The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1858-03-04


he thought he was going out upon
deaths troubled river but Great
Hand swept the dark clouds away, and
a Voice whispered to the wild waves,
''Be still"
Standing once more beneath tho
home trees, no wonder he exclaimed
joyfully, "sparod through sickness
and danger, I have got here at lastl'
He did not lingcr long about his
first homo. Dearor objects beckoued
him away and soon he was on the road
to his sisters home.
Mr.. Wennor saw him frst. At a
distance his form looked familiar but
not until he came closer, was he sure it
was Philip. Going toward Alice, who
was standing in tho yard Mr.. Wenner
took his littleboy from her arms; "for,
he said afterwards, with a smile, "I fear
ed she would drop our baby, and run to
meet him"
And itteas a joyful meeting. Broth
er and sister were very happy in their
glad reunion. He told Alice all! and
then, as if some sudden fear had quiver-
ed in his heart, he tremblingly asked
about Elsie.
His sister informed him of what had
transpirod in his absence; "and oh, 4"
she said, "Elsio will be so glad to see
you. She has grown weary. waiting for
you, Philip"
1t was growing dark. Philip sprang
to his feet, 81 must see my dear girl to-
night" he exclaimed, tonight, "boforo
I Sleep"
Elsie had come out upon the piazza
that evening, feeling very lonely. She
stood leaning against one of tho white
pillars, absorbed in thought. There
was something in the rustic of the wind
the falling of the autumn leaf, which
brought a melancholy yearning to hcr
heart, for some lost joy, without which
life seemed incomplete.
believe this unsatisfod longing of
the soul comes to all, at times. Per
chance it is the memory Of past years
the plaintive music of some old song
the glory Of the stars-or it may be-
above and beyond all these, the wild
strong love of the human heart, which
brings this mournful, intense yoarning
for that which is not.
And so tonight there was a gather.
ing wall of grief in Elsie's heart plead
ing for that which was lost; growing
wilder and more dosolato, till suddenly
it broke forth and she cried, ooh thai
God might take me to my mother
care not how soon ~
Coming up through the yard, as Elsie
said this, was another girlish form. L
was Nellie. Down by the gate, she hac
been claspod to the pure heart of her be-
trothed husband, and his first kisses ha5
been pressed to her lips. Taking Mel
lies hand, Stacy Humos had led hei
that evening to hcr father, and asked
his blessing and consent to their union
"I would wish no better, worthiel
husband for mychildp said the old man
"And 1 no greater gift from you, thar
this pure girl;' faltered the minister
Nellie's father was seated in his arm
chair. They had knelt down bofor,
him. and laying one trembling hand up
on each young head, he had blosso,
them,
Happy happy Nellie She gathero,
some white crysanthemums, the last of
autumn, and going to find Elsie, sh.
threw them playfully on her black hair
No smile came to the pale faoo--n,
movement to the still, light form.
"Were ever eyes so dark, so lustrous
50 sorrowful, as yours, Elsie Neal p
said Nellie, fondly.
"Wero ever eyes so beautiful, so radi
ant with joy as yours, Nellie Lyle p
was Elsie's loving reply.
"Elsie, smilo-rejoico with me, OF
this, the haPpiost night Of all my life
timew
There came a response, in word
which gushod up, as though the hear
beneath them was full Of tears.
GOOD bless you, Nellie Lyle YOU
who are 50 dear to me you have soften
cd my sorrows, soothed my heart wild
your sympathy and in living your pur
life, you have taught me to looL up
l0ard W
Wasit fresh sweep Of the win,
among the trees, that caused the girls I
pause and listen2 Mol it was an eager
hurried footstep, drawing near.
"Elsio, my darling, is this you? Nv,
got homep
Was there another voice in the wild