Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1891-01-23

another way he accounted himself repaid
for anything he might do, even before it
was DONE For nothing could be sweeter
or fairer or more charming than Cecilia
Lakely, Horace's young sister.
She was mere school girl, to be sure,
but Hurlburt Bristed admired the type.
An ingenious young girl was to him the
most delightful thing in nature And he
smiled often, as he took himself to Mrs.
McPherson's hotel, in remembrance of GER
tain warm, shy giances which had fallen
from those dovelike eyes these latter times
since be had been exerting himself SO much
in her brothers behalf. In helping Horace
he was really wooing in the surest way, if
indirectly, the elusive flower of this young
creatures love.
He was still thinking of Cecilia as he sat
waiting for Mrs. Mcpherson to appear.
He was, indeed, so much engrossed in his
reveries that he looked up only when the
lady he had come to see stood close in
front of him. She had entered softly, by a
door at the side of him. AS he rose little
confusedly she covered him suddenly with
a wonderful smile.
The young widow-it was impossible not
to think of her rs younger than she was
stood there an instant and then sank into
her chair opposite her visitor. She begged
him to resume his seat. She seemed to
wait, still with that unusual, that almost
harmonious smile, for him to begin. From
her presence. at once assured and unob-
trusive, animated and reposeful, from her
delicate toilet, there emanated an aroma,
as it were, which fattered all the senses.
II believe you are Horace Lakely's great
FRIEND" said this gracious creature in a
vol nd11Io o6 Iycsn t1A I,,Io
were somewhat artificial, if it were posi-
BILE to surmise that the natural tone of
voice did not always betray the same re-
finement of culture, it so happened that
Hurlburt Bristed (albeit he had the reputa-
ton of noticing everything) did not OBJ
serve the fact.
The next day Mrs. Lakely awaited Bris-
ted's promised visit with eager impatience
Cecilia, looking very lovely in a white
dress (Bristed had once remarked that she
should always wear white--it was becom-
ing to herr, was sitting with her mother,
and shot an expressive glance at the door
when it opened.
"Well, Mr.. Bristed. WE'LL" demanded
Mrs. Lakely, "have you good news for me?
Will she go away and leave my boy in
peace?"
Cecilia, who had risen and remained
standing, in a certain hesitancy, left the
room.
81 don't know that I can tell you any
thing very definite, my dear madam" OBJ
served Bristed, somewhat slowly
"Oh, what do you mean? I hope the
wretched person does not refuse to loosen
her hold of Horace?" cried Mrs. Lakely.
mo, no. It is not that-not at all. Re-
assure yourself. Only''-- Bristed inter
rupted himself. He began again: II i'm
agine she will, as you express it, loosen her
hold of Horace. Yes-but-I wished to ask
you-ahemp'
If it had been possible to fancy such a
thing of the self assured, graceful, lofty
Bristed Mrs. Lakely would have fancied
that he looked embarrassed. She stared
at him when he continues:
"Have you any definite reason for sup
posing that Mrs. Mcpherson really intend
ed to marry Horace?''
"Really intended to marry him?' echoed
Mrs. Lakely. 'sWhy, nothing could be
more evident! thought we were agreed on
that point, Mr.. Bristed."
ION Horace's being most anxious to
marry Mrs. McPherson-yes," amended
Bristed. "But do not-I am not sure'-
''Do you mean," interjected the poor
lady, holding herself very straight her
mien, in its outraged maternal pride, be-
coming almost majestic, shat Mrs. Nc
Pherson is playing fast and loose with my
SOM That she would reject him at the last
moment?"
That Horace Lakely should marry such
person as McPherson's widow was horri-
BILE enough. But, that being SO inclined,
aI1yf, H. Il 1on
handsome, privileged son, should be sub
such source, surely that was almost more
terrible still
ooh, my dear Mrs. Lakely, please do not
imagine would insinuate such a thing
exclaimed Bristed rather lamely.
He was tugging at his mustache, and
Mrs. Lakely was obliged to acknowledge
that he was certainly ill at ease
II hope you will let me know what
progress you make,' she insisted, feeling
vaguely helpless.
81 will, of COURSE said Bristed, getting
to his feet.
He seemed relieved in some way that
the interview should be at an end He
departed with SO much precipitancy that
he forgot to leave his respects for Cecilia
According to the combined entreaties of
the entire family, Horace Lakely had final
ly consented to flee the temptress who had
pursued him, and he was away from
home.
''If ever I live down this feeling" the
young man wrote at about this time to his
friend, 81 shall have you, 1 suppose, to
thank for having urged me back into the
path of wisdom. But l can tell you it is
hafd=-desperately thanksgiving away and
listening to advice, ] can't forget her,
Bristed! YOU'RE such a cool, reasonable
fellow yourself that you won't be able to
understand that my whole life seems to
have bound itself about this woman
There was a tone throughout the letter
which testified that Horace Lakely was
still Il good deal of Il boy. 1t was somewhat
OF a consolation for Hurlburt Bristow to
think that it was so. At least it made it
somewhat easier for him to write in answer
to that letter a short time later:
az think it right, without further delay,
to convey to you a piece of news which may
probably surprise you, don't know hat
any explanation would simplify matters.
Mrs Mcpherson and I are to Ge married
next month, "-Chicago News.
Childhood's Generosity.
There was pretty scene of childlike i'm
pulsiyenesS in one of the elevated railroad