The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1892-11-03
STRANGER THAN TRUTH.
An Fashioned Ghost Story. !

trite sayings, repetition makes it none
the less true. Upon that head l an
about to give proof.
Late on one September afternoon
lost my way among the wild and lovely
scenery of North Wales.
l stood on the highest ground could
reach, and looked around. Nothing met
my gaze save distant hills, mountains,
and, nearer at hand, splendid valleys;
but not iaLitation within an attaina-
BILE distance.
had little doubt that there were sew
eral, some, possibly, within stones
throw. But in which direction?
That was the question. l was in a
verdant maze, and nothing SO initiates,
SO tires a man, and makes his feet feel
like lead, as the possibility that he is
walking away from the help he requires,
rather than to it.
To render matters more pleasant, not
only was twilight approaching, but a
/ veil of mist was sweeping down the hills
and soon would develop the land, bring
ing probable rain.
Something, however, must be done.
So, with Il similar sensation to that Gre
ated by the PREDATORY ceremony of
blind mans buff, plunged down the
road.
Had not loved Gertrude so dearly, l
might, with mans proyerbial unreason>
ableness, have considerably blamed her
for my present position.
My profession was that of a doctor. l
had large practice and small pay in an
East End London suburb. Daily l won
praise, but it was not golden, and, as a
natural consequence, fell in love.
Gertrude Wynbourne was one of the
sweetest, dearest of girls, with pretty
face that dimpled into sunny smiles, yet,
at times, could put on fascinating,
judge like gravity and thoughtfulness.
| need scarcely say our love did not
run smooth.
When bought the practice of White
church it had been painted in such glow
! ing colors, my predecessor only retiring
because OF age and failing health, a
younger, energetic doctor being requir-
ed, that Mr.. Wynbourne, as well as l,
believed my fortune made, and he did
not hesitate giving his consent to Ger
trude's and my future marriage.
| But when the first years receipts bare
ly covered the first years expenses,
though he could not withdraw his con
sent, he gave me to understand that
must work for my Rachel. He could
not let her wed until 1 had comforta
BILE home to take her to.
| did not blame him. For myself
would not have desired Gertie to share
/ the trouble of my hard struggle for a
living, though, with sinking heart saw
! it might be long seven years before I
could claim her, unless something turned
| up.
"Never mind. Dick,' said Gertie, nest
ling her curly head against my shoulder,
her cool little hand in mine; 1--WE can
wait. We don't fear each others fideli-
ty, do we? I'm sanguine, if you are not.
You are clever-you know you are. sir, SO
don't pretend modesty and deny it. You
wake one morning to find yourself IA
mous!n
''Your words might, in the dim and
distant future, be realized, pet,'' I re-
sponded, sit were in better locality.
But who cares whether the people in
this locality are ignorantly killed or
wonderfully restored to health?'
mo one can tell what may happen,
Dick"
"But think, love, of the surroundings!''
''I'd share them with you tomorrow,
Dick, and all the struggling, all the
| fighting, if papa would let metz exclaimed
the brave girl.
There was but one way to respond to
such speech.
Having responded, proceeded: "Ger-
/ tie, with such brave heart near to
cheer my tagging courage, should be
coward unworthy of you to give in. No:
never say die. By the way, not a bad
motto for a doctor. When I start a
brougham I'll have it placed in Latin
on the panels And | will start
brougham one day, Gertie! I'll save and
save, and I'll work up practice until
can sell it fairly, then II start westward"
'And you'll succeed, Dick, I'm sure of
til What did you tell me Virgil wrote?
They can conquer who believe they
cam"
That was all very we'll. and / was i'm
mensely cheered at the time. But when
year stole after year, and l found my
self no nearer success, only tagged, worn:
| out, and weary. despite ell those line
sayings SO easily quoted, it was by no
means cheering.
Its no good, Gertie," I calculated
| "A man can't get on without capital
You might as well expect balloon to
rise before the graphing irons are cast
off,"
'Nonsense!" responded Gertie; but
noticed much of her cheeffulnesa also
had fled. Ibid not all the wealthy self
made men start with only half crown?
! Don't give In, Dick! l had dream last
night. thought you lived in such a
grand house, and lines and lines of car>
riages were before the door,"
Gentle put great faith in dreams, and
would recount them with the prettiest
gravity possible.
But can't say they were prophetic,
for at the end of four years was much
about where / was when | commenced
in wealth, and deteriorated in health
A brother medico told me seriously
that if did not take change and rest
willingly, should soon have to do so
for longer period compulsorily,
Gertie took alarm at my appearance,
and began to fall i'll herself; SO decided
to spare fortnight.
But where should I go-Hampshlre
Sussex, Devon, Scotland or Wales?
We-Gertie and talked it over, and
she said she would sleep upon the de
cision.
"And dream?" smiled.
If can she replied, with qnrufilef
: compa,sAEa.