The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-15

in the least repugnant to their ideas Of
personal ease. While here, Walter ad-
dressed the note to the landlord at the ia
nous bathing establishment, which he,
the landlord, had read to his wife as the
bell called him away. BY some means
or other it did not reach Mr.. Elvane, uu-
til Walter came to his destined place.
This accounts for the summons the bell
gave him, for at that moment (Waltcr and
his lady having availed themselves Of pri-
vate conveyance) drove up 10 the door Of
the inn.
As Mr.. Elvane approached Walter, the
latter addressed him thus:
"Have I the pleasure o. seeing the
Landlord =
"IIe is before you," was the response.
"Did you at any time recently receive
a note from VIVIAN Hendrick I" enquired
Walter.
'Ycs, sir, few minutes since. You
are the gentleman, presumed"
"The same, sir" aaid Walter. "Fear-
ing that throng Of visitors might occu-
py your rooms, | wrote in order to char
ter apartments for my lady and myself"
"All right, sir. Excuse me, madam"
said the accommodating host. "Mrs.
Van Hendrirk, walk into the lady's par
lor. Mrs. EIvane, although indispssed
will DO in presently"
Mr.. Elrane showed his incognata
daughter the designated room, then turn
ing to Walter, continued in his usual "a
miIiar style: YES, Mr.. Van Hendrick,
my house is always a scene Of hustle here
and there, but sir, l can accommodate
yourself and lady with suitable rooms
From Charleston, did you sayl"
Il am resident of Lincoln, but
came via the city, in order to try the sea,
yet, | feel no substantial benefit from the
breezes. The renown of your baths had
reached me, and thought it advisable to
give them trial. Perhaps an external
application Of the saline fluid, as found in
streams, is more pleasant than the con-
tinual roaring and dashing which we are
compelled 70 undergo on the broad O.
cean."
Walter enjoyed the baths with the con-
vlctIon that their frequent use would re-
store his accustomed vigor Of body and
mind. On the evening Of the third day
after their arrival at this place, party ot
ladies had assembled in the parlor TO play
at chess, tivoli, or any game whatever
that might please their fancy in dispelline
the tedium that arises from being among
sS''::.".s "..u lumonade was served
round nearly the whole company were en-
gagged in some amusement or ether
Mettic seemed to take delight in playing
with little Annie, who was skipping about
the parlor. At length sho took up tho
interesting prattler and placed her on hel
knee. The child in the simplicity of it.
nature, began to handle the locket which
was suspended from the neck of her owr
dear sister. Little Annie feeling q stronn
desire to possess the gem, asked Mettie tc
give it to her. Mettie told her she could
not part with it-tliat it had been on he,
neck long time, that she never suffered
it to leave its place five minutes in hcl
whole life.
What for" said the innocent child.
because" replied Mettie, patting til,
childs check, it was my mothers sup
tpose, and can never give it up"
This was beautiful scene for the love
OF romance to speculate upon. There sa
the two sisters entirely unknown TO each
other, amusing themselves with their owr
small chat, while opposite sat the mother
glancing her eyes now and then at Annie
with the intention Of checking her rude
ness if she transcribed her often defined
limits, regarding Mettie only as an agree
able guest; but quickly was this indiffer
cnce driven from her bosom to be followed
by emotions Of the most ecstatic characte,
that could move the sensitive breast of M
aniab!e female. There she sat, with nc
thought more remote from her mind than
that Of being before the child which she
sixteen years ago, had surrendered to the
wild valleys of the Watauga, rather than
TO nourisl' it, under the stigma Of illegiti.
macy. The recognition was to be made,
however lily prepared it might find her
AS Mettie let the word. at was nv mo.
theirs" drop from her lips, the mother was
struck with the speech and curiosity led
her to examine it, with no other motive
than merely TO CRAFTY an idle wish. The
other ladies, rs was observed, were cnga-
ged at their evening amusements, and did
not notice the group above described.
Amelia drew near to Mettio and taking
the locket in her hand, as IL by magic her
nerves began TO tremble. As soon as she