Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-07-28


appeared the abode Of peace and content
ment.
Acting under the impulse of my wishes, |
entered the little gate that opened upon a
lawn of velvety green in front of the house,
and was slowly vending my way amid the
tumn, which boomed in all their departing
beauty around, when was suddenly aroused
from the agreeable reverie into which had
been thrown by the piercing shrek of a te
male. At first, was unable to determine
whence it proceeded, until a voice from the
cottage called loudly for assistance, | quick.
ened my pace, and arrived just at the mo-
mcnt that a young man, apparently of my
own age, rushed from neighboring wood
aud bounded upon piazza that had been
concealed from view by trellised arbor in
front, over which twined the scented wood.
binc, while clusters of roses hung in rich
profusion around. Beneath this pleasant re-
treat, extended upon rustic settee, lay the
apparently inanimate form of a lady, attend
cd by one somewhat advanced in years
another, few years younger than the suf.
fcrcr upon tue coucll-bcsidcs the young
gentleman already alluded to. For time,
no one seemed to notice my presence, and,
fearful of intruding upon the privacy OF the
family circle, was quietly taking my de-
parturc, when hand was gently laid upon
my shoulder turned, and recognized the
young man had just left, who, extending
his hand, and calling me by name, invited
me 10 seat. was soon, however, relieved
from my astonishmcnt at this familiarity on
learning his name. 1t seemed almost inn
possible that could so soon forget the 60"
lures of one who, but few years prev
had been my most intimate and conf
,Giend YET. he who. then addressed me
had spent my happiest school days.
1t was pleasant thus Unexpectedly to
with one whom could address by thu
dca'ing title of friend, and feel that
not entirely alone. As might be surpt
the afternoon wore rapidly away in dis
sing the events Of past years-wihout, how.
ever, any ;'lusion being made to the singu.
lar manner OF my Introduction, or the cause
of his removal from his former home in Con.
nccticut-uu,il tea was announced; when |
was duly presented to the mother and sister
of Frauk, neither of whom had ever seen
previous to that afternoon. At this moment,
the door Of an adjoining apartment opened,
and presented TO my view young lady Of
surprising beauty; who, on casting her eyes
upon me, uttered shrek more piercing than
that which had startled me in the former part
of The afternoon, and, swooning, fell into the
arms of Frank. My curiosity was now
fairly aroused relative to the nature Of the
mysterious influence | undoubtedly exercised
over her; this could in no manner account
for She was Immediately removed TO an.
other room, and after the free use of restora.
;ives, was informed she had sufficiently
recovered to explain, in an unconnected and
incohercnt manner, the cause Of her distress,
which was made known to Frank, who pro-
missed an explanation after tea. On reach.
ing the piazza, my friend desired me to be
seated, that he might communicate every
thing which appeared shroudcd in mystery.
shall therefore use his own words, as near.
ly as possible -
"On my return from school, found every.
thing at home prosperous, aud promised my
self much happiness with those sincerely
loved, and from whom had been so long
separated. But my fathers failing health
soon gave us sad prcmonitions that his so.
ciety could not long be enjoyed; he was
rapidly siuking under that fatl disease, con.
sumption. Alas! our fears we're too soon
realized; in less than eight months after my
return, he was committed to the silent grave.
This was indeed u severe affiiction, and one
which we all felt most sensibly; but time
healed the wound, and gradually the cheer
fulness that hitherto had reigne, I'd our
family circle once more resumed its sway
over our hearts.
And now was added to our number one
whom we all loved; who for long time had
cvinced a more than ordinary interest in my
eldest sister Fanny, so singularly introduced
to your notice this afternoon.
"Mr. Herman had removed from New
York; and settled in our ncighborhood a
few mouths pre-, ious to my return from
school; and from all that could be gathered
iIouI 'uo Sehcidt ueHo lileue VI licury, HIS
sou, he was in every respect an exemplary
young man possessing in high degree those
gentlemanly qualities which secured for him
Il welcome reception into the best families
of the country.
"Fanny was among the first of his female
acquaintances, aud mutual attachment was
soon the result Much Of his leisure time
was spent with her previous 70 the death of
my father; but, after this bereavement, per.
haps from feelings Of coincidence, or MS the
means of repairing, in part, the breach that
all felt had been made by the hand of death,
every evening brought our welcome visitor,
whose endeayors to please and ingratiate
himself into favor succeeded but too well.
What were his particular motives, 1 could
never ascertain; but Of one thing am con-
vinced-that he was not actuated by those
pure feelings of love which should charac.
teiize the advances of an honorable man. I
will not attribute bis protestations to an i'm.
purity of design; but rather persuade my.