The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1855-08-17
- GREEyVILLE s G.: FRIDAY MORNING AUGUST H. 1885,

s'ocio sfiChos 10y - OHo Sluo auu " tnlck
wood and deep ravine on the other,while the
avenue from the house to the bay was a
slightly descending meadow. Such was the
place where Michael dwelt with his father,
aunt and Alice, the latter of whom, is the
only one Immediately connected with our
narrative. tits Unnecessary tosay any thing
of her past life, suffice it to say that she was
bereft of her parents early and had found
protection under the roof fof John Morris, Mich.
ael's father, who had taken great deal Of
pains in raising her, no doubt with the an.
ticiption of making her fta help mate
for his son. Though let that be what it
may, Michael and Alice cherished strong
attachment for each other in childhood
which grew as they grew and strengthened as
they advanced in years, while until at last
they began to look to the time when they
should not only see in each other a mere
playmate, kind friend, or fond lover, but a
gentle husband, a loving wife. But 10 the
cloud ofwar arose in the east and stretchingits
fiery mantle towards the west shrouded
millions within its bloody folds. Michael
heard its thunder and for once there was
a strife in his manly bosom, that strife be-
tween sense Of duty and will to do other
wise, which is more useful than the strife
of contending legions. he knew his duty he
loved his country, but how could he leave
his home, his father and more Than all, his
Alice on whom he had founded his hopes Of
earthly happiness.
But what are obstacles to man who will
not regard them; they only serve as all
incentive toplunge the headlongIhero into
destruction. So he felt that he must leave
that blissful home, perhaps foreser. Alice
was aware Of his intentions and with sorrow
full steps and feelings ah who but they
can tell, they walked one evening to their
favorite rock on the beach, to have kheir last
interview. The sun had Just disappeared Be.
hind the western hills, and soon tile starry
armament shone forth in all the sRendour
of heaven as if to throw an air Of Measure
around that consecrated spot. AfS gaz-
ing in silence few moments at the Eenery
around them. Michael grasping the hand of
Alice and with half stifed emotion BEGAN:
Alice, this reminds me of years gde by,
of the many happy moments we haveIpass-
ed here on just such evenings as this land
amid the beauties of nature as we no1are,
but ! have a strong presentiment that,his
is the last time we will meet on this rtck,
and perhaps the last time we will meelpn
this earth, and ! now only desire that Nu
love me as you have heretofore, and VII
fear nothing, AS an emblem of my faithful
ness ! give you this ring, wear it for my
sake as long as you live. l would not leave
you
Go! exclaimed Alice,and my prayers shall
follow you, shrink not from your duty on
account of me-
Dearest Alicce, exclaimed Michael. feel
you that are my guardian angel. III ever come
back will come with honors. If you do notsee
me clothed with honor, you will never sec
me again. Your name shall impart energyto
my soul, and when / am about to despair
one thought of you shall renew my strength
Michael and Alice were interrupted before
they had fairly accomplished the object Of
their visit to the rock. The angry clouds be-
gan to gather and the loud peals of thunder
and quick successive flashes ofligbtning told
of the coming storm, the winds moaned and
the high foaming pillows clashed the rocks
with fearful rapidity. Our couple hastened
homswarG, and before day Miehssi, On bis
grand charger was miles away, But why fol-
low him farther, go through an eight years
war,he clothed himself with honors,a as he said
he would do. Let the sanguinary fields Of
EutadB Brandywine, ,Guilford and many Others,
testify TO it, and let us pass over the space
Of eight years. Eight long years they were
to Alice and many were the evenings she
sat at her window and looked sadly up the
lane, consoling herself no doubt with the
idea that he might come. But he came not,
weeks and months had passed away, still no
tidings Of hin came.
f.