The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-06-22
CHAPTER ".

TpN large and rather venerable looking
| mansion, situated in a retired part Of
= the city, lived Mrs. Edgerton, the mo-
3, thei of Horace.
it was on the evening succeeding the
one in which occurred the incidents related
in tie last chapter, that she was seated in
the drawing-room awaiting the appearance
OF her son, whom she momentarily ex-
pected. She might have been between
forty and fifty years Of age, and her fea-
lures displayed great remains of beauty.
She was tall, above the common height,
and her general department and benignant
expression Of countenance, denoted her to
be woman Of the highest intelligence
and goodness Of heart.
On cushion before her sat her only
daughter. Rosalie was perfect hebe Of
beauty. Although scarcely sixteen sum-
mers had passed since she saw the light
Of day, yet her figure had all the graceful
development Of womanhood, and the
, wreath Of raven hair that foated grace
fully arodnd neck and shoulders of
psarly whiteness-the full and lustrous
eyes that beained with lovely expression
as she gazed into the face of her mother,
rendered her an object Of intense admira-
ton. She was the betrothed of Edward
Manly, and ever and anon her eyes turned
towards the door, rs the time drew near
for his daily visit.
Silence had for some time reigned COM
plete throughout the room, but at length
it was broken by Rosalie as she asked,
"Mother when are Horace and Alice Will
son going to marry, how long for such a
beautiful sister as she, whom 1 can love as
| know she deserves to be loved I"
An unwelcome thought seemed TO pass
through Mrs. Edgerton's mind as she ans
wered, II hope, my dear, that your bright
est anticipations may be realized, but
from sope cause or other that l cannot
define, I have never felt easy in regard to
Horaee'S prospects,"
"Why, mother, is not Alice all that
you could desirei / have ever thought
ber The r,os. amisble Of heing.."
"She has tender heart, but fear is
too easily influenced yet should he sor-
ry il any circumstance should happen to
prevent their union, for dread the con-
sequences that such calamity would en-
tail upon Horace"
"Horsse loves her devotedly."
"Indeed, he does and none but truly
virtuous and lasting love, can repay his
intense devotion. Few young men are
capable Of similar passion to that enter
tanned by Horace for Alice, and sincere
| ly trust that nothing may occur TO prevent
their anticipated happiness"
[ "Why, mother, you speak as IL you
really dreaded some improbable event, for
my part, / always look on the bright side
Of the picture"
"It Is we'll that you can do so my child,
but when We turn to your own future
prospects, do not think there is anything
10 spprehend. l believe Edward Manly
to be all that q fond heart could wish, and
It is with the utmost confidence that
would resign my dealing TO his care; bu
here is Edward and Horace too, who car
tell you moro Of his love affairs than
can"
Horace, who had passed the day viii
Edward, presented q calmer appe ,ranc,
than when We last ssw him, yet Bis inter
nal suffering was no less acute. Unfcrtu
nately for him. as soon a. he entered th,
! room his mother exclaimed, "Horass