The herald., 1894-09-08
BIG STAKES.

and spluttered in the old time fireplace
of Kenilworth inn. A group of gentle
men sat enjoying its genial warmth,
while the fierce gale raging without
roared through vale and ravine encir-
cled the mountain in its fury and rat
tied the panes of the dripping windows.
Every one who has visited the wilds Of
western North Carolina appreciates the
sublimity and grandeur of storm amid
the mountains. Even in the dreamy
haze of Indian summer these grim old
sentinels are moody and solemn, but
when the clouds lower, the skies darken
and echoing peals of thunder reverber-
ate through the cavernous sides of in
Vulnerable peaks and headlands the ef-
feet becomes awe inspiring to degree
Fragments Of clouds are blown hither
and thither by the fury Of the wind
rushing through tall forests of mighty
trees which bend and snap before its
resistless force like tender twigs.
The storm comes bowling along with
the deafening roar of charge Of myriad
artillery. Such was the equinoctial gale
which enveloped the mountains in its
fury The immense oaken timbers of
Kenilworth inn trembled and shook in
the grasp of the wind like the futter of
fugitive bird. Although it was early in
the afternoon, the darkness Of the storm
was almost Egyptian in its intensity,
and the faces of the smokers around the
hospitable hearth were only lighted by
the glare of its glowing embers. 1t was
late in October, and but few guests re-
mained at the inn, they being party
of sportsmen on their return from
hunting trip over to the valley of the
French Broad.
The most conspicuous figure in this
little group Of well groomed but brawny
gentlemen, much tanned by their ex-
posure to the weather, was large and
portly man of middle age and distin-
guished mien. The doctor, for as such
was he addressed by his comrades, had
just removed his pipe from his lips and
was stroking his luxuriant auburn beard,
meantime gazing pensively in the fire,
as was his accustomed manner when he
thought. The doctor was quite racon-
teur, having travelled over the entire
globe, visited every known country un-
der the sun and of course met with
many remarkable experiences. He had
just been called upon for one of his in
imitable yarns to while away the mo-
notony Of the storm. His stories were
very ludicrous and amusing generally,
but from the expression of his benevo-
lent face his friends saw that the COM
ing tale was of more serious nature
than usual. The story teller relit his
pipe, and between long drawn puffs of
aromatic Virginia began more in solilo-
guy than otherwise:
"Our presence here near the scene of
what am about to relate recalls to my
mind the memory of one whose sad life
has made deep impression upon me.
Poor Virginia Stauntonl Her history is
singular and q romantic one. 1t is a
repetition Of the old, old story Of wom-
ans confding trust and mans villain
GUS perfdy. 1t could scarcely be termed
love story, for there was little love
lost ON either side. Yet there was in the
place Of love kind of fascination-the
diabolical enohantment and mysterious
charm exercised by the serpent over the
hypnotized bird.
'fWell, l first knew the Stauntons-
that is, the mother and daughter--in
Philadelphia when was medical stu
dent at the University of Pennsylvania
Mrs. Staunton was then n handsome
widow of some 10 years, most charm
ing woman. She had recently lost her
husband and was living rather Sc
cluded life with her daughter Virginia,
who was at that time romping, frolic-
some creature in her teens.
''Mrs. Staunton had been fond and
devoted wife, and in her bereavement
evinced all the richness and sweetness
of pure, good woman, along with a
softened mellow twilight sadness which
touched every heart and yet threw a
peculiar luster and beauty over her
manners and entire character. She had
the refined familiarity of the cultivated
woman without any undue boldness on
the one hand or prudery on the other.
was very fond of her society and fire.
quently called at her home.
"Virgie was winsome and hand
some girl, just budding into sweet
yOuliS WoudlluOOu, ulinoiioyouo pho
full Of pranks, as all healthful girls
should be, yet withal manifesting much
of her mother 8 sweetness of temper and
amiability OF disposition.
"As you all know, after my gradua-
tion went abroad and did not return
for six years, and thus it was I lost
track Of the Stauntons. A year or two
after my return, however, together with
party Of friends, visited Asheville,
and what was my surprise to find myself
in the same hotelwith Mrs. Staunton and
daughter. I lost no time in making my
self known to my friend of former years
and met with most cordial reception.
The gay and romping virgie of my old
time remembrance had developed into
remarkably handsome woman of digni-
fed manners, but still retaining much
of the diablerie of her younger days.
Thsre was a merry twinkle in her bril-
liant dark eyes which ever challenged
smile and response, and the ripplipg
peals OF laughter bubbiag up from her
glad and joyous heart spread conta-
gion of mizth throughout the CORRIDORS
of tho hotel.
Miss Staunton Of Philadelphia was
the furore in Asheville during the sum-
mer eff 16- Beautiful. Accommodated