The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-06-04


lng itself out in song. When apprehen-
slons were expressed, that the cxertion
and agitation might prove injurious, she
would answer
mo; 1t gives me strength. 1t brings
before me vision Of the home TO which
| am fastening; where the angels strike
Their harps TO the grand chorus swelling
out around the throne of God Alleluia.
ior the Lord God Omnipotcnt reigne,h y"
And although those solemn strains
PeaIlng out on the silence Of the night.
awoke tears and sorrow, they also brought
soothing consolation to The stricken ones
who listened. Winter came round again.
aud the cough, which had been SD slirb,
rs scarcely TO attract attention, became
more distressing. and Annie WAS confined
to the house. Still, her suticfings in the
intervals Of coughing, were not severe; and
many happy hours were spent in the
society of those she loved; for, although
asha'iow rested on their hearts, they could
not feel so kccnly, the separation they
knew must comc soon, while Annie was
SO cheerful and happy.
Mothcr," she said one dav. holdnr
up long shining curl she had severed
from her head, when am zone, YOU
may give this to Henry Warner"
Mrs. Leighton looked up, inquringly.
." sec yon are surprised" SAID Aanie,
smiling fain;!y. Il will tell vou why
wish yon TO give him this. Last spring,
YOU remember, he often called to take me
out; and perceived with sorrow that hc
entertained warmer affection than mere
friendship for me. Still, could not, con.
s'sten'y with maid.mly reserve, acquant
hm w.in my feelings on the subject, nor
could refuse his delicate attentions with
out seeming rudcucSs. at lcnrlh he
made the avowal 50 much dreaded and
then told him of my so.cmn conviction.
that my days were numbered, and that
II would hc worse than folly 10 encourage
an affection which mast be changed into
crushing sorrow 10y my early death; and
then he plead with fearful earnc,,ness
that he might be permitted to soo,he INV
dying hours; but felt that it would Ge
cru"., II not sinful, TO shadow the bright
ness OF his Young lie with gricf which
would be teH'toId more kecnly felt, if he
Shonal spend his time in my society
strengthening the holy ties Of affection,
only TO have them snapped rudelv asun
der: 50 was firm, ami | think WAS
right"
Annie's voice quivered a little, and a
tear hung on the long eyelashcs. But
tears fell fast on the work Mrs. LEIGHTON
held in her hand
My poor child, did yor not suffer too
IN this separation! Had you no affection
for him g
"lf | were not destined 10 be the bride
Of Death, could find happiness in loving
HIM answered Annie, in low voice.
" Eat the parting was far less painful to
both then, than it would he now"
Mrs. leighton looked in wondering ad-
mIratIon on the traiI, fading girl, who had
shown such tirmncSs in the noble sacrifice
she had made; and taking the trcss of hair.
laid Il, wet with tears, in Anne's little box
Ot choice treasures.
81 should like to live ill the leaves and
flowers come again." said Annie, looking
out on the brown lawn, now bathed in
the soft sunlight of an early, quiet spring
day. Ms. Leighton gathered some deli,
cate tea rosc-huds and scented geraniums
from the wndow-plants, and laid them on
the pillow.
"Oh these are beautiful !" she exclaim.
ed, looking up with bright smile in her
mothers face; but they are poor pris
oncrs Ike rtyself: and love the hardy
wiId.tiowcrs better. There is an idea of
freedom and independence connected with
them; pushing up their green leaves and
brigh: blossoms through the cold brown
earth, in spite of chilling winds and hoary
frost. Butt" she added somewhat, sadly,
" shall never gather them again"
She lay silent, gazing out at the deep
blue sky, whose brightness WAS partly
sei!el by Ugh. f'eccy clouds.
"Oh, tue earth is so beautiful ~ and
tear fell on the pillow; but" she exclam.
ed, cIasping her thin hands, while her
pale f'cc and brilliant eyes lighted up
with an expression of enthusiastic devo
ton; how much more beautiful must
heaven be, where the Lord Jesus unveils
his radiant glory"
,''' '''h 'N''S''' IiHluECu Soul
Would here no longer stay;
Though Iordan's wa"es around nae roll.
Fearless Id launch away"
April, with its sunshine and showers
was passing by, and the invalid grew daily
more feeble. Still she suffered little pain;
only an insensibly Increasing lancuor,
which affected the frail body alone, for
the spirit seemed to catch the inspiration
of immortality, as it neared the portals of
eternal life. Daily, carefully arranged
boguet OF delicate wild-howers was laid on
her pillow, mingled sometimes with richer
and rarer blossoms, whose language told
a tale Of devoted affection.
ooh, ! know" she would exciaim,
" where these were gathered. These pure
snow drops came from the mossy seat. at
the foot Of the old oak, where planted
them and these fragile little wind aowers
grew under the clunp Of laurel and these
yJo'etS b'onm beside the Iittlc brook