Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1856-01-05

. came pale and trftnbiiag to Kate and asl
ed her if she thought Mr.. Eddie woul
soon return. Her frighttul app>arant
Startled Kate, and without needing h,
question, she exclaimed
"Whv Linda what ails you Z"
Dear cousin, have had such
Idream; that Mr.. Esdale WAS murdered
land - .lQ
At tia, moment the door-beli rang, AM
Linda, ashamed Of her appearance. ran !
Eher room, and left Kate to answer tn
bell.
| Imagine her surprise on opening tn
door 10 see A}r. Es.lele himself, i'll all hi
Imanly beauty, step INTO the room. Hi
FIRST question was after Linda, aud on be
ing told how mueh.sshr had impressed, nj,
how much tiey all loved her, he graspet
Kate by The hand and said
1T is to you aud you alone owe much
gratitude. You was her first and firmes'
iilend and now that she is beyond the
need of aid, and is no more dependent
upon kind friends, you will still be her
friend, her sister her-seeond self.
| "Indeed will" replied Kate. 'for she
! is worthy, and deserves the love and es-
teen of every one. Bat, cousin Henry.
| shall not 20 and tell her of your arrival
| 1t will 30 agreeaisly surprise her.
"Yes, tell her wish to SEE Eer imme-
dia,ely.n
Kate lost no time in reaching her room.
where she found Linda more composed !;
and wondering who the unexpected visi-
Tor could be,
"Oh Linda, those tears are useless
now; dry up your eyes and arrange your
Ihalr. Henry Esdale is below stairs, and
wishes to see his -, bui l won't be too
|hasly."
Linda could not reply, but clasped her
'eousin round the neck with such eestacy,
as much as to say-"my happiness Is NOW
complete
Kate led her TO the drawing room.
where Mr.. Esdale was waiting with luz
pat enee the appearance OF her whom
above all others he admired. Linda be-
ing flushed iIom the excitement, Henry
thought her the most divine in existence.
After short time Kate retired, leaving
them alone to speak of The past, and
dream Of the future. But Mr.. E,dale,
peiceiving Linda's agitation, very pru-
IDENTITY left off mentioning anything OF II
serious nature until more suitable time.
Shortly after this, Mrs. Lynns family
was again made glad by HE arrival OF her
son Charles. VI lio had come home 10 pfae.
tee his profession, having graduated with
great honor at Hartford College. L'ada
was much pleased with her cousins lively
manner, ana genilemaniy conduct. They
were often found alone sitting beneath the
WIDE spreading branches oil the Laurel,
VI ,vaudrriDs along the banks Of the
meandering stream, which wound lis way
through the park. Linda loved 10 take
these lovely walks for her cousins con.
vetsai,on was ALWAYS interesting as well
as instructive. But she never dreamed
hat nigh. be the consequence.
One evening in the month OF Septem-
Der. they were to have picnic, AID 30
to the top of a neishboiing mountain TO
take a view of the surrounding country.
/ he eiils looked forward TO the time with
great JOY, and anticipa ed much pleasure
in the en- joymen. OF such romantic walk.
The evening came, and Charles mad al
ready engaged Linda for his partner,
sc hen MIR. Esdaie arrived. He Therefore
choose Kate ior the evening aud the par
t, Slated; Linda and Charles iii HE adj
Vance, and the rest following; cargo OF
refreshments bringing up Tie rear. All
seemed to enjoy themselves III the highest
possible manucr, until the time cane TO
IL Il do "a
away from the rest u! the party aud sea:
lug themselves on Il grass plot seemed 10
enjoy the subimity OF The Surrounding
s.enery. Charles suddenly broke the ST.
lie ce:
Linda" sail he. "have you never
guessed that my love Tor YOU was warmer,
deeper, moe devoted, than that oil cousin
mefely 7"
''iNhy, no. Charley replied Linda hes
Iiiaiingly, Il thought you loved that young
lady Of whom have heard gu speak in
such glowing terms"
"Tnat young lady. dearest Linda, is
no other than yourself and -
Here thrit conversation was interrupted
by call from the party tha,it was time to
letuIn.
Cousin Charles" continued Linda,
"let the beg Of you never to mention tha'
subject again. You know | regard you
as cherished aud much loved cousin
but as TO more, no never.
: 1t shall be as you wish, Linda, bul
! shall we hot be friends, Kind, firm aiends
Nothing will allord me more pleasure
than to know and feel that in YOU | Lave
friend, brother"
About three months alter this, there
wu> great coinmotion at "Prim Villa" "
Ever, one seemed basily engaged. some
arrau ging the drawlng-foom others brush
Ing and rubbing the furniture; and oth-
ers still, decorating the halls aud passage
with Grange and IVY. Ey,n the ole
hoase-cat " as stirred out Of her nornin!
nap, and went meaing !azily about
" hat could have oeeasloned All this unu'
sual SURF One glance into LlEda's owl
! Face would be;ray IL all. There s;oot
Mrs. Lynn and Kate, and several fashion
all. ladies from the city, ready to assis
Lnda in making her bridal toilet. Array
ed in simple white tarletan, she descen
ded into the diawing-room, and anh'
crowds OF spectators, She Was loined Ii
HOLY vedoek 10 Henry EsdaIe.
Scarcely was the ceremony concluded
when the m.iS.er announced that ano