The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-12-21
WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 2l. 1853

ger trlmOIed little, and her cheek glowed
deeper, at the thought of his probably be-
ing the uncle of Henry.
There were only two occupants of the
dInng-room at Esq. Hunters that day
the old gentleman himselfand his nephew
the young lieutenant The former lean.
cd back in his chair, leisursly slipping his
faVonte claret, and all the while explaining
to his nephew, his new process of engraft
ing peach trees; who, meantime, was in
dustr'ousIy filling his empty glass with
bread crumbs, replying yes, SIR at every
pause his uncle made, yet ignorant of the
topic as the man in the moon, for his
thoughts were on the subject that had en-
crossed them for the last twenty four hours
tile sweet face of Fanny Erlwood, and
her strange resemblance to a certain little
oiue'"yed fairy of boyhood memory.
a servant at last entered with a note, a
wee bit Of a one, directed in delicate
hand, to James Hunter Esq
The old gentlcman evidently was unac-
eustomed to receiving missives, for he fun
h!cd long time at the seal, and at last,
sadly marred Ethe fine penmanship, in at
tempting to break it. 1t was only a few
lines, which having read, the Squire flung
the paper, with half au dible poor girl
upon the table.
why, uncle began Henry, sportiveIy,
IS that the way You treat your lady-love's
epiStIes? But really, when confirmed
old bachelor begins to receive such deli
cate looking notes, l feel it my bounden
duty to inquire into the matter
NO, no, Henry returned the old gen
ueman seriously. I'm too old for such
matters. This note is from one Of my ten
ants, asking for an extension of quarter
day. on account of disappointment, sick
ness DC. Why do people employ others,
and then neglect to pay them, especially
the poor, who depend only on their own
eNert'onS for hviT 4 Such, l presume,
IS Miss Erlwood's embarrassment, though
she does not.rcally say So
'ErIwood-Fanny ErlwoodHexclaimed
Henry.
Yes, that's the one; and sweet face
she has too. She is the orphan daughter
of broken merchant. who died two wears
ago--the rich Erlwood, of B.--you've
heard of hnr--and supports her sick
mother and herself by teaching music
Mrs ErIwood has ruptured blood vessel,
so DIR. SanderSon told me this morning,
and is very low, though didn't know till
after called there for my rent, and found
Fanny out. [ wouldn't have asked for it
If l had, for though people call oldJames
Hunter hard man, yet he's heart, after
all. But do you know Miss Erlwoodr
NO, yes,--that is, I've seen her. STAN
mered Henry. But really, uncle, you
must excuse me, I've an engagement;'and
rising haistly, lie left the room.
What's in the wind nowp said the old
gentleman to himself. 4 really belle. c
the boy knew something of Miss Erl.
wood
But Henry had his own thoughts, and
few minutes walk brought him to his
sisters. Mrs. Lynn was sitting alone in
the library.
In few words, Harry told his story
of his little playmate, Fanny Erlwood,
whom he had never forgotten, and whose
parting gift, a locket, he had always cher
ished, and of his strong conviction of her
identity with the young music teacher
Then he detailed her present painful sit
uation, and besougbt his sister to call and
do something for her relief.
That | will gladly replied she. Miss
Erlwood has interested me much. She is
a most faithful teacher, and her gentle
patience and sweetness have won my
Annie's love. I've heard those who for.
merly knew her speak in the highest terms
of her character, nd have often mourn.
ed that one Of her beauty and accomplish
ments should be doomed to the common
drudgery ofteaching. But let me ask,
Harry, il your heart is interested in the
case, or is It only remembrance of old
friendship that makes you so concern
ed
"a little Of botL,' he smilingly replied
Through many years I've cherished an
afiectionate regard for her, and by the cas-
ual interyiew have recently had, this is
greatly increased
And If this love is rcciprocated, and
she i' worthy, no false pride shall prevent
me from receiving her as my brorher,s
wife,, said Mrs Lynn. warmIy.
Thank you fsrvently, Louisa returned
Der brother, kissing her cheek as he spoke.
Like an Angle'Ofmercy did Mn, Lynn
So - -.