The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-08-01
the rafting of halt was the rain drip.

ei W maroie-toppeu aOle. a small
lamp of frosted silver, was burning upon
Il, and nearer it, stood tiny bell of pure
gold. She grasped it with an impatient
molten, rung it sharply, and then sunk
back upon the couch. the shadows deepe-
ming upon her pale face. The clear, sill.
very chimes sounded coldly through those
rich spacious chambers, and soon a SER
want entered the room. Ye, you could
not hear the fall of his footsteps, 50 heavy
we're those rich carpets, for your feet would
sink down into them as If in a bed of
clover.
John, has he come 2" and she bent
eagerly forward, Que white hand clutch.
ing the heavy folds Of the draperv.
lie awaits below in the ves,ibule."
"And is it him fn and her form trem.
hled with excitement, while her hea [
beat wildly, and her dark eyes shone with
half maddened light.
1t is the advocate, lady"
You are sure it is him, John"
am lady"
"Ah, how kind and in such a storm"
A moisture gathered in those large, dark
eyes, and she sunk into half uncon-
scious dream.
"Did yod tell him, John I" and she
started from the apathy into which she
had fallen.
~ told him nothing"
1t is well, then; yet the hour."
at is past midnight"
$50 late! and have been musing
here so long, and of hm,"-she checked
herself, deep blush sutfusing her cheek.
"You may usher him up, John; :" and
she sank back upon the couch, the white
draPery clutched convulsively in the jew
elled hand.
A shadow fell over the carpet, and the
noble form Of the advocate, stole into the
room. He rested one arm upon the mar
hle mantel, and stood gazing upon the
besutiful being before him, bitter smile
resting upon his fine features.
Aline!" broke in soft whisper from
his lips.
oscar p
She sprang forward, breathing that
dear name, and would have thrown her
self into his arms; but he waved her
back with proud gesture, and stood si-
lent, with that proud smile still RESTING
upon his pale features. She had sunk
back upon the couch, trembling like a
wounded dove, or like bright flower,
blighted by the cold winter wind-an
earnest, pleading prayer, beaming from
those dark eyes.
oscar! Oscar spare me! l am
wretched I am punished. Spare me !
spare me! ! repent; he is dead-he for
whom left you. Oh il was a solitary
fault bitterly. oh how bitterly a,oned
for"
"Aline !"
"Oh save me-" she cried, int"rrupting
him, and stretching out her arms in sup
plication. Let me know tha; you are
my friend in this dark hour, and that YOU
forgive me, Oscar"
"Aline, am, rs ever, thy friend"
And you will save him, my father ~
"lf Gods will permits"
"May Heaven bless you!"
"Aline," and the same cold smile
wreathed hIs lips, " was young when |
first met you at the parsonage, and |
thought no love like thine; you were my
angel. Yet when | learned that wrong,
my heart WAS crushed; yet, in that dark
hour, found friend-iny mother; and
on her, ! lavished all my young affec-
tons. When poor, she shared my power
ty, and cheered me on TO brighter DAYS.
became wealthy, and she smiled upon
my home, sharing my wealth"
Yet, Oscar, forgive me only say that
You forgive me-"
You are forgiven, Aine and NAV
you forget the blighling Of one young
heart"
Has he gone 7" and Aline Loid press
ell her hands wildly upon her forehead.
{" ] have seen h,m-yet, oh what meet.
ing " and the young girl sank upon the
floor.
There was n wild cry, no louder than
the notes Of bird, yet so full of agony.
They laid her gently upon the couch. and
watched by her side that night; for she
Was sick, very siek--yet it was heart
sickness.
The trial was over, and Herbert Loid
was acquitted. The Jurors, stern men
slough they were, could not resist the
burning eloquence OF ilIe young advocate
aud, without leaving their seats. they de-
clared the prisoner at the bar, NOT guilty.
Then arose a cheer so loud that il shook
the building; and then the yard in front
filed with the crowd, ali ANXIOUS aud
eager TO catch q view Of the young al.
vocate.
He soon appeared. with Rne.iookine
woman leaning pI'on las arm, followed Coy
the old man aud Alinc. He greeted
them kindly, pauSiug now and then to
grasp the proffered hand Of one more
eager than the rest TO hear that voice
again.
He took Aline's hand as they reached
the carriage, and assisted her in, then the
aged Rector. MAY heaven biess you,
Oscar" The large, ,Douruful eyes were
fixed with q wild intensity upoa his, and
when Che carriage drove oG, aud she