The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1858-09-01

TiCH tfcu ucy yuHu tue ldsJluiouS TtquisltlOHS
Of Isabel Hayne richer than her father had
ever been; and yet my stern resolve had
seen no change.
met my father, now silver-haircd with
age. My mother had been lying in her ST.
lent narrow home for nearly two years. NY
sister, my only sister, whom fondly hoped
to meet, was married, and had gone to dis
tant place to dwell. The spirit of change
had breathed upon every dear and familiar
object. The houses, the fences were moulder-
ing away. met the companions Of my
youth, who welcomed me back with smiles
which seemed the distorted mockery of the
smiles that lit up their happy faces in my
bOyhood's days. They were growing old
Yet some seemed apparently no Older
than when had seen them eight years before.
| did not meet Miss Hayne nor did even
inquire about her. She had probably gone
away; or, what was quite as probable, her
father might have become so wealthy that
she no longer moved in the village society.
Perhaps she was married, and was living in
some other place. What was she to me that
| should spend thought in specul. ton as to
the cause of her inyisibility! And yet
could not efface her image from my mind. "
ever in distant lands had succeeded in my
efforts to Danish her from my memory, |
could not do so now. The association Of
home and familiar scenes brought back the
recollection Of happy days, and her name
her form, just as she appeared to me then
was indispensably necessary to complete the
picture which fancy painted me.
There was social gathering at friends.
but she was not there. Why should look
so anxiously about, hopiag set fearing to en-
counter her beautiful face: Why could not
forget her at once, and forever
Some one mentioned her name. 3" Why
was she not there :" -....
She does not go out now since their mis-
/ fortune
"what pity! Poor Hayne! They say
that she supports him by teaching"
eyes; she is engaged in the district just
beyond the village. 1t will be severe and
humiiiating lesson to her; she was very
proud" .... ......
must confess was interested, and de-
sired TO know more, much more but asked
no question | could not forget the past.
Not long after this | learned that the
Hayne estate, which had passed into the
hands of some Eastern speculator, was again
for sale. / purchased it, having no definite
purpose in view, unless il was the thOnght
that it would make comfortable residence
for my father in his declining years, since
his own cottage was fast going to decay.
at once set about repairing the large mansion
on the Hayne farm, for that too had felt the
mouldering touch Of time and for that pur-
pose frequently drove out to watch ant
direct the operations Of the Iaborers.
was one day driving leisurely along
when espied at some distance before me al
old man, bent with age, and cropping hi'
tedious way along the road. Presently hi
sat down BY the roadside 10 rest, and wheI
| came up offered him seat in the buggy
Never mind" he said, &" it is only lit
tie way that | have to 90; Just to yOnde
school house on the hilltop. | go Their
sometimes when the days are pleasant lik
this, to meet my daughter and accompan,
her home from school. She is the teache
there, you know"
disregarded his refusal Of my offer, an,
sprang out of the carriage, extending him IN
hand 10 assist him TO seat, as though
thought il matter OF course he would ride
"Well, well, since YOU wish it, will 8
with you, There are not many that are kin
to the old man now. ! am not what ! wa
six years ago was rich man then-yer
rich but speculation did the mischief. sc
'yonder house. just beyond the school; il wa
mine. All il was happy home, but it ca
never be mine again"
And thus he babbed on for the imfrmi
ties Of age, prematurcly induced bY his mi
fortunes, had rendered him garrulous. II
was indeed changed; for among all la
seen since my returc home, not one ha
grown 50 old a. he. lie did not rccugniz
me and a. drove slowly along, very loWl
). for he said many things that were inter
esting to me-l learned more Of his circuT
stances, and of the sacrifices, concessions. e
forts and iilial affection Of his daughter ls1
bel-the name affected me, will confess
,f than had previously asccrlained.
y had often passed the sChooi-house, as
Z was directly on my way TO the farm, but ha
e never before caught sight Of the fair teacl
d cr. As We now approached, | observed III
n scholars rushing from the door, aud belot
= we drove up. she, herself, emerged and stoO
Il before us.
"Ah, Isabel. this kind gcnileman urge
d me to ride in his carriage. aud want you [
II thank him in my behalf, because you do M
A; know how much il has rested me-"
e IL | had remtinci unrecOgniLed by III
{, father, | could not escape the searChin
d glance Of the daughter. Her quickly chan.
:, ing color indicated at once that she knev
= or at least suspected who was. turne
10 around nv carriage. sprang out aud oliere
lie TO assist her in, saving.
Permit me, Miss liayne-your father
" fatigued. aud will drive YOU 70 your hon
d II shall have ample time to attend to N
"a other business aiterward."
ID She stammcred some excuse; but insis
to ed upon her riding, aud had the satisiaetiC
ID Of seeing her yield.
r For a moment gave myself up to The hal
I'd DIV memories Of the past. | was again b
o. side the only being | had ever loved; | e
the rustic Of her dress against my hand, al