Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-05-13
Select Gale.
FANNY.
A Tale irom Real Life.
BY GRACE GREENWOOD.

Fanny Austin stood at the window willie
the sun was setting-an open, French win.
dow, whose flowing white curtains half
hid the slender form of the young girl.
She was not looking towards the west F;
though the sunset pageant was beautiful
to behold she was looking toward the
east, not at the shadowy sky, not at the
dark, forest-crowned hills, but far away
down the dusty road, with her lovely,
smiling, cxpectant eyes. The gold and
crimson of sunset passed away, the dews
and shades Of twilight came on-and still
Fanny stood at the window 4 servant
entered and lit the lamps, and, as he went
out, looked back at tue fair girl with
pleasant, knowing smile; then Fanny's
mother came in--qnietly arranged slight
ly diso'dered table-looketi Mt her alb.
stracted daughter silently, but with fond,
proud, mos. mot5e5Iy expression, and
The twilight deepened, and the srFTsef
n glorious June evening came out III
heaven.
Fanny steps through the open window
into the piazza, aud bends forward, as us
tcning intcutly. Surely she hears the
distant gallop of horse! Yes, now II
comes across the bridge, down in the
ravine.-uow it ascends the hIl-now
comes the gleam of a white horse dash'ns
up the road, urged by an eager rider; ana
Fanny Austin turns quickly, and re.cnters
the parlor. where she demurely seats her.
self at a table, and takes up book.
Through how many twilights during the
past wear had Fanny waited and watched
for the coming of that milk-white steed!
She had grown to know his gallop across
the bridge us we'll rs she knew the voice
of his master Fanny's lover lived in the
city, five miles away--and in all seasons
and all weathers came to visit his llege
ladv on this favorite horse, a beautiful anu
powerful animal. But this was the last
time that Fanny would watch with loving
anxiousncss at that eastern window tor
the coming of the bold impetuous rider
for tomorrow they were to be married.
A sweet ideal of early womanhood was
Fanny at that moment, with her love.
radiatiug face ben. over her book, oil
whose contents she saw not word--with
the forward fall of her light, wavy ha'r,
half shading her shy, teader, soft blue
eyes-wilh the tremulous play OF her
parted lips and the vivid aushings Of her
fair rounded cheek. She was dressed
with chld.like simplicity, III lawn OF
that most delicate blue we see III the ial
sky-with flowing sleeves, half revealing
arms Of faultless symmetry. Her white
neck was uncovered, and, in place OF a
brooch, she wore at her bosom bunch
of pale blush roses. How her high.beat
ing heart rocked them, and shook ou
their perfumes! !-how eloquent, how fitly
her love spoke in the rise and fall of thos'
rose.buds, and breathed in the Fragrance
they exhalcd!
There is quick step in the hall withou
the door is flung open! Let US loo
up with Fanny at him, who stands on tn
threshold.
A figure of medium height, manly ye
more delicate than robust--a face lnte
lectually handsome, though exceedngl
fresh and youthful--tbe full red lips a
smiles, the large brown eyes all tender
ness, deep flush on the slightly bronze
cheek-the dark curl ly hair somewhat di
ordered aud blown about the broad bro
by the fresh night wind; SO stood Henr
Lester-but only for an instant stood,
little blinded by the light-then stePPe
ioyfully forward. Fanny rose, half fon'
half fearful, the passion of the woman
trife with the shyness of the child, to me-
his glad embrace.
"You are late tonight, dearest" 81
said, in an inquiring tone.
eyes; my groomsman, Charles Maso
came tonight. had not seen him f
nearly year, ard SO we had many thiuI
to talk about. never liked the fello
so well. Indeed, | believe love all