The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1860-09-11


carpet beside him, and his white hand
swept away silSen sunny curls from a
snowy brow, while his proud lips touch
ed crimsoned cheek often. and lovingly
his dark eyes rested upon the beautiful
one. And she! ah! she was wondrously
beautiful, with the golden curls, and eyes
of such a pure, beautiful blue that I AL
most fancied they had been cut from the
blue dome above ME. And then those
fairy dimpled hands, SO fondly lying up
on the brow that had SO often passion
ately kissed; and the lips were like dcwy
rosebuds from which that low sweet
melody was gushing.
And this, then, was his chosen bride;
and, in ais deep, fond love for this wor-
thier one, he had. no doubt, forgotten
me; while 1 was dreaming, ever sadly
dreaming of hin-and his name was
breathed each evening in my prayers.
Anna, Anna. where are you?" called
Julia, and startled, and awakened from
my revcry, 1 joined her, saying careless
ly:
"Who resides here, Julia? 2"
Mr.. Dalford," she replied ''the
woalthicst man in the village; and oh
Anna, SO handsome.
yes, l saw him while in the garden, +"
I replied, smiling at her girlish enthusi-
asm land also goldcn-hared, blue
eyed lady"
"That is the mistress of the mansion, +"
she interrupted; "and just the sweetest
darling that ever breathcd. Mr. Dalfor'l
nearly idolizes Acr--anI / do not blame
him either for there never was better
or a more beautiful one than sweet Min
ME Dalford.'
Oh how those words tore anew my
bleeding heart. She had removed the
last doubt in my mind-and the bright
being 1 had beheld yas his bride!' And
the gloom deepcned and darSened around
me, and lowering over my bowed spirit
were shadows sad and gloomy, Wrapping
NY heart in agonizing darkness and des-
pair; but through them all I bore the
same proud and seemingly happy spirit.
and moved amid the Joyous ones, who
throngcd Cousin Julias beautiful home.
"the gsyest of the gay" and none ever
knew of the dark unrest and grief-ladcn
least beating beneath the proud, BRILLIANT
exterior.
My own-my darlng!" Tbsse were
the words that greeted nay awakening
thoughts as | rogained my eonscioNaness
from that flightful fall. l gould not dis
tinctly recall the exact circumstances, on
ly vague remembrance Of a gay pic
niq-a challenge to race on horseoack-q
frightened, fiery steed, and then dizzy,
painful shock and that was all | knew
until 1 found myself in that loved en-
brace, with his dear voice mlrmuring
those fond words in my ear. And oh Z!
hoy !ongcd to die then and there. But
thoughts of the blue-cycd bride entered
my heart, and almost haughtiIy l ex-
e]aimcd
:: Mr.. Dslf9rd, this is"
But at that moment the door opened
softly and the golden head pccped in, and
she sweet voice said;
'Is she better, brother Clare" 2"
Brother. what did yhc mesn? !! was
confused and puzzled, and happy
thought. and Il hope that l had been mis-
taken, was breaking through the mystic
ry: and the hope was confirmed the next
moment when ne presented me to his on
ly sister and relative, Minnie Dalford.
And I weeping like wesry child, told
them all; and once more 1 was ta1on to
the loved embrace, and forgiveness grant
ed with the fond assurance that through
all the weary years no other one but Min
ME had held sway over the noble heart
but myself.
And tonight he is reclining on the
same silken couch, but it is not Minnies
hand that brushes away the ietty curls;
she has another manly one to love. And
through the parted curtains come thesad-
ly beautiful chimes of Memory Bells,
causing happy, joyous tears, and lifting
nv heart to God the Givcr of all things,
thanking Him for subdning the naughty
heart, and guiding me to the safe shelter
of a husbands love, for dispellingthe shad-
ows. and lending bright, glorious lights