
melancholy song, "Never to Meet Again"
Over and over again he sung the chorus:
Never to meet again, never again to see
Never to see her face-never, save in dreaming
Unless, perchance, we meet
On some fair golden street
Never to see--never to see-never to meet again.
Good Mrs. Norrie watched over Roe Dug
gan as if he were child of her own. and
often told her boarders Of the fond hope she
entertained for her pet boy, as she called him,
"My boy is a genius" she would exultantly
say, as in motherly pride she brought forth
a magazine which contained a poem Roe
had written. ''He will become rich and
famous some day."
And thus encouraged, Roe Duggan toiled
on. The Lyceum Dramatic society had
offered prize for the best MSS of a new
play. Roe had been daring enough to COM
pete with noted playwrights, and the day for
rehearsal was close at hand
A note came for him one day. With pale
face and trembling fingers he read tie fol-
lowing words:
"We have accepted your play and will give
it a production on the 18th. Please forward
us the copied parts as early as possible. En-
closed find check for 81 200, which secures to
us the copyright further payments to fol-
low as per contract inclosed. In conclusion
permit us to extend you our sincerest con-
gratulations. MALLORY Bros"
A footStep drew near, an arm was thrown
around his neck, and Roe was in the embrace
of his aunt as she wept with joy and held
him close to her breast.
A large and brilliant audience filed the
beautiful little theatre 1t was the opening
Of the season, and the play to be produced
was billed as ''the greatest American play
written by any American author"
AS the play progressed the interest of the
audience grew to admiration, delight enthu-
SiaSm.
Presently some one cheered This was a
signal for an outbreak, which echoed from
the pit to the gallery. The stage manager
stepped forward and thanked the audience in
behalf of the author. The cries were repeated,
and Roe Duggan stepped out before the drop
curtain and stammered his acknowledgements
Amid the congratulations of a thousand
voices, bowling and blushing, the hero of the
hour disappeared But there was one heart
in that great audience which reioiced more
than all the others. One face, hidden behind
the curtains of box, which blushed with
pride and qualification.
''Come, Kate, let us go,'' said a soft voice,
as Nannette took her sister by the hand and
with soft rustic of silks the sisters went out
into the streets.
How poor Mrs Norrie grieved when Roe
lay PROSTATE with a fever which followed
the reaction of an overtaxed brain. "But
he will get WE'LL" she murmured to herself,
f'now that he is successful. now that fortune
has smiled upon him, he will not be taken
away from me-" and SO she smoothed his pill
low, and like ministering angel watched
over him and nursed him back to GONZALES
cence.
One day, when the balmy air of spring
was floating in the windows, Roe raised his
head from the pillow and said to his aunt;
'o1nS lie soHS,
''You foolish fellow! singy'
. But he persisted, and Mrs. Norrie seated
herself at the keys. Again the words of that
sad song were beard by Roe.
Never to meet again, never again to Sec
Never to see her face-neyer save in dreaming
Unless, perchance, we meet
On some fair golden street,
Never to see-never to see-never to meet
again.
The soft spring air was filled with the
melody, and Roe laid back upon his pillow
with closed eyes, When he opened them a
minute later a beautiful face was bending
over him.
u come, my darling, we meet again neyer
part
He held ont his arms and Mamie, who had
stolen in the door, crept into them.-New
York Evening Sun.
Among the curiosities of the New York
Historical society is Dutch Bible printed in
1477.
Rich Cinnamon of San Francisco carry
jeWeled reyolvers.