The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-06-04
LANCASTER H. SOUTH CAROLINA WEDNESDAY MORNING. rNE ,s5e

'o'y S'o" OH TIC soit, round cheek; such
dark, lustrous eyes, and glossy brown
curI', shading the almost transparent necl;
and brow; hut the thoughtful observer
ieIt painful ioreboding in gazing on tha,
delicate face and slight form.
Oh, Annie, don't set in sach s,ronr
current OF air." exclaimed Mrs. Leighton.
coming into the parIor. The day had
been cxcesSlve Y warm and sutrv: but
towards evening, n bank of dark clouds
rolled up in the west, aud cool breeze
sprans up. Annie had drawn char to
the open window, to enjoy the refreshing
air, and watch the masses Of silver frinG.
cd clouds, AS they rose in fantastic, ever
changing forms, iIlumined now and then
by flashes of vivid lightning.
She had been seated thus some time. alb
""rbed IN contemplating the scene, which
became every moment more grand and
imposing, when her mothers voice aroused
her.
81 don't think it will hurt me; the
heat has been so very oppressive, aud this
cool air is SO very invigora,ing."
81 know it, my dear; bot YOU take
cold 50 very easily, You should be careful
now you expose yourself"
Annie moved reluctantly away ham the
wlndow; Tor the rising storm had r,sc-
nation for one with her quick appreciation
and strong love Of the Lcrutifui and sub
limr.
Are You not wel!" inquired her
mother the next morning, As Annie drop
ped her needIc-worE, and leaned her head
wcarIy on the sofa. pillows. Her eyes had
CLASSY brightness, and her checks a
deeper flush than usual.
Not quite wel," she answered. 81
have n Slight head ache. and NV throa, is
ht''c sore; but | shall .ce better after
going out"
"iou had better not 90 out today
lhe ground Is SO damp after the rain, and
| am sure You took cold sitting at the
open window last evening"
"Perhaps so, and will STAY in, if Won
think best; hut | should love to take a
Iohg ramble," SAID Annie, looking over
the green lawn, giiltcring in the morning
sunlight aS If sOwn with diamonds. and
then CHANGING at n broad belt Of woodland.
her iavorte resort, from which the rich
melody ofbird music came floating on the
air.
" It you feel well enough, YOU can 90
out IN the carriage THIS afternoon" said
her mother. But she did not fee! well
enough then, nor for several days after.
wards. Such attacks were hy no means
rare. The least exposure gave her 4 vio.
lent cold, from which she recovered. with
out seeming seriously injured, lis ,ruc, lat
every attack weakened the dclyuccs Of the
citadel Of IIfr.
Doctor, do you think she can recover"
Mrs. Leighton spoke in voice OF forced
ca!mness; but il wa, easy to see that her
heart was flied with deep emotion.
My dear madam," sal! the benevo
lent looking physician, taking her hand,
Il will be candid with YOU. Your daugh.
ter is in very crilic.I situation, aud the
probability Of her recovery is slight; vet,
have attended those who rallied when
really IN more danger than she is At pres
snl."
Then you think it possible for her 20
recover" exclaimed Mrs. Leighton, ca.
gerry.
Yes, possible" emphasizing the last
word, and the phy sician took his leave.
In darkencI room, where scarce a
whisper broke the deep silence, lay Anuie
Leighton in heavy slu,nber, which
seemed the stupor of death. Tie face, so
pale and still in its calm repose, the thin.
white haRds resting on the counterpanc,
the figure lying so perfectly motionless-
all spoke OF death. II was only by the
faint, almost imperceptiblc breathing, that
life revealed itself. Hour after hour the
parents sat watching and praying silently
beside her. At last, there was long
drawn sigh, a slight movement Of the
hands, and Annie opened her eyes.
Mother, are you here 7"
Yes, darling, but don't talk, YOU are
very weak" and tears OF joy and thanks.
giving sweIled into the parents eyes,
The shadow Of death which had daTkened
the household had passed away. Weeks
went 10y before Annie took her place in
the parIor, aud then she was bu, the shad.
ow Of her former SELF 50 pale, and ieeb.e,
and languiJ, bad her violent illness left
her. Slowly the winter with its storms
and chilling winds passed by, and when
the warm airs Of spring time awoke the
birds and flowers, Annie was better. Her
eye grew bright, the faint glow came back
10 hor cheek, and her fseL!s step rerained
its elasticity. She was even more cheer.
ful and animated than formerly, and fe.
turned to her old pursuits and rccreations
with redoubled enjoyment.
"Annie really seems stronger and bet.
Ter than before her illness" said Mr..
Leighton TO his wifs, as thoy stood on the
piazza, watching their beloved daughter
as she rode gaiIy along the grayeiIed car.
Tage.way.
"Yes, I think her health is perreclIy
restored" and as to tears strang 70 her
eyes, she murmured, GLOW very beau,i.
ful y '''"''
IL was indeed beautiful picture. An.
NE had paused beside the cid gardener