Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-03-25

theT, rosa i fave ever loved yo:; since as
little girl used to see you dashing about
upon your pony. When at the Pass at
school loved you more dearly; and how |
blessed the kind fate that threw us to
gether, untrammeled by the presence of
our parents, when you came up the river a
year ago upon the steamer. Then | felt
that you controlled my life's happiness.
and dearly have enjoyed our stolen inter
views. Now all is over and we must part.
will do as your father asks me in his let
ter-return all you have sent me. Rosa.
my own darling, goodbyl"
Thus the lovers parted, and while Rosa
returned to her fathers plantation. a mile
down the river, Earl Griffith leaped his
horse into a cotton field that bordered the
river bank and darted away in the direc
ton of his own home, for death had laid
his own father in the grave and he was
master and owner Of the large estate
Arriving at his door negro messenger
from the Vertner plantation awaited his
arrival and presented him with letter
Entering his s;lnctum he broke the seal
and his brow darkened as he read the con
tents.
'For her sake will forbear, and for her
sake l will return her letters-every little
memento of her love; yes, ALL"
A few moments after the ebony messen
ger rode away bearing in his hands Il small
package addressed to Mr.. Branch Vert
ner Sunnyside Plantation"
Branch Vertner. was pacing the broad We
randa that encircled his handsome resi-
dence.
A stern, naughty man, his brow was
darkly clouded and his eyes wore an angry
expression, as ever and anon he glanced up
and down the avenue, as if in expectancy.
cha, at lastl hope he has not dared to
refuse my demand; if SOL And he
grasped the package held out to him By
the negro boy.
Breaking the seal he glanced over the
contents. The frown darkened, when his
face suddenly paled. The letters and love
trinkets fell to the floor as he exclaimed
"What does this mean?"
In his hand he held Il long silken curl
flashing like golden Strands in the light OF
the setting sun.
Upon the corner he read:
Rescued from the waves. Pass Chris
tian, June. Is, is"
One moment he glanced at the card, his
face changing with the emotions that
swept over him, and then he called out to
the retreating messenger
"Robert, come herel"
The negro again advanced.
mount your horse and return at once
and quickly to the Griffith manor. Pre-
sent my best wishes to Mr. Earl Griffith
and say request the pleasure of seeing
him Immediately at Sunnyside Planta
tion.''
"Yes, sir"
And while the messenger started away
at full speed Mr.. Vertner continued his
walk up and down the veranda
An hour had not passed when Earl Grit
fifth rode up to the door, dismounted and
assembled the broad steps, wearing upon
his face puzzled expression at his strange
and unexpected summons to Sunnyside.
Advancing toward him. Branch Vertnel
extended his hand, while he said in firm
voice:
earl Griffith 1 never believed that you
or one of your race would ever be invited
across my threshold. Your package sent
me this evening told me who it was that
saved my daughters life three years ago
hence | bury the Ratchet and offer my
hand You are noble man, and believe
will accept it."
Thus the feud was settled, all animosi
ties buried and the two families united by
the strongest ties, for Earl and Rosa were
married soon after, and all this happiness
came about through the romance of 'Tht
Stolen Curl. "-True Flag.