Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1889-03-01

and fine rounded throat. A footman 1t his
side was driving a span of spirited blacks In
an instant the equipage was hidden by the
crowd, but Ruby's eyes would have known
that face, that form, if it had been far more
fieeting glimpse. She drew long ,Teath,
and by the time she reached her hotel and
looked at herself in her room, she was startled
at the joyous brightness that sparkled IN her
eyes and beamed from every feature. All
day her face wore an eager, expectant look,
her eyes were ever searching for something.
At the hop that night it was still the same
She withdrew early and sought her room.
weary and heartsick.
"Oh," she said aloud, in troubled voice,
docs he knowI am here, and still remain
aloof?"
She sat there alone, white and sad her fac.
wet with tears; her heart torn with conflict
ing emotions and terrible fear that he had
forgotten her. The next morning, after
sleepless night, she started out alone, her
cheeks pale, her spirits dropping. She shaped
ner course for a hidden retreat behind the
rocks, where she had often dreamed away
| hours uninterrupted. As she neared the place
she saw that her favorite rocky seat was
already occupied by an intruder. He sat in
responding attitude, with his head resting
on his hand and his gaze directed toward the
sea. Occupied with her own thoughts, Ruby
was abontto turn away without taking any
notice of him, when be changed his position,
removed cigar from his mouth, blew forth
cloud of smoke and Ruby saw who it was.
Her footsteps had given no sound on the
soft sand. He had not heard her She stood
perfectly still, trembling SO that she could
scarcely stand. Here was the man for whose
presence she had longed for all these sad
years, and now she dared not speak to him.
He might receive her patience with scorn,
and might be married.! Terrible, cruel
thought While this was passing through
her mind she was startled by hearing some
one coming that way whistling. Not wish
ing to be seen, she sprang behind a oonven
lent bowlder, just in time to escape the eyes
OF the new conner, who was the same man she,
had seen with Jack the day before.
The man came up and stopped beside Jack,
who, said, impatiently; why did you come
for me so soona'
it is up, sure"
II don't believe it's up" Jack cried vio-
iently, s'but because | am poor, blind stick
you think you can fool me. But you can't
Go away and let me be in peace if you can
and don't dare to come near me again under
an hour from now. Do you understands an
hour from now, whole hour"
Eyes, sir, understands replied poor Peter
deprecatingly, preparing to move off, after
casting glance atthe watch he wore to make
sure of the time.
Stay" called Jack, irritably "Frst tell
me if any one is anywhere in sight. Il don't
want to sit here as show for any one if
can help it,"
ssNot a soul, sir,sto be seen," responded
Peter, cheerily.
Then clear OUT" was the gentle reply.
After Johns retreating form was lost to
view Ruby stole forth pale and trembling
her cheeks moist with tears of pity. How
wretched he iooked-how sad-how she pitied
him. She forgot everything except her love
for him and wished to comfort him. On the
impulse of the moment she went to him and
put both soft, round arms around his neck,
and laid her cheek against his. Her sudden
J embrace aroused him etfectually from the
gloomy thoughts he was indulging in, and
gave him a little shock But as soon as he
could collect his scattered senses he became
aware that it was woman! Yes, woman!
A mad woman, no doubt! Did she intend to
strangle him, or whats The novelty of it
: pleased him. He remained perfectly still and
awaited developments like philosopher
blackjack Hunter, don't you know mea'
said fearful voice in his ear.
tHeavens That yoicel Ruby!" he cried,
sdoubtinglYi but nevertheless throwing both
afnls about her and drawing her to him
/ while be raided kisses on her face. At last
( he drew her gently down on the rock beside
him and said: ''My darling, words are not
needed to tell me it is Ruby, or that you love
me. But tell me-you are still free as am"
He did not ask how or why she happened
to be there. He did not care. That she was
there was the one supreme thought Of that
happy moment.
II am still Ruby Howard" she murmured
in reply.
"Thank God!" he said, reverently, land
for this hour And now, will you, can YOU
heart of my heart. marry me, as ana
blind mans"
YES Jack, gladly, if you will have me.
| have longed for you ever since you left
me-" she whispered.
my treasured" he cried. sit was cruel
of me- We will never part again, we will
get married at once-within the week. he
went on in the eager, overmastering way
that she well remembered Your people
will not object, fondly imagine for | am
rich, you know, and all that, besides, l am
only blind for season. My blindness is the
result Of an accdent-happy accident-that
brought me home to consult a specialist. lie
tells me, if | be patient and very careful.
will see in six months and perhaps sooner.
Oh, if | could only see now! But can wait,
and would not change places with any one
on earth. ALBANY Journal
Thought Great Deal Of Him.