Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-04-09
MISCELLANEOUS.
Hepsie's Valentine.

I wish to be alone tonight with only the
blaze for company.
Hepsie Seymour sighed and sat down near
the window of her apartment to watch the
sunset redden the western snow-clad hills be-
fore It dropped into tho crisp February night
Jane turned away from the hearth after re-
plenishing the fire, and tiptoed out OF the
room and down the softly-carpeted stairs,
cogitatiug:
g 1 wonder what her sorrow may be," she
murmured, running her hand thoughtfully
along the heavy walnut balustrade. ''It must
be love trouble. for every time st. Valen-
tines Day comes around she grows paler and
keeps her room, wanting to be alone"
And the observing Kate was correct In her
conclusion.
Truly the blaze was all the company Miss
Seymour cared for tonight of all nights, for
out of the cleaning west seemed to come
tenderly uttered Goodbye. Hepsie, can
never forget"
End tonight, as the dusk of Valentine Eve
deepened around her, Hepsie Seymour sobbed
up against the window pane think he still
remembers. have remembered until my heart
is cankered through with the bitterness all It's
own. 49, e., =. = -
AAS SStAAD WGA9 SoAA4Au5 now UuG Olg,
and great shadows trailed through the shrub
berry and crept around "The Oaks"
A panied faco seemed to rise out Of the
night and search her soul with It's dark, yet
kindly eyes as once, ON Valentine
Eve. six years ago. She turned to the hearth
with sigh once more. " How suffer!" she
moaned, rocking to and fro, with the blaze for
company.
So the time which brings loving ayoWaIs
and sweet remembrances of the world of hap
py-hearted youth, and warmer pulsations to
the hearts of the elderly lovers, only brought
an agony of regret to the heiress of Oak Hill
This was why, then, that in her elegantly
appointed rooms, with arms folded over her
bosom. sue rocked wearily to aud fro, re-
counting the brilliant and saddest of life's
memories.
Up from the valley came chime Of silVery,
musical notes. She paused. wedding BELLS .
she murmured impahently, going back to the
window and throwing open the sash to listen.
"six years ago, tonight" she continued,
81 sent my hearts truest and best away be-
cause he was poorl o, that could recall the
past and welcome Horace back once more.
but cannoti woe is me !"
The bells ceased ringing; but Hepsie, heed
less of the cold, wintry air. stood silently
clasping her hands, and gazing far down the
shadowy vale of st. Catherine and time to-
gethcr.
yes she said, presently, ''I have written,
and, though he may spurn my confession, COM
ing so late as 1t does, I am glad sent the let
ter BE has made no sign; perhaps even now
he hates me for the wretehed past.
''No matter. have borne great deal; I
can bear more.
81 can bear to be ignored by the man whose
love means life to me, because deserve It,
but God pity me-"
She closed the sash and went back to the
fire, kindled ''for company" and sat down
The glow OF the cherry flame hickered over
the soft, satin gown aud touched the tear
stained face dreamily.
o. that he still loved mel" She clasped her
hands passionately and continuedr HAll the
wealth of the Oaks might go at one sweep Of
fortunes wave did the returning tide but bear
Horace Winters love to me. But, aIasi can
not undo.
'God only knew; and with him all things
were possible 1t might be yet-and tonight
was the auniversary-wlrati is It John7"
The polite servant stood at the open door
WIN cap IN hand.
There's an old man at the gate as wants a
cold bite. ma'am. and cravin' shelter from
the bitter night"
IAN old mani Well. bring him into the
sitting room below and I viii see about tt"
Hepsie sighed again, this time almost con-
tentedIy-i she could not comfort herself she
would comfort another-and, following John
downstairs, she waited. "a tramp, possibly, -
she said. wearily; " but tramps have souls"
An old. gray-haired man followed John into
the pleasant comfort Of CHEEKY warmth.
"a You are hungry" Miss Seymour said the
words with mist of sympathy in. her dark
eyes. Before her sat shiverfng man, Will
the snow-hakes sprinkling his whitened lock-
and poor attire. Despite his rough interior
she felt instinctively that he was man Of cuI
ture and had seen better times.
Yes, ma'am, and very cold. The Worll
hasn't great deal it can spare to the unfortu
nate" BE put his hand TO his head ant
looked thoughtfnIly into the CRATE.
HePsie ordered something to eat and mad,
no reply Somehow the words opened 4
wound she had fondly hoped was healed
Drawing aside the heavy crimson curtain sh,
looked ont once more into the night
And Tomorrow Is Valentine DBylD Shl
said this inToluntarfly In an nndertone 70 her.
SELF but the old man by the hearth was listen
ing He covered his face with his hands and