Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-09-15
MISCELLANEOUS.
Love Triumphed.

ut was dny without a sun Not once had
the cheerful sun shone through the clouds
Therewas neither warmth nor light in the sky,
rain fell, and the earth, numbed by the cold,
damp air, was devoid of gladuess. Nature
was rcpressed and unsympathetic.
Near tho window of a stately mansion was
an old man, whose life was typifed by the
dreary day. Seated in an invalid's chair, his
head propped by pillows, he wearily watched
the rain descend. He had "A hard, bony face,
q firm mouth, thin lips tightly drawn over his
teeth, and eyes to which tho softer feelings
were evidently strangers His aspect, grim
and repelling, was a physical revelation of his
character. la Ok
Muttered sternly, his thoughts ran thus:
"My decision is final. will speak to her
once more. 1 will give her one more chance.
If she yields, she must yield, unless totally
lacking in common sense, will leave her my
property but if she shall persist in Drawing my
authority, 1 will disinherit her; will mot
leave her penny" ~
"whatAdid you say, grandpa Did you say
you would not leave me even penny ~
1t was remarkably sweet voice through
which quivered note of pain. hes
"You heard Alright" cried the old man, in
tones that were energetic in spite of his ex-
treme feeblcness. "Thatis-thatis is my decision
unless you viii agree not to marry Edward
Browning. 1t rests with yon whether you will
live in poverty or be the most wealthy hefress
in the State. You are, like your father, i'm
practical and visionary. II there were any of
myself in you, You would not hesitate for a
moment as to the course yon ought to pursue Is
Elijah Pendergrass closed his lips grimiy,
and there was a look in his face that showed
that the consciousness of his own superior wis
dom gave him much satisfaction.
"Are you certain, grandpa. that 1t would be
better for ME were Imore like you?"
Mr.. Pendergrass was surprised by the qucs-
tion-a He had expected that Laura's first re.
mark would be to beseech him to yield to her
wishes.
My great success in life sufficiently answers
you" he replied, with the egotism of one who
thinks that what he has said has left no op.
port unity for further argument.
Laura's tone was slightly sarcastic.
Mr.. Pendergrass was still more surprised. he
frowned. .aE Htl
"of course have succeeded Why doyou
ask SO childishly 2'' 51a asf
fSSES PNtdNh IL INV UuI
feel that what 1 an asking is important =
And now, if you will please tell me. 1 would
ike to know what you regard as success"
Mr.. Peudcrgrass was very much surprised,
and at first it seemed as If she might petulant-
ly refuse to crafty his granddaughter But
after thinking moment he resolved TO com
ply with her request.
Z" To succeed is to make a good living, to &C.
cumulatc a handsome property, and to allow
no one to get the better of You in any transac-
ton. 1 have always maintained that level.
headed man would not cheat himself"
- Do you think you have never cheated your
self2"
Hardly that, never knew a man thar
did not make some Mistakes but my errorl
have been few, 1 am thankful to say"
" do not share your confidence, grandpa
think you have cheated yourself"
Mr.. Pendergrass was astounded. He had
not supposed that Laura could be SO audacious.
" will tell you" continued the girl, "why
think you have cheated yourself. For the
sake of making money you have deprived
yourself of the greatest blessings. fou have
| abstained from doing kind and generous acts,
consequently you have grown hard and selfish
and have cheated yourself of the much joy that
comes to one who endeavors to benefit his fell
low-men; you have not cultivated q love for
reading, and have cheated yourself of much
interesting knowledge aud intellectual pleas
nre; you have not cultivated love for the
beautiful in art nature, and thus have
cheated yourself of something of inestimable
value thatchn be obtained without money and
without prices you have not cultivated ans
friendships, and you have cheated yourself OF
the satisfaction of knowing that men regard
you with affection and esteem, and, above all,
you have never known the heavenly joy ex-
perienced by one who loyes deeply and is loved
US deeply in return"
Laura forgot the fear of her grandfather,
which she customarily felt. aud spoke with en-,
thusfasm. faf 20
The old man noticed her glowing cheeks and
sparkling eyes with troubled look in his face
Could it be that he was impressed by what she
had said Could It be that he acknowledge
to himself that the truth had been spoken p
Laura, who watched him narrowly, began ts
realize hope, but the next Instant her spirit
were dashed
Il have heard enough he cried sternIy
II am more than ever convinced that you lacl
good common sense, and that It would be fool
ish for me to leave my property to you. You
father was just ike you; he talked the sam,
way. BE would persist in becoming an artist
and told him that he must leave me. Ibope,
you would be sensible. believe you did hay
a little sense until you met this newspaper re
porter. Browning. He read poetry TO you an,
turned your head. He does not know how I,
make money or how to take care of itn
If he does not know how to make. money
he does know how to make love, and that i
more than you car do, iscried Laura, thorough
Iy provoked.
You are impudent and foolish. 1 suppos
browning is still waiting for my decision. /
SO, tell him to come in, and Will soon max
] myself understood.r