The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-06-18

aoout accepting me! she wants time to con-
slider whether she can secure richer hus :
band than myself. Can it be possible the
girl | have SO fonJly loved is so base, like
the majority Of tho sex. Yes, I can no
longer doubt it, and shall never have faith
i'll women again." and throwing himself in :
to M easy chair, lie sat long time absor
bed in thought.
1t was nearly year before Mr.. Bond and
Ella met, except in the street, and then they
passed with cold and formal recognition.
AT that time they met at party, and du-
ring the evening as Mr.. Bond was passing
through the rooms lie saw ELLA standing be-
fore fine painting, her features heaving
with beautiful and lofty expression, as she
gazcd admiringly upon the scene delincated
10y the gifted artist. lie was an admrer
OF the beautiful in art. and, acting from the
impulse of the moment, he advanced to her
side, addressing her with the same familiari-
ty as formerly
From that evening they met rs friends,
and when, after few months had passed
Elias most intimate friends spoke Of her ap.
preaching marriage with Mr.. Bond, she only
answered by requesting them never to men
tion the subject TO her again.
Ella heard Of Mr.. Bonds sickness. and
she wished TO see him, but was too proud
to so to him unless he requested it. There
was poor widow living OH the outskirts Of
the town whom Ella Ind often assisted when
she was in need, and whose husband had
been in the employ Of Mr.. Bond for some
time prvious to lis death. Every Morning
Ella went to the humble dwelling, carrying a
covered basket containing a Lo1uct, and re-
maincl there while the widow went to Mr..
Bonds residence, and leaving the bouquet,
inquired for the sick man. On the fourth
morning, when she presented herself at the
door, she was told by the servant that Mr..
Bond wished to see her.
$50 it is you, Mary Watson" said the
sick man, as she stood before him. "Do
you come on your own accord ?"
She answered affirnatively; then draw
ing Il well filled purse from beneath his pill
low, he gave her ten dollars, saying ".Your
husband was faithful while in my employ,
and it is very kind in you to bring me flow
ers, and you arrange them with taste. l
didn't think there was being on earth who
cared so much for the. Bring them every
day, Mary; they make this sick room look
more cheerful"
Mary repeated her words to Ella, saying :;
81 felt guilty when l told him was not
sent; but you made me promise So solemnly,
that would not tell him.
you were right and shall be rewarded"
said Ella.
Two days later, Mary returned with the
intelligence that he had been dclrous for
some hours, and there was little hope ofhis
recovery. Ella could no longer control her
feelings, but wept bitterly, and fastening
home, told her mother that she should 20
and see Mr.. Bond, as he was not expected
to live.
"As Mr.. Bond, when rational, has not
asked for you, it is highly improper to go
and what will people say 2" said her moth
er.
Il do not care what is said; what is tho
world to me when lie is gomez" said Ella.
"You can see your father, but cannot
approve Of sucl, an improperly" said her
mother.
Ella sought her father, saying, II know
that am old enough to decide for myself,
but l wish your approval"
'If lie should recover he might think you
were forward, and be offended" said her "a
thcr.
"And, should he die, I shall never be hap
py again; father, you know not how we'll
| have loved him for many years.
"You should see him, my daughter, will
get DIR. Harlow to call for you; it will be
better for him to take you there than for
| me-"
Sand Ella stood beside the couch of the
sick man, although, she laid her hand gent
Iy on bis fevered brow, speaking his name in
thesame tones she had used in years that were
passed, yet he showed no signs Of recogni-
ton.
"Do you think his recovery at all doubt
ful," inquired Ella, as they left the house
"lmpossible, unless he has the very best.
OF care," was DR.. IIarlow's answer.
'Ticn shall 60 there and remain" said
Ella, mo matter what the world may say
OF me, or what Mr.. Bond thinks if he shall
not die if my care can prevent it,"
Many thinks the typhoid fever contagious
there may be danger" said the doctor.