Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-04-19
An Original Storp,
WRITTEN FOR THE YoRKv1LLE ENQUIRER.
NELLIE; J!
Or,
THE FATAL GiF 4.
BY WILLIE LIGHTHEART.
CHAPTER III.

on you, and so fill you with all spiritual
benediction and grace, that ye may so live
together in this life, that in the world to
come ye may have life everlasting. Amen ,
~ Whata comprehensive, solemn and beau
tiful benedictioI !! How fervent was the
deep toned response of the congregation as
the white.haired pastor raised his tremu-
'lous hands over Nellie and Joseph Benson
and uttered the benediction with which we
have opened the chapter.
Yes, Nellie was married and the tall,
handsome man that walked beside her so
proudly down the aisle, had solemnly VOW
ed in the presence Of God and that large
congregation to dove, comfort, honor, and
keep her, in sickness and in health from
that moment until the last pulsation of his
heart
The bridal party were soon seated within
the carriages which awaited them at the
door of the church and, after few mo-
ments ride, entered the drawing room of
the Vincent's cottage and made prepara-
tions for their departure to s., by the
next train For some time, all was hustle
and confusion; and nothing was to be seen
but trunks, .bandboxes and valises. Nellie
and her ottendants were up stairs, donning
their travelling garments; little Lucille was
weeping, asthough her heart would break /;
old Mr.. Vincent was pacing the piazza to
and fro, with his head bowed and bis hands
clasped firmly behind him !; Mrs. Vincent
poor old lady was up stairs with her
pet. Nellie, trying to look pleased and
happy, but ever an anon bursting into tears
and throwing her arms around her beauti-
full daughter; Charles was sitting beside the
fire in the hall, biting his nails and gazing
sadly upon the blazing faggots /; the grooms,
men chatted gaily and pufed their cigars
complacently upon the back piazza; while
the newly installed husband was running
hither and thither, declaring that the party
would miss the train, and that he was; GER
tain that some of Nellie's baggage would
be left.
However, the ladies were soon prepared
for the bridal. tour, and their one thousand
and ninety nine bandboxes safely deposited
in the carrisges. One by one, the party
left the drawing room and seated them
selves within the carriages, until Nellie
and her husband stood upon the threshold
of the door. Old Mr.. Vincent was much
affected as he grasped the hand of Benson; ;
he endeavored to speak, but the fathers
heart was too full; so he turned away and
embraced Nellie ; kissed her again and a.
gain as the tears rolled slowly down his
withered cheeks and the deep sobs burst
eloquently from his lips Mrs. Vincent,
fora time, was more self-possessed and calm.
She made her son-in-law promise to bring
Nellie often to Cedarville; to write to her
every week how they were getting along;
and, shaking him warmly by the hand, and
wishing him much happiness, she turned to
Nellie. As she took the little hand of her
petted child, and drew her to her bosom !;
as she kissed Nellie's upturned lips, and
whispered benedictions in her ear, poor lit
tie Lucille sobbingly said, Nellie, please
don'tlea me and mammal Nellie's lips
quivered, as she estooped to kissed the child !;
and, when she looked up again, the beauti-
full eyes were filled with tears. The moth
er's heart was touched; aud throwing her
self upon Nellie's neck, she wept long and
bitterly. Benson, much affected, gently re-
leased his bride from her mothers embrace I;
and, slipping his arm around her waist, and
pressing his lips to her soft cheek; he
whispered: sDoes my little Nellie regret
the step which she has taken ?-would she
rather remain here?' .:
Nellie did not reply audibly; but she
threw the golden curls from her face and
gave her husband such look of iuefable
love-such sweet, trusting glance, that
he drew her closer to his side, and said
Come, my own Nellie; and may God be
with usp Then turning to her parents, he
said, do not weep thus for by the help of
Him, in whom we trust, and to whom we
are responsible, no sorrow of my bringing,
shall come upon dear Nellie'S heart; no
cloud of my creation, shall darken her life.
I will. love her with an undying love !;
watch over her and cherish her as tenderly
as a mother. Now, farewell. We shall
visit you often, and you must come to see
us frequently as soon as we get settled down.
Come, Nellie-our friends await u.s.
Mr.. and Mrs. Vincent stood upon the
piazza until the last carriage had moved off ;
then taking the hand of little Lucille, they
walked silently into the little parlor. Long
did they sit beside the hearth-stone that
night; long did they talk Of Nellie. Very
eloquent was the old man in family prayer;
and very many were the petitions that went
up to the courts of heaven that November
night for dear Nellie and her husband
It was long before little Lucille slept; for
the poor child missed the soft curls of Mel
lie on the pillow, the goodnight kiss, and
the white arm around her neck; and when
Mrs. Vincent looked in upon the quiet lit
tie sleeper, the tears were still upon her
rosy cheek and the snowy pillow wet with
tears.
Such was the home, and such the affec.
ton which Nellie left for Joseph Benson.
While the old man, the old woman and the
little child were thus thinking of her, and
thus weeping for her, Nellie is seated in
the cars, close beside her husband. Her
hand is clasped in his; her head upon his
brow, with the rich curls falling upon his