The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-09-05
CHAPTER II.
THE RIVAL.


What heavenly sunset, cousin Lu,y ~
exclaimed Anna Minot, as she leaned
from the open window, with ewes fixed in
teEtiy on tile West. See there. Lucy !
tina. rich purple cloud fringed with flame,
rs though 1t were the falling mantle from
some fiery cherubim-and just above it,
see that cloud, like screen to prevent us
from looking to Hcaven-i, it not sub
| lime !"
YES, ANN, It is beautiful
here, in the East, is n beautiful moon RI
sing to match it. See, the pure bright
ORD comes out the moment the sun has
Ind hs face, as though she wished not to
attract any Of the admiration which be-
longs to hi shining subiinily. The moon
seems to me the type Of modest woman,
who delights to reflect the happiness and
prosperity of those to whom she is dear.
You smile at my simile; well, | confess
the moon was always my favorite among
the heavenly host, and had | been q
heather born, I should have worshipped
"And the sun too"
II had been taught, yes but
should have adorcd tie moon from tue
Impulse OF my own feelings"
F" Probably; and yonder comes the
swain who would have the gentle moon
to reflect his light"
"Anna!'
O, don't blush so, my dear; the moon
never bushes. And don't look so grave !;
though it's rather serious business TO
manage, because your honored mother
has set her face 50 decidedly against your
swain. But never mind; Roger has a
bod heart, aud it is my opinion he will
win the lady. Your father likes him."
They agree in politics"
Better .hau they do in property, |
believe. All, Lucy, look this way heie
is one coming from tho West who has a
host OF recommendations to your fatler."
"Whol o, DR.. Walker. He will
never gain my favor, assure you, not
withstandi G his host Of recommends.
tons"
"How pcrverse d you, Lucy, not to
ike fine, accomplished young man, who
Is dying for you. Only consider the
thousand advantages Of having a pbysi.
clan for husband Look here, will
youi The full moon is not favorable TO
reason; and besides, there is something
beneath the moon that may draw your
attention"
Don't speak so loud. Anna, pray"
"Are you afraid Roger will hear you r.
No, no; how ridiculous! Let us 20
down to the parlor."
During the conversation Of the cousins,
the two young gentlemen named as ap-
preaching, were rapidly nearing each
other. The dwelling Of Squire Hart.
well was located at the junction of three
roads, where those from the east and
west, which were merely paths, united
with the great northern highway. The
house stood few rods back from the
junction, having peach orchard in front,
a profusion of rose bushes around the
sclid wall, and high and heavy gate
which shut out the dusty view Of the
street.
The object Of the rivals seemed 10 be
who should first reach the gate. DR..
Walker had the shortest and smoothest
path, but the long aud rapid strides OF
Roger were every moment diminishing
the inequality; and as for the stones and
hillocks In the path, he minded them no
more than he would have done thistle
down.
Dr.. Walker increased his speed almost
to q run--it would not d.. Rogers
strong grasp has thrown open the gate
he has entered--and with no little impe-
tus he sent the ponderous portal back 10
its station. Il shut with loud bang,
just as Walker reached Il, bringing him
up toa perpendicular as rigid as that Of
la Prussian grenadier. SO closely visa
Wis was he with the gate, that his nose
was grazed by the contact; aud partly
| by the rush Of the air, his best beaver
was thrown from bis head, and rolled a
considerable distance in the dusty path.
I Dr.. Walker was greatly discom6tted,
and not little enraged at the audaci.y
Iof his rival; but he well knew Roger
was not the man he could frighten, and
as for lighting such fellow, that was out
LOT the question. So the Doctor endea.
vosed TO calm and cool himself as best
he might--wiped the peapiration from
bis brov, and the dust fropi bis large siI.