Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-03-04
HARRY's FILTRATION.

The guests were seated on the broad, cool
veranda Of the Woodbine hotel; q delicious
bresze stirred the honeysuckle vine that
climbed the trellis. Several guests were ex-
pected to arrive, among them an heiress, 30
rumor had it, and as usual no small amoant
of interest was awakened. There was a
murmur among the guests as slender girl,
becomingly ALTERED, made her way up the
broad steps.
She was fair example of that rare and
curious blending of blonde and brunette
which we sometimes meet. Her face was
fair, her hair brown with q rich golden
hue. and her eyes were large and dark.
She was woman capable of intense love
or hate. As Harry Marsh gazed upon her
he grew suddenly pale. Then it passed
away, giving place to q deepening flush Of
embarrassment. His companion, Frank
Hale, handsome. fun-loyfng fellow, OBJ
served Harry's embarrassment, and with
merry twinkle in his black eyes, said:
81 declare, Hal, you blush as if the
heiress' was an old flame Of yours"
And he laughed in low, musical way.
81 know my face showed seeming agita-
ton just now, but there's really nothing the
matter with me-"
"Now, Harry, old fellow, you need not
apologize"
81 am not going to. But, Frank, weren't
You ever surprised into blushing when some
body resurrected a half forgotten sentiment
al memory of the past? Let me see. Pll
venture to say that can make you blush.
How about that Elsie Maydew affair of
yours?'
Frank Hals's cheek did brighten little.
But he well knew that stronger feeling
than mere embarrassment had agitated his
friend.
"Pshaw!" exclaimed Frank Hale, with q
penetrating look into the half averted face
Of Harry Marsh. "You are agitated. You
have met this young lady before, some
where. Now own up,-or is it secret?"
Harry Marsh was fair, curly haired
young man of five and twenty, Of sensi-
ti7e, romantic disposition. Frank Hale
aud he were old college chums. Harry
stroked his blonde mustache for moment
in silence. Cutting the tip off of his cigar,
he placed it between his lips, forgetting to
light it.
"How much of a seorets'' he answered
indiferently. Then, turning suddenly to-
ward his friend, said: "What do you know
about her. You seem very much concern
ed about her?"
'sOh, nothing" replied Frank, ''except
what rumor says"
"And what Is that?"
SIT is to this effect: That she has recent
ly risen from poverty to affluence; that she
is engaged to poor professor, geologist,
who was formerly school fellow of hers.
A poor young professional man is sure to
catch such prize, isn't he?'
s'Yes. suppose it is on account of their
romantic and poetic attributes. Did rumor
include the name of the-the gentlsman?"'
"Edward Grey is his name, l believe" I"
replied Frank, 'tand by the way, I under
stand he is to come here also in search of
fossils.
Harry, with a sort of nervous eagerness
of movement, lighted his cigar
''Now, Harry, for your secret. When
and where did you first make the acquaint-
ance of this young LADY, and what Is her
name?"
Harry sat in silence for moment, as if
to collect his ideas. He tilted his chair
back, removed his hat, wiped the perspira-
ton from his brow, and said:
"Her name is Viola Craig. met her in
small rustic village in Maine, about two
years ago.
"And there was bit of romance between
you, eh?"
"Very little on her part-a mere flrta-
tion on mine. can tell you one thing, sht
has not gained all her beauty in two years
She struck me as unusually beautiful wher
l FIRST met her,"
"Why don't you tell ne the romanc'
that lies back of that statement of yours?'
said Frank.
Harry with some reluctance said:
"About two years ago the summer wal
Exceedingly hot and was badly in need o
I Und G.lx:
hunting expedition. Having heard of th,
facilities Huntsville afforded for huntinl
and fishing and picturesque scenery, pack
ed up my grip, took up my rifle and fishin,
rod, and started. / arrived one fine sum.
mer morning at Huntsville and obtaine,
board at the Craig's. They were poor, ant
added to their income by taking summe
boarders. Viola was an only daughter stil
in her teens. could not help admirini
her artless beauty and grace, and l 500
began paying marked attention to her.
''In those fragrant GUNNER twilights
followed as they were by evenings of sill
yer moonlight, we sauntered down tn
pleasant country road and stood upon tn
bridge gazing upon the sheet of water, calr
and deep, which stretched out before uf
1.-THE day sped rapidly into weeks; our heart
seemed gay and happy, everything was er
; joyed with zest which the utmost conf
dence and freedom from restraint can insur,
But alas! one day Viola's father called m
to him and sternly asked:
: "Do you wish to marry Viola2"
81 was 30 thoroughly surprised that al
swersd decisively:
, mo"
$50 thought, replied Mr.. Craig.
81 did not believe that rich, handsom
young fellow like you world wish to MARI
a poor country girl, and desire You I