The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-09

however, seem to know that he had eve
seen me before, for which was inwardl
rejoicing, when he suddenly exclaimed.
"Helen, who is the Agnes that write
for your uncle's paper, do you know 7"
llnvoluntarily started and turned dead
ly pale. Helen glanced towards m,
quickly, but meeting my appealing look
she quietly answered.
allow do you suppose | should know
who are my uncle's contributors, when
have not even been on this side OF the
globe this year and half or more 2"
breathed again.
"Well, l presume you do not know bu.
IT L recollect, it is over two years ii hat
have read that signature, and even when
in college | used to wish / knew who Ao-
mes was, but now IN quite anxious upon
the subject"
"Do pray coz just inform me why YOU
are so anxious, and perhaps can coax
nay editor uncle to relieve your suspense.
dare say it is some horrd odd maid.
some antiquarian schoolmarm, who re-
Jolces IN the sweet name of Jemima Hig-
gins, or uepsey Doolittlc, and now aston
ishcs the world with quotations and boz
rowed ideas, (Which she can no longer
teach to school) under the romantic
hamc of Agnes" And here Helen made
motion for me to sit still, for was about
making my exit.
"fou surely would not say so, Helen"
answered her cousin warmly, "dd YOU
read the articles SO signed, for they GER
ta'nly are the products of not only n young
and pure mind, but of one who has early
seen affliction. So far l think am
right"
"fcs, yes, know young gentlemen
are apt to paint their heroines with all the
charms Of youth, beauty, and innocence
and of course Agnes already, in your vivid
imagination, possesses n lovely, sad coun-
tcnance, shaded by soft. brown rinrlets,
melancholy eyes, dropping eyclashcs, and
sweet dimpled checks ever wet with tears,
A truce TO your nonsense Helen; IN
hear no more Of it; for | have never pain
ted my heroine as YOU say, but to en-
plain why | am dcsirous to discover this
Agnes now, more than heretofore, | will
tell You that the piece in this weeks paper
bearing that 81 ignature, has led me to think
that the person resides in ", and
heard n sermon which | preached there
some two or three weeks since, as there
arc several quotations from my remarks
n it, but must confess that the imagina-
ton Of the writer has so truthfully and
pathetically portrayed the subject of the
sketch, that it has made me quite asham-
ed of tameness Of my sermon. | should
like much to cultivate the acquaintance of
one whose powers of imagination are so
brilliant, that perhaps may catch re-
Fiction"
A ray oflight seemed to flash into Hell
ems mind, as she cast quick, penetrating
glance upon my burning checks, for the
blood mounted in torrents to my temples,
tirgling indeed to my finger ends. Un-
perceived by her cousin she cast tormen-
ting look of intelligence upon me and then
resumcd,--
"Well, I DID read the article you speak
Of, but not for n moment did imagine
that the writer had quoted so eloquently
from my reverend cousin, though / ;inder-
stood you created quite sensation in W.,
but really l am quite indignant that the
beau IDEAL Of yours should attcmyt to
rob you Of the glory Of your best sermon
by her brilliant Imagination After all,
Agnes may be some. young divine in dis
guise, for 'pureminded afflicted young la
dies are not apt to write sermons"
Pshew, Helen, you are incorrigibIe.
| do not sec rs your long absence from
home has in the least made you more Sc
rious, and should now SUPP ose you are
old enough to cease your tritiing" Mr.
n. spoke seriously.
For moment Helen's face flushed, but
with mock gravity she bowed as she re-
piled,
Il beg ycy'g reverence will pardon ~"
for as when | left home you were nobody
but my cousin Hubert, whom | had Sc
rious intentions of setting my cap for, as
soon as was old enough, cannot, SC
soon alter my return, become accustomed
to the awe and dignity Of your ministerial
robes, especially, ss have not yet heard
you hold forth In that respect Agnes
has the advantage, and probably appreci.
ates your dignit . For the future will
endeavor to bear in mind, before you, that
which | forget in your fathers presence
that ministers are not men, but rcprover.
of light heartedness, and allow me to ado
that am happy my cap is otherwise dis
posed Of and 1 have no partiality for long
faced folks; but remember il you would
make n convert Of nae, il must be by
smiles not by frowrs"
Have you done, Helen," said Mr. N.
laughing heartily, really was not
ware before, Of yonr intentions concerning
me, and fear l shall not look with fa,ot
upon that young planter who has supplant
ed nc, Il appears, and / hope you will
forgive my rebnke, IL so you cali il, bu
you always were a tease to my father, a
| Nell as myself twill learn wisdom from
him, and let you have yo0t own way, bu
" you you please ! am still cousin Huh
ert,,p
Well, then cousin Hubert, TO punisl
4 son, jsst let mo INFORM yon' that d
know who Agnes =, and III not tell 20