Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-06-03

NY voice is the one gift that possess, and
/ reveled in my power that night.
When the concert was over Nellie Perth
came to my side, and after the congratula-
tions over my success were finished she add
ed slvly:
'You have made conquest. Charity.
The catch of the season-young, rich and
| handsome-is quite seriously smitteu, and
has been begging me to present hin" !"
Shortly afterward ''the catch of the sea
| son" made his bow before me. glanced
up with little start, to see my hero OF the
churcbyard. Allan Morrison was the name
that fell upon my ears.
He offered me his arm, and a long prone
| made followed. Then the dancing began,
| and Eric Perth claimed me for the f1rst
waltz. I like Eric. have always liked
him; but somehow did not feel inclined to
| dance just then. But as We whirled away
together Eric's dark head was bowed close
| to my flushed face, and heard him whis.
per.
| ''Charity, darling my little wifep'
I felt my face blazing, but made no an
swer, and we foated away to the sound OF
the sweet waltz music until the dance was
done, Seating me upon a satin divan Eric
| went to procure an ice, when cloee to my
side Mr.. Morrison started up like spirit.
| ssHow happy you lookp' he exclaimed.
sDo n" Ireturned lightly. "Well, who
wouldn't be happy dancing the 1Manola'
with partner like Eric Perth? His step
is perfection! Nobody else suits me go
WE'LL"
| Of course alluded to the dancing quail
ties of my late partner Mr.. Morrison seat
ed himself deliberately at my side, a cynical
expression upon his handsome face.
thought of the episode in the chnrchyard
and drew involuntarily away. have no
pity, no pardon for the man who yields to
the Gree lures Of the wine cup. He glanced
intolmy face.
"Eric is to be envied, indeed. Miss
Wayne, have to thank you for an act Of
charity" he was going on to say; but at
that iuncture Eric appeared, followed by a
black coated waiter bearing a silver tray.
81 know you mnst be hungry, Charity?"
he cried. in his gay, innocent way. j.
Eric and had grown up together, and
be had never honored me with the super
fuous titles which be felt bound to bestow
upon other young ladies. Mr.. Morrison
arose at once. twas evident to him that
there was an understanding between Eric
and myself. Soon after saw him in the
neighboring bay window, merrily chatting
with Nellie-firting, OF course. Somehow
felt did not love him as of yore. Was
it jealousy? Bah! slipped my arm into
Eric's and we went off for stroll 10 the
moonlight.
"Morrison looks rather bored, comment
ed my cavalier. But must confess that
failed to perceive it. 'sBy the way" Eric
went on swiftly, tthat same young man
came near having sunstroke last Sunday?
RecoIlect what terribly warm day it was,
Charity? lie foolishly walked all the way
at noon to day-from the steamboat land
ing at our place. We did not expect the
boat to arrive until the next day, so never
sent the carriage to the landing. Allan
undertook to walk it, got SO far as the
churchyard and lay down in the shade; Mr..
Lynne found him there, and he says that
he was suffering from the effects of the sun,
and that it was pretty close call. have
known Allan all my life," added Eric. "He
is the very best young mau whom l havs
ever met"
I felt my cheeks burning, my heart beat
ing with strange, unaccountable feeling
of relief, but there was nothing for me to
say, SO l held my peace. The ball over, ]
went home in the early dawn with Eric
Perth, who took this opportunity to tell me
that he loved me, and wanted me to be his
wife. did not love him, and I told him
so as kindly as possible. But did not
confide to him that had learned to love
another.
Days and weeks went by. was in the
garden at my old home one evening at sun
set-a sweet, old fashioned garden, full of
ole fashioned flowers. / was busy tying up
clump of white lilies when voice made
me start, and glancing up saw Allan Nor
rison.
"Charity," he began at once, coolly ig-
noring the fact that was Miss Wayne, 81
have come to say good-byP
l dropped the twine with which l had
been about to secure my lilies and turned
piteous face toward him.
"Why must you go?"
He had my hands in his and was gazing
into my eyes before I could realize it.
s.Because I love you," he said abruptly,
''and cannot stay here and see you marry
another man."
ST am not going to marry any other man"
I cried.
He faced me white and trembling.
"Do not tride with me,' he commanded
sternly. "Answer me, Charity Wayne.
Are you not betrothed to Eric PERTH"
laughed aloud.
81 am betrothed to no one" responded.
"But since you and I are little more than
strangers, Mr.. Morrison, how can you care
so much for me?"
ST have loved you ever since that Sun
day in the churchyard," he said softly. Il
was not asleep. saw you distinctly saw
the LOOK Of disgust upon your face, and
heard your low voiced exclamation Ia tones
of horror, The man is intoxicatedp Then,
moved by some gentle, womanly impulse,
you laid your handkerchief over my face.
Here''-he took something from his pock-
ct as he spoke-s'I have worn it over my
heart since that day."
It was my property, but he did not see
fit to restore it to its rightful owner. He
went on speaking, his eager eyes upon my
face as he added:
"But Miss Perth assures me that you are
going to marry her brother"
And then knew that did not love Nsl-
lie Perth.
81 am not going to marry anybody"
cried angrily.
He had his arms around nae in an in-
slant. Then he stopped and-yes-actual-
| ly kissed me!
"You are going to marry me-" he an.
nounced briefly.
And 1 felt that the whole question was
settled.
"Charity," called mamma, from the din
ing room window, Il want you."
$50 do l." whispered Allan, slyly, and
before I knew it he had taken my hand and
led me to mamma, and in few words made
known his modest request, would she give
him little Charity, ''to have and to hold un-
til death do us part2''
Telephoned to Heaven.
! This incident is related as fact:
One day Mamie Knowles aged five years
was all dressed for walk in the park,
| when the rain began coming down.