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 eyes fixed in
tently on tho West. "See there, Lucy T,
tina. rich purple cloud fringed with flame.
rs though IT were the falling mantle from
some fiery cherubirn-and Just above il.
see that cloud, like screen to prevent us
from looking to Hcaven-i3 it not sub
lime !"
"les, ANN, It is beau,iiul-very--and
here, in the East, is a beautiful moon r.
sing to match 1t. Soc, the pure bright
ORB comes out the moment the sun has
Ind his face, as though she wished not TO
attract any Of the admiration which be-
longs to hi shining suJiiniIy. The moon
seems to rue the type of modest woman,
who delights to reflect the happiness and
prosperity OF those to whom she is dear.
You smile at my simie; well, confess
the moon was always my favorte among
the heavenly host, and had | been q
heathen born, | should have worslipped
"And the sun too"
If had been taught, yes; but l
should have adorcd tie moon from the
Impulse Of my own feelings"
Probably; and yonder comes the
swain who would have the gentle moon
to reflect his light"
"Anna!'
o, dou't blush 80, 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, and it is my opinion he will
win the lady. Your father likes him."
They agree in politics"
Better than they do in property,
believe. All, Lucy, look this way here
is one coming from tho West who has a
host OF recommendations to your father."
"Whol o, DR.. Walker He will
never gain my favor, assure you, not
withstandi G his host of recolnmenda.
tions."
How perverse Of you, Lucy, not to
Ike fine, accomplished young man, who
Is dying for you. Only consider the
thousand advantages Of having a pbysi-
cian for husband Look here, will
youi The full moon is not favorable 70
reason; and besides. there is something
beneath the moon that may draw your
attention"
Don't speak so loud, Anna, pray.n
"Are you afraid Roger will hear YOU a.
No, no; how ridiculous! Let us 90
down 20 the parlor."
During the conversation Of the cousins,
the two young gentlemen named as APP
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 highw ay. 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
stIeet.
The object Of the rivals seemed to be
who should first reach the gate. DR..
Walker had the shortest and smoothest
path, but the long and rapid strides oi
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 eptered--and with no little impe
tus he sent the ponderous portal back TO
its station. 1t shut with loud bang,
just rs Walker reached il, bringing him
up 70 perpendicular as rigid as that Of
a Prvssian 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 ait, his best beaver
was thrown from bis head, and rolled 4
considerable distance in the dusty path.
I DR.. Walker was greatly discomGded,
and not a little enraged at the audacity
Of his rival; but he we'll knew Roger
was not the man he could frighten, aud
as for Gghting such fellow, that was out
Of the question. So the Doctor endea-
votsd TO calm and cool himself a. best
he might-wiped the pespiration from
bis brow, and the dust from hia Iarue si.