Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1892-03-19

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akSS ed tree and meadow and
e7777770 sluggish forest streams in
their uncertain mist, tue factory
chimneys flung their fiery banners OF
smoke against the leaden sky. a
basso,rtlieuo that would have made
Rembrandt himself rejoice, and the
hum oi neyer-ceasing machinery in
the little town rose above the rush
of the river like the buzz of gigan-
tie insect.
Charles Emery, the day superin-
tendent 10 the rolling mills, was just
retiring to his home, having been re-
lieved by the night superintendent
and as he walked along, his feet
sounding cri-ply on the hard, frozen
earth, he whistled softly to himself
light hearted as bird.
"You're going with US tonight
Charley, to the opera?' cried gay
voice, and TWO or three young men
came by.
For upon that especial evening
there was to be an opera in the lit.
tie town, genuine New York com
pany, with chorus, a full orchestra,
and all the paraphernalia of scenery
and costume which provincial resi-
dents so seldom enjoy, and the
younger population were on the qus
uiUe Of delightful expectation.
Il am going,'' said Emery, slowly
"but not with you'll
But you will change your mind,
though" said Harrison, 6 when you
hear that Kate Marcy is to be one Of
our party-Kate Marcy and the Miss
Hallowells and Fannie Hewitt. There
are eight Of us going. We've kept
seat on purpose for you"
have engaged myself to an.
other lady," said Emery.
Harrison laughed.
Well, l m sorry for it," said he
bat Miss Marcy is not girl whe
need pine for a cavalier. Well keep
the scat for you until quarter Of
eight. And let me give you a warn
ing, old fellowl Kate Marcy is a
high minded GRIT won't do to
trife too much with herl"
Charles Emery went on his way
ra her grayel ard more self-absorb-
ed. He had asked his mother the
day before to go, and his mothers
eyes had frightened with genuine
delight.
Your father ofea used to take
me, Charley" she said, when we
were young People and lived in New
York. But it is twenty years and
more since | have been to an opera.
And if you're quite sure, dear, that
there is 10 young lady whom you
would rather take"-
"As if any young girl in the
world could be to me what my own
darling mother is !" re9lied Emery.
smiling across the table to her.
Then shall be delighted to 60"
said MIS-. Emery And her voice
and eyes bore witness to the truth
of her words
But now that regular party had
been organized, and Kate Marcy had
promised to join it, things looked
different to the young man. For a
moment he almost regretted that he
had engaged him self to take his
mother.
She would be as well Pleased
with any concert" he said to him
self, and | Should have the oppor-
tunity of sitting all evening next to
Kate Marcy. III ask her to let me
off this time. She won't care"
But when he went into the little
sitting of their humble domain,
aud saw his mother with her silver
gray hair rolled into pufs on either
side oil her almost unwriukfcd braw
her best black silk donned, and the
opal breach she owned pinned into
the white lace folds at her bosom,
his heart misgave him.
" | have been trimming my bon
net over with some violet velvet
flowers, said she. smiling, so as
to do you no discredit, Charley; and
have a new pair of violet kid