Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1889-04-19


down, and Flora made the acquaintance of a
working clergyman's equally energetic wife,
This lady pronounced the party at Acacia
cottage to be evidently quite respectable, and
the girl intelligent and inclined to be useful
She also remarked how very plain she was
Her husband agreed with her, but softened
the observation by well known proverb,
Handsome is" etc.
Flora gained her object, and became ac-
quainted with nail makers. First she went
over her own works under the condescending
guidance of a very vulgar manager to whom
large salary was paid. She appeared to be
examining nails, but was really occupied in
studying the beings who made them Very
grimy, very stolid in most cases, not much
imagination being fostered by their work or
surroundings. Some looked thin and i'll,
many of the young workers especially. Flora
found out the wages paid to each, and the
manager said they were asking an increase,
but wouldn't get it.
"What if they strike?" asked Flora.
''Ihey know better. If they did I'd replace
them by other men,"
1t was getting very cold weather now.
Flora went to some of the homes Wretched,
dark and DAMP in many cases squalid. She
had hard work to gain adnittance some
in her assumed character. At times she found
it a relief to wander near Ridwell Grange,
and was glad to find the place let and well
cared for. There were nice cottages near it,
and when resting in one after long walk,
Flora met another visitor, who knocked and
entered cheerily, all the children running for
ward to meet him. He began fumbling i'll
his pockets for apples, and then as he offered
Them caught sight of Flora The woman
said:
Its Miss O'Moore, sir; young lady from
the town. She does deal of good among the
nail makers"
Flora colored brightly, but before she could
disclaim the gentleman said:
''They need friends, ignorant and down
trodden as some are, and pulled with discon-
tent and arrogance the rest I hear good
deal, for | rent my house from the agent of
one of the big firms"
Flora said she had seen some trouble in her
short acquaintance with the people, and then
telling the woman she must hasten home she
left.
The early shadows of dull, frosty Deem
Der day were falling, and she walked quickly,
as there were two miles of lonely road to
travel. Suddenly, from the hedgerow,
wild looking, dirty man stepped before her.
Flora tried to move aside, but the man held
out both hands, saying:
''I'm starving. You looks well fed enough
Give me money, or it'll be the worse for
YOU"
The girl turned pale, but resolute
81 have no money-let me pass"
"You've got a watch if you have no mon
ey," said the man, "and I'll ave it."
His dirty hands just clasped her delicate
l,o1,
none was near; then a mans figure, followed
by huge dog, leapt the hedge, and the dog
seized the beggar by the shoulder The
wretch let Floras hand drop with howl of
pain, and the girl felt dazed darkness sur
rounding her, and became unconscious.
"My love-" said Lady Margaret O'Kelly,
II think our little farce should be ended. We
promised to return to Terrick for Christmas,
and there is only a fortnight left"
Flora was looking meditatively across the
prim little front garden at the millman's
cart.
sYou have done all you can for the poor
people am sure the good vicar and that
very gentlemanly man who has Ridwell
Grange speak most highly of the good you
have worked" pursued her aunt "And the
Grange itself could not be in better hands
than Mr.. Barrington's-unless you lived
there yourself"
'Quite true, auntie," said Flora, turning
towards her. "You have been very patient
and good to stay so long. am only sorry to
leave my quiet busy life for all the humbug
shall have to endure"
Lady Margaret looked keenly at her niece.
"You would not be coward, my dear?"
''No; don't think SO at least. Dear me-
there's the door bell, and Hannah is just
bringing our coy teal Some old gossip
from the villas, I dare say-you are good
natured to them, auntie!"
But the visitor wore mans attire, and was
Mr. Darlington. He came, he said, to- ask
Miss OMoore's advice as to some Christmas
festivities for the poor and would her niece
do him the kindness to help him?
81 feel great sympathy in your work, Mr..
Darlington, but my niece and I are leaving
almost directly"
''For Christmas?" he asked in low voice.
''Altogether," said Flora quietly. "My
aunt and I only intended a short stay here"
Mr.. harrington became wonderfully silent
and distract, and drank his tea in an absent
manner, breaking in upon some conversation
with the inquiry:
"When do you leave?"
SIN four days" said Lady Margaret. "Pray
have some more toast" Flora left the room
to send off some letters, and Mr.. Darlington
said hastily to her aunt:
''Miss O'Moore, may see you alone this
evening, if calls"
Certainly" said Lady Margaret, and a
curious smile fitted over her face when he
was gone. She unused, 81 thought something
would come of that day when he rescued her
from the beggar-such trifes life hangs on!
Dear me, what tale 1 have to tell"
l need scarcely say Mr.. harrington pro-
| posed for Flora. Her aunt revealed nothing
| until she had sent the girl to give her own
happy answer.
Then with great rustic of silk, and I'M
necessary rafting Of door handle, Lady
| Margaret intruded.
eve have mystery to explain, Mr.. Bar
rington."
He bowed and stared confusedly at both
ladies'
II am not Miss o'Moore, and that is not
| my niece'S name"
A bewildered expression gathered on the
| lovers face, and he reached out his hand to
| make sure Flora still stood near.
''In truth, Mr.. Darlington, you are Flora's
tenant, as she is Miss Benson of Terrick
Park and I am her aunt, Lady Margaret
O'Kelly."
There was blank silence for some seconds.
will you forgive meg asked Flora, shyly-
My darling! II with all these crushing
advantages you still can take me, what have
to forgive! At least, you know loved you
''We are so glad of that" interposed Lady
Margaret, hastily brushing a tear from her
eye "Flora has been my own child might
have been, and it would have been a sore
thing to see her married for her fortune
Both Terrick Park and Ridwel Grange
saw great rejoicings early in the year, and
some of tho grimy folk in Staffordshire
profted by a marriage which brought the
owner of the works and her husband many
months Of tho year amongst them.-Minnle
Douglass in Boston Globe